On average, over 4,000 Australians visit their general practitioner on a daily basis. Yet, how many can claim that they’ve chosen the right practitioner for themselves? Very few, and mostly because they chose a doctor in haste.
Your GP plays a pivotal role in maintaining the overall well-being of your family, particularly if you have a chronic or recurring illness. A good GP does more than just diagnose; they coordinate your entire healthcare, refer you to the appropriate specialists, and help you avoid unnecessary medical visits. Hence, you mustn’t make this decision impulsively. Continue reading to learn factors you must consider while choosing a new GP in Melbourne.
What must you keep in mind while picking a new general practitioner?
Location: When picking a GP in Melbourne, always go local. See if you can get to their clinic easily, particularly, by public transportation. Driving long distances can be taxing when you or your family is in pain. So, always look for a practice that’s nearby.
Accreditation: The next thing to consider is whether they are practicing in an Accredited practice. General practitioners are evaluated for quality, and those that achieve a benchmarked quality standard are given accreditation. Enquire about their accreditation and whether they are licensed to conduct the practice.
Personal needs: When proceeding with a GP practice you must see that it suits your needs. People often refer to a doctor who caters to their problems efficiently. However, health issues differ, which is why you must opt for a GP who has the skill set, experience, and interest in dealing with your health concerns. Consider looking at the services listed and each Doctor’s bio on the Practice website for more information on their additional training or special interests.
Staff & premises: The non-medical staff at your GP clinic in Melbourne are another essential factor one must consider. A friendly and helpful staff will make you feel comfortable and influence your treatment most positively. Likewise, the premises of the clinic also matter. If the rooms are not clean and tidy or if they lack basic amenities, there are chances the clinic doesn’t care about your health as much as they claim.
Billing: Never hesitate while enquiring about the cost of treatment and other billing details at any GP clinic in Melbourne. Enquire about the billing policy prior to scheduling your appointment.
In conclusion,
The ideal way of picking the right GP clinic is by researching meticulously. There may be a few GP practitioners on your list. Make sure you try to learn every single detail that is available about them before you pick one. You can ask around, read reviews, peruse the Practice website or even cold-call to find out if a particular doctor fits your specifications, and then choose the one that suits you best. Once you’ve chosen a GP, make an appointment and meet them in person to find out if they substantiate what they claim. Your instincts matter; if you feel comfortable talking to the doctor about all your health-related concerns, know that you have made the right choice.
South Melbourne Medical Hub offers GP practices that are wide-ranging, practical, and patient-centric. Our skilled and compassionate doctors can address physical and mental concerns; and prescribe drugs and treatments to promote and restore the optimal health of your family.