General Practitioners (GP)
A General Practitioner (GP) is a medical doctor who focuses on primary healthcare. GPs are typically the first point of contact in the healthcare system who provide consultations for physical and mental health issues. In Australia, they diagnose ailments, treat them, prescribe medications, arrange tests, manage chronic disorders, and refer patients to specialists as required.
What does a general practitioner do?
A general practitioner offers complete primary healthcare services. Common general practitioner services include:
- Diagnosing diseases and infections
- Prescribing medications
- Issuing medical certifications
- Managing chronic illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma
- Mental health assessment and treatment plans
- Ordering blood tests, imaging, and pathology
- Providing immunisations and preventative care
- Referring patients to specialists
GPs also educate patients on symptoms, treatment alternatives, and good lifestyle behaviours.
GP vs. Specialist: what’s the difference?
| GP | Specialist |
| Provides general medical care | Focuses on one specific medical field |
| First point of contact for most health issues | Usually seen after GP referral |
| Treats a wide range of conditions | Treats complex or specialised conditions related to a single medical field |
| Can coordinate overall healthcare | Focuses on advanced management in their specialty |
| Provides preventative and long-term care | Provides specialised investigations or procedures |
A GP often coordinates patient care and decides when referral to a specialist is appropriate.
Medical Disclaimer: The content on this page is for informational purposes only.
