Walking into a GP’s office for the first time can feel a little daunting, whether you’re new to Australia, seeing a doctor after a long gap, or simply trying a new clinic closer to home. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can make the experience much more comfortable. At Camberwell Health in Camberwell, we want every patient to feel at ease from the moment they arrive.
Before Your Appointment
Once you’ve booked your appointment — either online through HotDoc or by calling our reception team — you’ll receive a confirmation with the date, time, and your doctor’s name. If you’re a new patient, you’ll also be asked to complete a registration form covering your personal details and basic medical history.
It’s a good idea to prepare a little before you go. Think about the main reason you’re visiting and any other questions or concerns you’d like to raise. Writing them down beforehand means you won’t forget anything once you’re in the room. Also gather any relevant documents such as your Medicare card, a list of current medications, and any recent test results or specialist letters.
Arriving at The Clinic
Aim to arrive a few minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Our reception team will check you in, confirm your details, and ask you to take a seat in the waiting area. If you have your Medicare card, make sure to have it ready — this is how your consultation is bulk billed directly to Medicare so there’s no cost to you.
The Consultation Itself
A standard GP consultation at Camberwell Health typically runs around 15 minutes, though longer appointments are available if you have multiple concerns or a more complex situation. When you’re called in, your doctor will introduce themselves and invite you to share what’s brought you in.
Your GP will ask questions to understand your symptoms, health history, and lifestyle. They may examine you physically — checking your blood pressure, listening to your heart and lungs, examining a specific area, or similar. Everything discussed in the consultation is strictly confidential.
Depending on why you’ve come in, your doctor might:
- Diagnose and treat a condition
- Request blood tests, imaging, or other investigations
- Write a prescription or referral letter
- Set up a chronic disease management plan or mental health care plan
- Recommend a follow-up appointment
- Provide health education and preventive advice
Don’t hesitate to ask questions. A good GP consultation is a two-way conversation. If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor to explain it differently. You’re entitled to understand your own health.
If You’re Feeling Anxious About Seeing a Doctor
Health anxiety is very common. Many people put off seeing a GP because they’re worried about what they might find out, or simply because they feel uncomfortable in medical settings. Our team at Camberwell Health understands this, and we aim to create a calm, non-judgmental environment where you feel heard.
If you’re nervous, let our reception team know when you book. They can flag this for your doctor, who will take extra care to put you at ease. You’re also welcome to bring a support person with you to the appointment.
After Your Appointment
Once your consultation wraps up, head back to reception to arrange any follow-up bookings, collect referral letters, or ask about pathology — we have on-site pathology at Camberwell Health, which means you can often get blood tests done in the same visit.
If your doctor has requested test results, our team will contact you when they come back. It’s also perfectly fine to call the clinic to check on results if you haven’t heard back within the expected timeframe.
A Note on Telehealth
If you’re unable to attend in person, Camberwell Health also offers telehealth appointments for eligible patients. These are conducted by phone or video and can be bulk billed in many circumstances. Ask our reception team about telehealth availability when you book.
Your health matters, and seeing your GP regularly — not just when something goes wrong — is one of the best things you can do for your long-term wellbeing. If you’re looking for a general practitioner in Camberwell, we’d love to see you.