What to Expect at Your First Women’s Health Appointment in Camberwell

Whether you’re booking your first women’s health check-up or returning after a long time, it’s normal to feel a little unsure about what to expect. At Camberwell Health, we aim to make your visit as comfortable, informative, and respectful as possible. This guide walks you through what happens during a women’s health appointment, what it covers, and how our bulk billing clinic supports your care every step of the way.


Why Women’s Health Matters
Women’s health isn’t just about reproductive care—it’s about supporting your wellbeing at every life stage. From puberty to pregnancy, perimenopause to postmenopause, your health needs can shift and evolve.

Regular check-ups with a trusted GP help:

  • Detect issues early (e.g. cervical abnormalities, breast changes, STIs)
  • Manage hormonal or menstrual concerns
  • Support mental and emotional wellbeing
  • Guide family planning or fertility options
  • Monitor long-term conditions like PCOS or endometriosis

What Can a Women’s Health GP Help With? Our experienced female and male GPs can help with:

  • Cervical screening (formerly Pap smear)
  • Breast checks and lump assessments
  • Contraception advice and prescriptions (pill, IUD, implant, etc.)
  • Menstrual concerns (irregular, painful, or heavy periods)
  • Fertility advice or preconception care
  • Menopause and hormone-related symptoms
  • STI screening and sexual health support
  • Mental health care, including anxiety, stress, or low mood

We take a whole-person approach to women’s health—you’re welcome to bring up any physical, emotional, or lifestyle concern.


What to Expect at Your Appointment When you book a women’s health appointment at Camberwell Health, here’s how it usually unfolds:

  1. Friendly welcome: Our reception team will check your Medicare details and confirm the purpose of your visit.
  2. Private consultation: You’ll meet with your GP in a private, respectful environment. Everything you share is confidential.
  3. Discussion of symptoms or concerns: Your GP will ask about your medical history, current symptoms, cycle, contraceptive use, or other relevant details.
  4. Physical examination (if needed): This may include a cervical screening, breast check, or pelvic exam depending on your concern.
  5. Next steps: You may receive advice, prescriptions, or referrals for blood tests, imaging, or specialist care if needed.

You’re always in control. We explain every step and only proceed with your consent.


Is It Bulk Billed?
Yes. Camberwell Health bulk bills all Medicare-eligible patients for standard women’s health consults. This includes:

  • Cervical screening
  • Contraception advice
  • Breast checks
  • Menstrual health support
  • Mental health care plans

If a procedure (e.g. IUD insertion) or private pathology is required, we’ll always discuss costs upfront.


Seeing a Female Doctor
We understand that some patients prefer to see a female GP for women’s health appointments. Camberwell Health has both female and male doctors available—you can request your preference when booking online or by phone.


When Should You Book a Women’s Health Appointment?

  • You’re due for a cervical screening (every 5 years for women aged 25–74)
  • You’ve noticed breast changes or lumps
  • Your period is irregular, painful, or heavy
  • You need advice on contraception or are planning a pregnancy
  • You’re experiencing menopause symptoms (hot flushes, mood swings, etc.)
  • You’re concerned about your sexual or mental health

FAQ

Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly with a GP for women’s health support.

Will I need to undress?
Only if a physical exam is needed, such as a breast or pelvic check. You’ll be given privacy and your GP will explain everything first.

Can I bring someone with me?
Yes, support persons are welcome.

Is everything confidential?
Yes. Your privacy and confidentiality are always protected.


Final Thoughts
Your health is personal, and your care should be too. Whether you’re booking a cervical screening, looking for advice on contraception, or managing a more complex issue, the team at Camberwell Health is here to support you with respect and understanding.

Book a bulk billed women’s health appointment with one of our experienced GPs in Camberwell today.

If you book Telehealth appointments, please know that patients visiting the practice are given priority, therefore no phone appointment will occur at a specific time. Telehealth appointments are conducted between appointments at the convenience of the practice, between 9am - 7.30pm. From 01/08/2024 telehealths will be privately billed with a charge of $60 and Medicare rebate of $42.85.

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