The Perfect Match: What to Look When Finding a New GP in Melbourne

Looking for a new GP in Melbourne? There are a few things you need to look for to find the perfect match, so read on to find out how.

On an average day in Australia, over 400,000 people make a visit to their general practitioner.

How many of those would say they have hand-picked the best GP for them?

Your GP is going to be one of the most important people in your life as they safeguard the future health of you and your family.

It’s not a decision to be made on a whim. So let’s take a look at how you can choose the perfect the best GP in Melbourne.

What to Look When Finding a New GP in Melbourne

Finding a New Medical Center in Melbourne

There are certain features and characteristics you want to keep in mind when searching for the perfect GP. And with over 28,000 registered practitioners in Victoria alone, you need to know how to pick the right one.

We’re going to run through our top tips for doing your research in just a moment, but first, let’s cover some of the basics.

You want to be aware of the type of practice that you’re looking for. Do you want a smaller practice that may feel more familiar? In that case, you should probably consider that the working hours may be shorter. So, if you want to have more extensive coverage hours you might look for a larger practice with more physicians available.

Another thing to think about is the billing system of your chose general practitioner. Do you want to opt for a new GP that bulk bills so you never pay anything out of pocket?

The main difference between bulk billing and private billing is that the appointments for bulk billing will be very quick. This might be perfect for a prescription but for any medical concerns you would want private billing.

These questions can sometimes fall by the wayside when trying to find a new primary care physician but they are crucial to your experience. Knowing that your GP shares similar values to you and your family can also be a good sign that you’ve chosen the right practice.

Top Tips For Finding a GP

You already know by now that the options for a general practitioner are vast in Melbourne, so let’s help you find your dream GP in no time.

It’s not as hard as you think once you take the following factors into consideration.

1. Look Local

Start off by mapping out your local area to find the different GP offices that are convenient for you, for example, Melbourne CBD. You don’t necessarily want the closest but you do want a practice that is accessible to you. Life is busy enough without having to drive a long way when you or a family member is unwell.

You’ll also be more likely to keep appointments or even visit for preventative care than if you have a practitioner further away. Another thing to consider is whether they offer transportation benefits under Medicare.

2. Ask Around

You are an individual with your own preferences but it can still be very useful to ask around among trusted friends and family to find out if they can recommend a GP. This is a relationship that relies heavily on trust and confidence and they might have found a GP who has proven indispensable over time.

Just make sure that you understand that persons needs and values before taking a recommendation from them. If they closely align with your own then add them to your shortlist to check out.

Online reviews play an important role in letting you know whether the GP practice is a trusted option. What do other people have to say about them?

3. Do Quality Control

There are a number of ways that you can check if your general practitioner has the quality of care that you need. Firstly, those reviews we mentioned earlier are a good place to start.

Secondly, check that your GP is registered with the Medical Board of Australia. This means they have to stay up to date on the latest practices and information. In turn, you will receive the most up to date level of care.

4. Cold Call Research

Research The Best Doctor in Melbourne CBD

Now, you should be cutting down your shortlist by now and the next step is to cold call each practice. You can tell a lot by the general phone etiquette of the practice about how they treat new and existing patients.

Essential questions to ask about the following:

How they fulfill repeat prescriptions
How do they let you know about test results?
What are the different ways you can book an appointment? Online, email, telephone, etc.
Do they have any process to remind you of overdue annual screening or flu shot?

These can give you an indication of whether you will like the running of the practice.

5. Keep it Personal

Your choice depends greatly on you and your needs and values. For example, cultural or language issues could come into play so make sure that the options play to your specific needs.

Perhaps you find a primary care physician that has in-depth experience with diabetes and that is why your friend has had a great experience. That’s brilliant for them but you might need someone with knowledge of sports medicine. In that case, they would not be your best choice.

The GP could be incredible in his field but you know that you need specialised care in another area.

6. Trust Your Instincts

Take everything we have discussed today into consideration when making your final choice. However, you also have to go with what just feels right.

Make an appointment and see how you feel about the GP in person. At the end of the day, they need to put you at ease.

You should feel comfortable discussing any aspect of your health with your GP so work through our steps to find your top prospects and then simply go with your gut.

Ready to Find Your New GP in Melbourne?

It’s not a decision to be taken too lightly, as your GP will be vital to the health and happiness of your family. By deciding which factors mean the most to you, it allows you to find a GP in Melbourne that suits your needs.

Hopefully, you now feel prepared with the information you need to discover the practitioner that makes you feel confident about the future.

Are you ready to start the search for your new primary care physician? Why not check out our team to see if one of them could be the right fit for your family.

01/02/201920/11/2019

Why Pre-employment Medicals are Important

There is a growing trend in recruitment in Australia to request that job applicants undergo a pre-employment medical, to prove their physical ability to perform the tasks associated with the job they have applied for.

Workplace health and safety are big issues in the 21st century and requiring prospective employees to undergo industry-specific health checks is a major step toward ensuring a safe working environment. Corporate health is becoming recognized as a vital issue in the productivity of a company.

Recruitment costs companies, in both time and money, and so companies need to find ways to limit the cost and minimize the disruption to the business. Using pre-employment medicals as a tool to ensure the right people are hired, is one way to gain some control over these costs.

The employment medical examination tests such things as vision, hearing, lung function, blood pressure, heart rate, and general fitness. Drug and alcohol testing can be included as can various pathology tests. Many companies have the medical examinations designed to be industry-specific or job-specific to test the applicant’s ability to perform the tasks required in the job description. These tailored medicals have a benchmark of minimum performance required by the position, so there is something with which to compare the applicant’s results.

Doctor for Pre-Employment Medicals

Pre-employment medical assessments protect the company against hiring an unsuitable worker but they also protect the potential employee. Allowing someone to start in a new position, without having an understanding of their ability to meet the physical demands of the job, is simply setting them up to fail. At best, the new employee will quit, meaning that the recruitment process will have to start again. At worst, the new employee will be injured at work, disrupting business and leading to possible workers compensation claims.

When people apply for employment within your company and see that pre-employment medicals are required, they understand that the company is serious about workplace health and safety. Research has shown that workers in general, and executives in particular, look favorably on corporations that have a workplace health program and will actively seek out employment with them.

It is important to remember that, while the pre-employment medical is an important tool in the recruitment process, it cannot ever be the only indicator of a candidate’s suitability for the position. Have your policies and procedures on any health in the workplace initiative scrutinized by legal personnel, to make sure they are not discriminatory and comply with current employment regulations.

Candidates need to have an understanding of why certain tests are required and how they are relevant and applicable to the position being applied for. This is where having your pre-employment medicals tailored to the position is helpful. They then become a useful tool for introducing company policies on various issues. For example, if you ask for drug and alcohol tests, the candidate can be informed of the tolerances of these substances within the company.

Research has shown quite conclusively that pre-employment screening of applicants helps to lower the incidence and severity of workplace injuries. To make sure you get this important aspect of recruitment right, consider getting advice from a specialist health company like Era Health Doctor Melbourne CBD. They will tailor the health checks to your workplace and job descriptions to make sure they are effective and comply with regulations. Era Health Doctor Melbourne CBD services are available Australia wide.

If you want to make a booking or find out more about Pre-employment assessments click here or alternatively

Call us on 03 9944 6200

16/01/201915/02/2025

All your health services in one clinic

All your health services in one clinic

Now you can have all your health services needs in one place. Located in the heart of Melbourne CBD, we provide Doctor, Dentist, Physiotherapist, Psychologist, and Podiatrist services. All the services with the convenience of having just one patient record.

Era Health Doctor Melbourne CBD is a one-stop health clinic fully owned and operated by Southern Medical Services Pty Ltd, a private, Australian medical company.

Our mission is to provide high quality, comprehensive treatment to our patients. To achieve this, we work with the best medical and allied health practitioners that provide services for

INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES

General Practitioners
Dentists
Physiotherapists
Podiatrists
Psychologist
Other Specialists

Manual Handling Training Melbourne — Manual Handling Training

EMPLOYERS & ORGANIZATIONS

Pre-employment Medicals
Corporate and Occupational Health Programmes
Drug & Alcohol Screening and MRO Services
Injury Management & Advice
Executive Health Assessments
Mobile Medical & Physiotherapy Services
Duties Register and Medical Guidelines Development
Fitness for Duty
Vaccinations, Flu Shots and Travel Health
Manual Handling Training
Exit Health Assessments
Health Surveillance
Ergonomic and Risk Assessments
Rail & Tram Medicals
Shipping, Offshore and HUET Medicals
Diving Medicals
Aviation Medicals
Medical Legal Reports

Our clinic is fully computerised. For the convenience of patients, all our centres have onsite pathology collection services.

Booking Online

05/01/201905/02/2019

How to get your HIV results in 30 minutes

Get your HIV results in 30mins

Many people find it difficult to get checked for HIV status because of the long period it takes to get results. The common standard HIV testing takes up to 1 week for you get results. We provide HIV rapid testing at Era Health clinic in Melbourne. When visiting our men’s health clinic, you can be able to access instant HIV rapid testing upon placing a request. In the clinic you will access comprehensive health services focused on your individual health issues, be informed on disease prevention and health awareness. We serve men of all stages of life, helping them to reach their optimum health and providing them with on-site HIV rapid testing.

Why you should take an HIV rapid test?

Your health is very important, and we ensure you are in the best health possible. The HIV rapid test will only take 30mins to give you the results. The rapid HIV test has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Our Doctors at Era health clinics have undergone the required training for Rapid HIV testing according to TGA policy. We are one of the few clinics offering HIV rapid testing services, and you can book a HIV Rapid test right now by calling our clinic.

HIV rapid testing involves

The HIV rapid test requires just a few drops of blood from a finger prick. This test is “Alere HIV antibody/antigen reaction” that reacts in the presence of HIV antibodies in the blood, giving results within 30mins. The results can be reactive or non-reactive or inconclusive. Further testing, with the standard HIV testing, is required in case of reactive and inconclusive results from the HIV rapid test.

10/09/201714/07/2020

New and fast HIV screening at Era Health Melbourne CBD

New and fast HIV screening at Era Health Melbourne CBD

Melbourne Rapid HIV testing is conducted at Era Health, a one stop health clinic, located in the Melbourne CBD. The Rapid HIV test allows screening for HIV and will provide results in less than 30 minutes.

Screening is conducted using the 4th generation Alere Determine™ HIV – 1/2 Ag/Ab Combo test which is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for use as point of care testing in Australia.

There is a window period of 14-90 days which allows detection of both the HIV-1 antigen & HIV-1/2 antibodies.

Consultations are conducted by trained doctors and are completely confidential for men and women seeking screening for Rapid HIV.

There is also a full range of HIV services are also available at Era Health including PEP, PrEP and full sexual health screenings. Era Health is committed to HIV medicine and in providing an environment which is safe and inclusive for all people of all backgrounds, origins, sexual orientations, and sex and gender identities.

To book or for further information, call (03) 9944 6200

16/07/201723/02/2019

PrEPX trial continuing at Era Health

The PrEPX trial is continuing in our clinic. A/Prof John Gall will take over the management of all PrEPX patients and all other patients requiring PrEP to ensure continuity of care. We will continue to provide on-site Rapid HIV testing and will be expanding our sexual health services to provide HIV prophylaxis (PEP) and other male and female sexual health services. A new male and female doctor will be joining us in coming months to expand these services.

07/12/201529/11/2018

Got a Dental Question?

Whether you are 80 or 8, your oral health is important. Did you know that 100 million people fail to see a dentist each year, even though regular dental examinations and good oral hygiene can prevent most dental disease? Here are some frequently asked questions about going to the dentist.

Q: I haven’t been to the dentist in years, why do I need to go now?

A: You’re fortunate that you’ve not experienced any dental problems over the years but that’s not enough reason to continue to avoid having regular check-ups. Regular visits to the dentist allow for the detection of potential problems early, which means easier and less-costly treatment. Prevention is definitely better than needing to have a dental procedure to fix a problem. Regular dental check-ups, together with a good oral health regime at home, are one of the most effective preventative measures there is.

Q: How often should I see the dentist?

A: At Era Health Dental Clinic, Melbourne, we recommend coming in for a dental examination and clean every six months, to help keep your teeth and gums in top condition. This frequency also allows us to identify potential problems early which makes treatment easier. We usually recommend you have an X-ray every two years to check the roots, bones and between the teeth.

Q: I had a bad experience at the dentist as a child and now I’m really scared. Can you help me?

A: Be reassured that you are not alone; many people feel anxious or fearful about going to the dentist. There have been many advances in dentistry in recent years and you will find the experience is very different now. At Era Health Dental, we take your fears seriously and go to considerable lengths to reassure you. Make an appointment to come in and talk to our wonderful staff about your situation and we will show you around the clinic and explain new procedures to you. Feel free to ask any questions and we will do whatever we can to allay your fears.

Q: Why does a dentist need to take my medical history?

A: Knowing your past medical and dental history helps the dentist make proper diagnoses and recommend the most appropriate treatments. In particular, we need to know what medications you take regularly, if you are allergic to anything, if you have a blood disorder or any cardiac issues, or if you are, or could be, pregnant. Any of these issues could affect the type of dental treatment you receive.

Q: Does seeing a dentist regularly mean I won’t need fillings?

A: You need a filling when you have a cavity caused by tooth decay. The best way to avoid tooth decay is thorough cleaning and flossing every day, with a twice-yearly dental clean by your dentist. When you see your dentist every six months, minor changes and early symptoms of dental problems are easily identified, often meaning a major procedure is avoided. So, having regular check-ups won’t necessarily mean no fillings are needed but the possibility of developing cavities will be significantly reduced.

Q: What is tooth decay?

A: Tooth decay is the name given to the destruction of the tooth caused by a combination of plaque and the sugars and starches in the foods we eat. An acid is formed which then attacks the tooth enamel. The best way to help prevent tooth decay is to brush and floss your teeth daily and see your dentist regularly for a dental clean to remove hardened plaque. Eating a healthy diet and limiting sugary foods also help to prevent tooth decay.

Q: What is dental plaque?

A: Dental plaque is the sticky, soft substance that continually forms on the surface of our teeth and gums. When it comes in contact with food, particularly sugars and starches, bacteria forms and multiples, producing an acid. It is this acid attacking the tooth enamel which causes tooth decay. As well as causing decay, plaque can also cause gum disease and bad breath. It can be controlled by daily flossing and brushing, full dental cleans at regular dental check-ups and limiting the amount of foods that are high in sugar and starch.

Q: What is a cavity?

A: A cavity is the actual hole in a tooth that is caused by tooth decay. It will need to be filled by your dentist to control the spread of the decay and to restore full function to the tooth. If the cavity is not filled, the tooth can break or the nerve become exposed, causing pain and requiring more extensive treatment than the simple filling.

Q: Why do my gums bleed?

A: If tartar builds up on the teeth, especially in the fold where the tooth meets the gum, bacteria can develop which can then lead to the condition known as gingivitis. The symptoms of gingivitis are red, swollen gums which bleed easily. Bleeding gums can lead to more serious periodontal disease and should not be ignored. The best way to avoid gingivitis is to have a regular scale and clean at your dental surgery as well as daily brushing and flossing. Other factors that can affect the health of your gums include diabetes, smoking, stress, pregnancy and poor general health.

Q: My partner complains that I grind my teeth. What can I do about it?

A: Grinding the teeth is not only irritating; it can cause disturbed sleep, headaches, tooth wear and jaw pain. Since you are asleep when you grind your teeth you have little control over it. The best remedy is to wear a special splint at night.

Q: I’m worried I have bad breath. Can you help me?

A: Bad breath can be caused by the bacteria in your mouth which causes plaque. Plaque can be controlled with daily flossing and brushing your teeth and tongue twice. In addition, seeing your dentist every six months for a professional clean and scale will remove any build up of hardened plaque. Bad breath can also be caused by other factors, including some medications, so it is a good idea to have a general health check as well.

Q: At what age should I first take my child to the dentist?

A: At Era Health Dental Clinic Melbourne, we recommend seeing children for the first time when they are around four years of age. By this time, they should have all their baby or primary teeth and the dentist can check the development and placement of the teeth and gums. You will be able to ask for advice about any issues that are worrying you such as thumb sucking, teeth cleaning etc. Early examination identifies any potential problems and allows preventative measure to be implemented.

Q: Why are the baby teeth important?

A: The primary or baby teeth allow for the normal placement and development of the permanent teeth by maintaining correct spacing. The baby teeth also help with speech development in young children and develop a positive self image. Young children need to be helped to clean these important first teeth to help the health of their permanent teeth to come.

Q: Why do I need to have a dental X-ray?

A: An X-ray is an important tool that dentists use to help diagnose and treat problems with the teeth and gums. Only part of the teeth and gums can be examined visually and so an X-ray may be required to see what is going on between the teeth, under the gum line and with the jaw bone. Sometimes the X-ray picks up hidden tooth decay that wasn’t visible to the naked eye. Era Health Dental in Melbourne’s CBD recommends a dental X-ray every two years to help maintain oral health. We use the most advanced equipment that minimises radiation exposure.

Q: Is it true that dental problems can affect your general health?

A: Absolutely; research has shown that there is a direct link between general health and poor dental hygiene and gum disease. Poor dental health is also implicated in diseases such as diabetes, stroke, heart attack and osteoporosis. Even minor problems with your teeth can cause stress and anxiety or interfere with proper digestion and restful sleep.

Q: My teeth are not very white. What causes that?

A: Some people have naturally brilliant white teeth while others have teeth that are slightly tinted; this is largely a matter of genetics. Teeth can also become discoloured by factors such as disease, tobacco smoking, some medications and certain foods and beverages. Tea, coffee, cola drinks and red wine are commonly believed to stain the teeth. Teeth whitening is effective for some people while porcelain veneers can be fitted over badly stained teeth. Contact Era Health Dental Melbourne for an appointment to discuss how teeth whitening can help you.

Q: Is it safe to whiten my teeth at home?

A: There are many products available these days that promise to give you a whiter than white smile. These contain a bleaching agent that is applied to the teeth for a varied time period. The results of these products vary widely and some contain dangerous levels of chemicals. The safest way to whiten your teeth is to consult your dentist who will first examine your teeth before advising you on the most appropriate method for you.

Q: I’ve been embarrassed with my teeth all my life. Am I too old to have braces?

A: Teeth can be straightened at any age and these days, braces are not just for children. There have been considerable improvements in orthodontic procedures and modern braces are more comfortable and less obtrusive than they used to be. We recommend Invisalign, the new braces that are virtually invisible; they can be worn by adults without drawing attention to the fact that they have braces. Call our Melbourne dental clinic today for an appointment to discuss how braces can give you back the confidence to smile.

Q: My friend is having her amalgam fillings taken out. Why is this?

A: There has been some debate over the years as to the safety of amalgam fillings, because it contains small levels of mercury. However, extensive research has confirmed that amalgam is safe to use. Amalgam fillings may break down over time and can crack or fall out. They then need to be removed and the cavity refilled to prevent tooth decay and to maintain the functionality of the tooth. New materials used for fillings are white and so are not as visible as amalgam. Some people are electing to have their old silver fillings removed and replaced with white fillings.

Q: What is a smile makeover?

A: Many people are unhappy about the way their teeth look and therefore are reluctant to smile. There are many issues that lead to people seeking an improved smile, including stained or discoloured teeth, gaps between teeth, crooked or broken teeth or teeth that have fallen out. A smile makeover includes a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures that fix or mask this type of problem and improve the appearance. Patients report renewed confidence and self-assurance as they flash their lovely new smile. Era Health Dental Clinic Melbourne offers these services.

If you have any other questions that you need answered, please call our Melbourne CBD clinic where our helpful trained staff will be happy to assist you.

Q: Does Era Health Dental see patients with Health insurance? And do you have HICAPS facilities?

A: Yes, we have the facilities to claim your dental rebates here at Era Health Dental, please remember to bring your health insurance card with you to every appointment. However, please be advised that the term “dental cover “ can be misleading and different companies cover different amounts and it only acts to assist you with paying the invoice. All care will be taken to provide you with the correct item numbers on your treatment plan estimate; however the practice takes no responsibility for the amount rebated, if any at all.

Q: does Era Health Dental see patients on the EPC scheme (Enhanced Primary Care)?

A: We are also happy to provide dental services to those patients on the EPC scheme, providing a GP referral letter has been sighted. The condition is that a patient account is paid in full and it is then their responsibility to claim the rebate directly through medicare. Era Health Dental accepts no responsibility for the amount rebated by medicare and it is almost inevitable there will be out of pocket cost to patients on this scheme.

07/12/201529/11/2018

Why do I Need to have a Pre-employment Medical?

“I have applied for a job and at the interview I was told that I would have to have a pre-employment medical if I was short-listed. I’ve never needed to do this before and don’t understand why this company is asking for it.”

Pre-employment medicals have become more popular in recent years. This type of health check helps employers to assess applicants against the attributes that are necessary to perform the essential requirements of the job. A pre-employment medical assessment is not simply a general health check; it is conducted to ascertain that you have what it takes to do the job, from a workplace health perspective. Employers are generally taking their obligations under OH&S and duty of care more seriously these days. There is a bigger focus on both workplace health and corporate health, which is where the pre-employment medicals come in. Companies want to make sure that potential employees are capable of working within the physical demands of the job. The aim is to avoid workplace injury and illness. In some industries, there are legal requirements that demand workers meet certain health and fitness standards. Obviously, the best way to determine whether an individual worker meets these standards is through a comprehensive and tailored medical examination. Some of the industries that have this type of legal requirement include rail and tramways, mining, aviation and diving. Not all pre-employment medicals are requested because of legal obligations. Often the prospective employer simply wants to be sure that the candidate has no underlying health issue which could affect their ability to work to the capacity required by the position. Pre-employment medicals are not something to fear, unless you are trying to hide something. Discrimination laws prevent employers from using non-related health issues as a reason not to hire an applicant.

What can I expect at a pre-employment medical?

Firstly, you will probably be required to attend a doctor designated by the employer although some companies are happy with a report from your own doctor. In this case, the company would supply a list of tests they require to be done. If you are seeing a company-designated doctor, a full medical and work history will be taken, including current medications. You need to be honest and include everything that is relevant when completing your medical history. Any omissions could go against you in the future. A complete medical examination will then be conducted and could include any or all of the following – height, weight, pulse, blood pressure, vision, hearing, balance, flexibility, hand strength, ability to lift weights, lung function, urine test, drug and alcohol testing, chest X-rays, pathology and fitness test. After the examination, a full written report will be sent to the employer and usually a copy is also sent to the applicant. Often, employers use the services of a specialist health company to carry out their medicals for potential employees, as well as existing staff. One such highly reputable company is Era Health Work Solutions in Melbourne. Trained and experienced practitioners carry out thorough and inclusive pre-employment medicals which are often specially tailored to the specific workplace and industry. If you need to have a medical as part of the job application process, contact Era Health for an appointment.