How Australian Systems Work · Article 2
Scope: Australia-wide; pharmacists’ scope varies by jurisdiction and qualification
You do not need to diagnose yourself before choosing a doorway. Start with two questions: Could this be life-threatening? Does it need continuing diagnosis and follow-up?
Three routes into care
| Where | Best suited to | What it does not replace |
|---|---|---|
| GP | Non-life-threatening new symptoms, chronic care, prevention, prescriptions, certificates and referrals | Immediate treatment for a medical emergency |
| Pharmacy | Supplying medicines, advice on use and interactions, common minor problems, and locally authorised services | Full diagnosis of persistent, recurring or unexplained symptoms |
| Emergency department | Serious or potentially life-threatening acute conditions; open 24 hours and prioritised by triage | A walk-in GP for routine problems |
A quick decision rule
- Immediate danger: call 000. Chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, altered consciousness or major bleeding should not wait for a routine appointment.
- Urgent but not life-threatening: check for a nearby Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, which provides bulk-billed walk-in urgent care.
- Unsure: call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for guidance from a nurse or doctor.
- Continuing care: using the same GP or practice helps preserve a useful clinical history.
Emergency departments do not work in arrival order. A triage nurse prioritises clinical urgency, so a long wait often means you have been assessed as relatively stable at that time.
This guide helps you choose a service; it does not diagnose illness. Call 000 in an emergency.
Official sources
- Australian Department of Health: Primary care
- Healthdirect: Emergency departments
- Healthdirect: Getting the most out of your pharmacist
- Australian Department of Health: Find a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic
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