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Finding a doctor or GP

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Finding a doctor or general practitioner (GP) you feel comfortable with can make a positive difference to your health and give you confidence in managing your diabetes.

Tips for finding a new doctor or GP

Here are some tips for finding a new doctor or GP:

  • Ask your current doctor or GP for the names and contact details of other doctors or GPs that are close to your home or work and have an interest in diabetes.
  • Ask trusted friends, family, neighbours or people at your work for their thoughts before you make a choice about a new doctor.
  • Find out if there are any out-of-pocket expenses for seeing the doctor or if they charge Medicare directly (bulk bill Medicare).

Check if the new doctor or GP:

  • are taking on new patients
  • are open times that suit you
  • do home visits if this is important to you
  • have parking if this is important to you
  • have any stairs or access problems if this is relevant to you
  • have staff from other cultural backgrounds or who speak other languages if this is important to you
  • have a diabetes educator and other health professionals available if this is important to you
  • are close to public transport if this is important to you
  • are close to chemists if this is important to you

Websites

The following websites can help you find appointment times, rates and locations around Melbourne and the rest of Australia:

Suggestions for a successful visit to your doctor or GP

Being prepared for you visit with the doctor or GP will help you get the most out of your appointment. Here are some tips to help you have a successful visit with your doctor or GP:

  1. Let the doctor or GP know before the appointment if you need a translator or someone else to help with any communication problems.
  2. Take a list of all the medications you are currently taking and when you take them so your doctor or GP can review and change if necessary. 
  3. Visit the NPSMedicineWise website for more information on the safe use of medicines and health technologies.
  4. Make sure you write instructions down during the appointment and discuss anything that you are not sure about.
  5. Once you are happy that your questions have been answered, make sure you understand what happens next, especially if you need to book appointments with other health professionals. These may include an endocrinologist, diabetes nurse educator, psychologist, dietitian or exercise physiologist.
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