The first thing most people do when they feel unwell is to visit a specialist doctor. Pain in the chest? Cardiologist. Pain in the joints? Orthopedic. Swelling in the feet? Podiatrist. Stomach problems? Gastroenterologist. Most of the time, the problem you’re facing may not be as serious as you think it is, and you may not need to see a specialist.
You should visit your GP when you’re feeling unwell and let them decide if you need the attention of a specialist doctor. Your GP should be your first point of contact.
If you’re someone who takes their health very seriously and wants to be absolutely sure that what you’re experiencing isn’t a sign of a serious illness, we suggest you first see your GP, and if they suggest, book an appointment with a relevant specialist.
Read this blog post to know why you should first see your GP when you don’t feel too well.
Provide Suitable Care
Your GP is the healthcare professional you regularly visit for seasonal infections and minor ailments. They already have your record. They know you and your family and are aware of any medical condition you may have. You won’t have to give them all the details when you visit your GP. They already know what they need to get to know you and your health better and can provide you with suitable preliminary care.
Provide Referrals
Your GP is a qualified health professional, and visiting them in sickness is a wise thing to do. If you’re feeling unwell, you should first see your GP. They’ll examine you and give you the initial diagnosis. If they think what you’re complaining about is a sign of something more serious, they’ll provide you with the right referrals to get the specialist attention your GP thinks you need. In short, your GP decides whether there’s a need to see a specialist for your condition or not.
Eligibility for Medicare Rebates
You won’t be considered eligible for a Medicare rebate if you visit a specialist without a referral from your GP within the last 1 year or a referral from another specialist within the last 3 months. To receive Medicare rebates, you’ve got to first see your GP and then a specialist if your GP thinks there’s a need. If you directly visit a specialist because you feel you need to, you can forget the Medicare rebate.
Timely Treatment
You may not get an appointment from a specialist right away. Sometimes, there’s a month-long waiting list. If you keep waiting to see a specialist, your ailment or infection may worsen. This is another reason why you should first visit your General Practitioner when you’re feeling unwell. Even if they think you need a specialist’s appointment, they can at least start with the initial treatment. Your GP is a licensed medical practitioner, and they’ve got the knowledge and authority to treat you.
If you haven’t been feeling the best lately, we suggest you see your GP right away and get yourself checked. There might not be any serious medical reason, but it’s best to rule the possibility out – or get the right diagnosis done in time.