KompleteCare‘s run-down on everything you need to know about accessing non- or semi-urgent medical care at an Urgent Care Clinic.
Getting an appointment with a GP feels nearly impossible, with the situation being even worse when trying to access late notice or urgent appointments and after-hours care. Many people find that the emergency department is their only option, with nowhere else to turn.
This has led to a surge in non-urgent presentations at SA’s hospitals, with non- and semi-urgent, non-life-threatening ailments accounting for more than 40% of presentations. This also comes together with rising out-of-pocket costs for a GP appointment, leaving many with nowhere else to turn to. So, what other options are there? Medicare Urgent Care Clinics might be the answer.
What is a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic?
Medicare Urgent Care Clinics offer quality healthcare that is cheaper and easier to access. They are designed to treat people needing non- or semi-urgent medical treatment. They will make it easier for South Australians to access the treatment they need from experienced medical professionals while taking some of the pressure off local hospitals and GPs.
They provide extended opening hours from 8 am – 10 pm, seven days a week. They accommodate walk-in patients who need urgent but not acute medical assistance and are fully bulk-billed. All you’ll need is your Medicare card.
Where can I find my local Medicare Urgent Care Clinic?
There are 58 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics across Australia, with four in metropolitan South Australia in Marion, Elizabeth, Royal Park and Morphett Vale. There is also one in Mount Gambier and five across Perth.
Use Medicare’s website to find your closest Urgent Care Clinic.
Are Medicare Urgent Care Clinics accessible?
To become a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, each clinic is assessed against accessibility requirements. The clinics are required to provide accessible and inclusive services for all Australians, including people with physical and intellectual disabilities. If you or your loved one is living with a disability and needs medical assistance, Medicare Urgent Care Clinics will be willing and able to accommodate you.
When should I visit a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic?
If you’re experiencing any of the following and struggling to get in to see your regular GP, consider a visit to an urgent care clinic:
- minor infections
- minor fractures, sprains, sports injuries and neck and back pain
- urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- minor cuts
- insect bites and rashes
- minor eye and ear infections
- respiratory illness
- gastroenteritis
- mild burns
For routine and preventable healthcare, such as major trauma or complex conditions, see your GP.
When should I NOT visit a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic?
If you’re experiencing something more severe or urgent, such as the following, visit your local emergency department:
- heart attack or stroke
- severe pain
- problems with breathing or bleeding
- loss of consciousness or unexplained fitting
- allergic reactions
- severe mental health concern
If you’re injured from an accident or other incident, this also requires urgent care, and you may need to go to the emergency department for the following:
- injuries from accidents, physical assaults or falls
- broken bones
- drug overdoses or poisoning
- severe burns
Emergency or life-threatening conditions require immediate medical attention and management by an emergency department or hospital. If you or a loved one has a life-threatening injury or condition such as the above, call triple zero (000) or go to your local emergency department.
For more information, visit Medicare’s website. If you are unsure whether you should see your GP, go to an Urgent Care Clinic, or go to the Emergency Department, feel free to call KompleteCare on (08) 8265 5696. We’re always happy to help.