General Practice
Southcare Medical centre offer the following General Practice Services:
- General and Family Medicine
- Indigenous Health
- Chronic Disease Management
- Diabetic Clinic
- Asthma Clinic
- Skin Cancer and Minor Surgeries (including lacerations and ingrown toenails)
- Fracture Treatment
- Pregnancy and Neonatal Care
- Women’s Health
- Men’s Health
- ECG and Cardiovascular Assessments
- On Site Warfarin Monitoring (INR testing)
- Respiratory Function Testing (Spirometry)
- Childhood Immunisations
- Covid-19, Influenza and other vaccinations (including catch-up vaccinations and Travel Vaccines) – see our vaccination section
Cosmetic procedure
Cosmetic procedures are also available – view the cosmetics section for more information.
Minor Surgical Procedures
Our doctors perform surgical procedures under local anaesthetic within our dedicated treatment rooms. All procedures are undertaken with hospital standard attention to equipment, sterilisation practices and protocols. Moreover, your doctor will explain the procedure, answer all your questions, and set out any associated out-of-pocket expenses, if any. We also explain post-procedure instructions. Most procedures are bulk billed. You will be asked to sign a consent form confirming your agreement to the procedure. Prior to any procedure, you will be aware of the benefits, risks and alternatives.
For example, our GPs can perform a range of minor procedures including:
- Long acting reversible contraception (contraceptive device insertion and removal of Implanon (all doctors) and Mirena (Dr Michelle)
- Triage and suturing of wounds and lacerations
- Biopsy and excision of skin lesions
- Cryotherapy (freezing) of warts, sun spots, and skin tags
- Plastering and plaster removal for fractures
- Removal of foreign bodies
- Resection of ingrown toe nails
- Excision of cysts
- Incision and drainage of abscesses
- Cosmetic procedures to improve a person’s physical appearance for purely aesthetic reasons (Dr Michelle and Dr Steve only)
Meanwhile, our practice nurses support our surgical patients during the procedure, and will address any questions you have during your recovery (for example regarding wound care and dressing changes). If required, we offer bulk billed regular wound reviews.
Indigenous Health
For our Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander patients, we understand that health means more than simply the absence of disease or illness.
Our GPs have undertaken cultural training and have a professional understanding of the Indigenous community’s health needs and required services.
We regularly perform Indigenous health checks for this reason, and are committed to Closing the Gap.
Chronic Disease Management
A chronic medical condition is one that has been present for at least six months or longer, such as:
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Musculoskeletal conditions
- Stroke
Chronic Disease Management Plans (bulk billed for all patients)
Chronic disease management plans are designed by general practitioners for patients who have complex conditions that require ongoing care, and a structured approach.
A GP Management Plan (GPMP) can help people with chronic medical conditions by providing an organised approach to care. A GPMP is a plan of action you have agreed with your GP. This plan:
• identifies your health and care needs;
• sets out the services to be provided by your GP; and
• lists the actions you can take to help manage your condition.
Team Care Arrangements (bulk billed for all patients)
If you have a chronic medical condition and complex care needs requiring multidisciplinary care, your GP may also develop Team Care Arrangements (TCAs). These will help coordinate more effectively the care you need from your GP and other health or care providers.
TCAs require your GP to collaborate with at least two other health or care providers who will give ongoing treatment or services to you. Let your GP or nurse know if there are aspects of your care that you do not want discussed with other health care providers.
Regular Reviews (bulk billed for all patients)
Once a plan is in place, it should be regularly reviewed by your GP. This is an important part of the planning cycle, where you and your GP check that your goals are being met and agree on any changes that might be needed.
We offer care plans to all eligible patients who suffer from a chronic illness with little or no cost to the patient.
Patients are asked to book an appointment with their GP to determine if they are eligible. One of our experienced practice nurses will provide support and monitoring between visits to your GP.
For more information about chronic disease management, please contact us.
Diabetes Management
Our diabetic patients have regular reviews to help prevent serious diabetes complications like kidney failure, blindness, chronic ulcers, nerve damage, heart attacks and strokes
Respiratory and Asthma Management
Regular monitoring of our asthmatic patients takes place to ensure adherence to the most effective treatment regime.
On site spirometry testing
Yearly flu immunisation for asthmatic Pneumonia immunisation is available for select patient groups
Cardiovascular Assessments
What is a Heart Health Check?
It is a check up performed by your GP for patients aged >30 years without known cardiovascular disease, to help you understand the condition of your heart and to take necessary action to prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease.
It involves benchmarking your lifestyle, review diet and exercise, personal and family history. Depending on the results of the discussions, tests may be conducted including an ECG. We may also refer you for blood tests or further investigations if required.
Pregnancy and Neonatal Care
Pregnancy planning could be one of the most exciting parts of your life.
There are many factors to consider when you plan a pregnancy. Under the guidance of our GPs, you will be in the best possible position to ensure positive outcomes for yourself and your baby. Please consult our practice before conceiving.
Preconception health care includes, but is not limited to:
• Optimising your existing medical conditions
• Preventing the onset of new medical conditions, for example through lifestyle modification
• Preconception testing, including blood tests and imaging tests
• Vaccinations
• Medication changes and supplements
• Social and physical wellbeing
Shared Care Pregnancy
“Shared Care” refers to a partnership in your pregnancy management between the GP and hospital.
Neonatal and Ongoing Child Care
All children born in Queensland will receive a copy of My Personal Health Record (Red Book) , that contains valuable information about your child’s health and development.
Please register your baby with Medicare as soon as possible.
The Red Book will guide you and tell you when to visit the GP for routine baby checks.
The first baby check will be on day 7 after delivery. First immunisations will be done at 6 weeks after birth by our experienced nurses. We follow the National Immunisation Guidelines. Please remember to bring your baby’s Red Book.
Our practice cares for all health issues that affect children, from neonates and toddlers to teenagers.
These include regular health checks, immunisations and all other matters.
Work Injuries
We are able to assist patients who have been injured at work.
Our Doctors can help manage problems, order appropriate investigations and refer you to any necessary specialists.
We’re happy to work with your employer, rehabilitation providers, and insurance companies to ensure we resolve problems quickly.
Women’s Health
Some of our doctors have a special interest in Women’s Health. Certainly, women’s emotional and physical health needs are broad and complex – evolving with age, fertility and our environment. Reproductive health, for example, is paramount for many women.
Above all, you expect the best medical care at every stage of life. Therefore, personalised advice and treatment must be tailored to your unique circumstances.
Moreover, our GPs understand that supporting your health is vital for the well-being of your family, friends and work life.
Our GPs will support you with:
• Breast checks
• Cervical screening tests (which has replaced Papsmear)
• Cosmetic medicine
• Pre-pregnancy planning
• Pregnancy testing and advice
• Chronic disease management
• Contraception advice (including device insertion and removal)
• Family planning
• Fertility advice
• General care – regular health check ups
• Gynaecological treatments
• Immunisations
• Incontinence
• Iron deficiency
• Menopause management
• Menstrual disorders
• Mental health
• Sexual health screening
• Skin cancer checks
• Weight management
Further, many of our GPs also offer antenatal shared care (pregnancy care).
For all your women’s health needs, contact us or book an appointment online.
Men’s Health
Men can consider PSA testing after discussion with their treating doctor.
Yearly prostate checks after the age of 50 are no longer required for most men.
Our GP ‘s have experience in managing prostate issues, erectile dysfunction, mental health, family planning and other health issues affecting men. Please book a review today.
Mental Health Management
We prioritise caring for the whole person at Southcare. This includes Mental Health, an often overlooked but critically important part of our overall health.
If required, our doctors will provide Mental Health Care Plans referrals to Psychologists and/or Psychiatrists.
Skin Cancer Management
We have GPs with a special interest in skin cancer checks, and additional training in the detection and removal of skin cancers.
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Two thirds of Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before the age of 70.
What is skin cancer?
There are three main types of skin cancer:
• Basal Cell Carcinoma,
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma and
• Melanoma.
Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma are the most common types of skin cancer and are sometimes call non-melanoma skin cancer. Melanoma usually begins as a new small spot, mole or freckle that changes colour, shape or thickness over months.
Skin cancer occurs when skin cells are damaged, for example, by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
Skin cancer checks
A skin cancer check assesses your skin cancer risk and indicates any current skin problems of concern.
The skin cancer check includes taking your medical history, including previous sun UV exposure, as well as undertaking a detailed examination of your skin. If any lesions have developed or changed in size or nature recently, our doctors will assess and recommend the necessary treatment.
We recommend you see your GP for a skin cancer check at least annually. As well as scheduling your annual assessment, you should see your GP should you notice any of the following signs:
- Changes in a mole size, shape or colour
- The edges of a mole have begun to change
- The mole starts and continues to grow
- The mole is not a solid brown colour, but multicoloured instead
If you notice any of the above, it is advised to book an appointment immediately with your GP for an examination. Your doctor will provide you with a thorough skin check and plan the correct management.
Skin cancer treatment
Skin cancers are highly variable. No single method can treat all skin cancers. The choice of method is dictated by the size of the lesion, its location, its type (often confirmed by biopsy), and whether it is a primary or recurrent lesion. Other factors include your age, general health status, medication status, occupation and of course, your preferences.
Preventing skin cancer
According to the Cancer Council, for best protection, they recommend a combination of sun protection measures:
- Slip on some sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
- Slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30+ sunscreen. Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards. Sunscreen should never be used to extend the time you spend in the sun.
- Slap on a hat – broad brim or legionnaire style to protect your face, head, neck and ears.
- Seek shade.
- Slide on some sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards.
Book Your Consultation
Consultations are by appointment only and our friendly practice staff will endeavour to accommodate your preferred time and General Practitioner.
