Living with a long-term health condition can involve regular reviews, treatment decisions and support from different healthcare professionals. Your GP can help you understand your condition and discuss care that reflects your symptoms, priorities and daily life.
A review may include:
A GP chronic condition management plan can help organise care for eligible patients with ongoing medical conditions. The plan is developed with you and records your health needs, agreed goals and the care or support involved.
You can discuss:
Eligibility, referral options and Medicare requirements depend on your circumstances. Ask reception about a suitable appointment length and discuss eligibility with your GP.
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Diabetes care involves ongoing review and support suited to your individual needs. Your GP can discuss your current treatment, available results, medicines and day-to-day concerns.
Appointments can also provide time to review your care goals and discuss appropriate monitoring, referrals and follow-up. Bring your medicine list and any glucose records or reports you have been asked to keep.
A health assessment provides an opportunity to review your overall health, discuss concerns and identify priorities for ongoing care. The assessment offered will depend on your age, medical history and individual circumstances.
Your GP can explain relevant checks and whether you may be eligible for a particular assessment. Contact reception before booking so an appropriate appointment can be arranged.
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A skin appointment provides an opportunity to discuss a new or changing spot, your previous skin history and any concerns about your skin. Your doctor can assess areas of concern and explain whether further examination, monitoring or investigation is appropriate.
Tell your doctor about:
Ask your GP how often your skin should be reviewed based on your individual risk. Do not wait for a routine check if you notice a concerning change.
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Discuss ongoing breathing concerns, asthma symptoms and how your respiratory health affects everyday activities. Your GP can review your current management and discuss whether further assessment or changes to your care are needed.
Bring your inhalers, a current medicine list and any existing asthma action plan so these can be reviewed during your appointment.
Spirometry is a breathing test used to assess aspects of lung function. Your GP can discuss whether it is appropriate as part of investigating symptoms or reviewing a respiratory condition.
Contact reception to confirm booking requirements and preparation instructions. Do not stop or change prescribed medicines unless your treating clinician instructs you to do so.
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A heart health consultation can help you understand factors that may affect your risk of cardiovascular disease. Your GP can review your circumstances and discuss suitable steps to support your heart health.
The discussion may cover:
Ask your GP whether a formal Heart Health Check is appropriate and whether you meet the relevant eligibility requirements.
A cardiovascular assessment considers your heart and circulation in the context of your symptoms, medical history and existing conditions. Your GP can discuss relevant examination findings and whether further tests or specialist advice are needed.
Bring your current medicine list and any available cardiology letters or previous investigation results.
An electrocardiogram, or ECG, records the electrical activity of the heart. Your doctor may recommend it as one part of assessing a health concern or reviewing an existing condition.
Contact reception about appointment arrangements. Your doctor will interpret the recording alongside your symptoms and other clinical information, and explain any further steps.
Cervical screening looks for human papillomavirus, or HPV, which can cause changes in cervical cells. Your GP can discuss whether you are due for screening and explain the collection options available to you.
At your appointment, you can discuss:
If you have symptoms such as unusual bleeding or other concerns, tell your GP rather than waiting for a routine screening appointment.
Your vaccination needs can change with your age, health, occupation and previous vaccination history. A consultation provides an opportunity to review your records and discuss recommended immunisations.
Contact reception before your appointment to confirm vaccine availability, any prescription requirements and applicable fees. Bring any vaccination records you have available.
Travel health advice is tailored to your destinations, activities, length of stay and personal health needs. Book ahead of travel so there is time to discuss preparation and any recommended vaccinations or other measures.
Bring your itinerary, vaccination history and current medicine list. Ask reception about the services and vaccines available before booking.
People taking warfarin need INR blood tests to monitor how quickly their blood clots. Your treating clinician uses the results to guide your dose and the timing of further tests.
When discussing your monitoring, bring:
Follow your treating clinician’s instructions about testing and dosing. Ask the practice how blood collection, results and follow-up are arranged; this page does not imply onsite INR testing.
Weight management can involve many factors, including health conditions, medicines, sleep, nutrition, activity and personal circumstances. Your GP can discuss your concerns without judgement and help you identify realistic goals.
Care may include reviewing your health, discussing suitable options and considering referrals where appropriate. The approach should reflect your needs rather than a single target or promised result.
If you are thinking about stopping smoking, your GP can discuss your goals, previous quit attempts and the situations that make quitting difficult. Support can be tailored to your preferences and circumstances.
You can discuss behavioural support, suitable treatment options and follow-up. Let your GP know about your current medicines and any other nicotine products you use.
