When there is urgency, but it’s not an emergency.

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) provide medical care for illnesses or injuries that can be managed without a trip to the Emergency Department (ED) but cannot wait for a regular appointment with a GP. Medicare UCCs do not provide emergency care. If you are experiencing a life-threatening injury or illness, call triple zero (000) or go to your nearest ED. Medicare UCCs are not an alternative to traditional GP visits. For routine, general healthcare continue to see your regular GP.

Our Urgent Care Procedure

Upon arrival, patients will be greeted by the receptionist. No appointment is necessary. The receptionist will assist the patient in completing the required paperwork, after which their details will be entered into our system to create a medical record.

Following this, the patient will wait to be seen by our Triage Nurse, who will assess the urgency of the condition. If immediate attention from a doctor is required, the Triage Nurse will inform the patient to wait for the Urgent Care Doctor. If the condition is non-urgent, the Triage Nurse will recommend scheduling an appointment with the patient’s GP for another day.

In cases of emergencies or conditions beyond the scope of Urgent Care, the Triage Nurse will direct the patient to the Royal Hobart Hospital or arrange for an ambulance if necessary.

General Practitioner (GP)

When to visit your GP

Your usual GP or healthcare provider should be your first point of contact for routine, preventive, and non-emergency health care.

This includes:

  • Diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases and illnesses

  • General screening and health checks

  • Vaccinations and prescriptions

  • Ongoing management of chronic conditions e.g. diabetes, arthritis

  • Mental health advice

  • Family planning advice

  • Referrals for tests, scans or specialist care.

Medicare UCCs are NOT for chronic disease management, preventive procedures, GP mental healthcare plans, routine antenatal care, routine vaccinations or general health assessments.

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCC)

When to visit a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic

Medicare UCCs provide assessment, treatment and care for urgent but non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses.

This may include:

  • Minor infections

  • Minor fractures, sprains, sports injuries and neck and back pain

  • Urinary tract infections (UTls)

  • Sexually transmitted infections (STls)

  • Stitches and glue for minor cuts

  • Insect bites and rashes

  • Minor eye and ear problems

  • Respiratory illness e.g. asthma, croup and exacerbation of COPD

  • Gastroenteritis

  • Mild burns

Emergency Care

When to visit the Emergency Department (ED)

Serious and life-threatening injuries and illnesses require immediate medical attention and management by an ED or hospital. Call triple zero (000) or go to your nearest ED if you or a loved one has a serious and life-threatening_ condition.

This includes:

  • Chest pain or tightness

  • Breathing difficulties

  • Uncontrollable bleeding

  • Severe burns

  • Poisoning

  • Numbness or paralysis

  • Unconscious, responsive or having seizures

  • Ongoing fever in infants.

Still not sure where to go?

If you’re not certain which healthcare provider you need, call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or visit healthdirect.gov.au