Choosing a Family GP: What to Look For

A good family GP fits your household long term — check appointment availability, whether telehealth is offered, billing arrangements, and whether the practice sees patients of all ages, from children to older adults. Switching is straightforward: a new clinic can request your records from your previous GP with your consent.

A good family GP relationship tends to pay off over years, not just a single visit — which makes it worth a bit of upfront thought rather than booking with whoever has the next available slot. 

Why having a regular GP matters 

Seeing the same GP over time means they build a clear picture of your history, your family's history, and what's normal for you — which makes it easier to pick up on changes and coordinate care. 

What to consider: availability and appointment types 

Look at how easy it is to get an appointment, whether same-day options exist for urgent concerns, and whether the clinic offers both in-person and telehealth appointments to suit different situations. 

Bulk billing and fees 

Billing arrangements vary between clinics and can depend on the type of appointment or your eligibility, so it's worth asking directly what applies to your situation before booking. 

Services for the whole family 

• Care across all ages, from children to older adults 

• Women's and men's health services 

• Chronic disease and mental health support 

• Vaccinations and travel health 

• Telehealth for straightforward or follow-up needs 

Telehealth and flexibility 

For busy households, the ability to book a telehealth appointment for straightforward issues — without needing to take time off or arrange care for the kids — can make ongoing care far more manageable. 

Making the switch 

Moving to a new GP is straightforward: your new clinic can request your medical records from your previous provider with your consent, so your history moves with you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I change to a new GP clinic?

  Simply book an appointment with the new clinic and they can arrange to have your medical records transferred from your previous GP, with your consent.

• Can one GP see my whole family?

  Many GPs and clinics see patients of all ages, though it's worth checking that the specific doctor you're considering is comfortable seeing children if that's important to you.

• Is Telehealth suitable for children's appointments?

  Telehealth can work well for straightforward or follow-up concerns, though in-person appointments are usually recommended for physical examinations or new symptoms in young children.

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