General physician
In Australia, a General Physician is a medical professional who diagnoses and treats complex, severe, or difficult-to-diagnose medical problems that impact the body’s internal systems. Unlike surgeons, General Physicians provide non-surgical treatment and comprehensive medical care to people with many or complex health concerns.
What is the difference between a General Practitioner (GP) and a General Physician?
| General Practitioner (GP) | General Physician |
| Provides primary healthcare | Provides specialist internal medicine care |
| First point of contact for most health concerns | Usually seen after GP referral |
| Manages common illnesses and preventative care | Manages complex or severe medical conditions |
| Works mainly in community clinics | Often works in hospitals or specialist clinics |
| Can refer patients to specialists | May coordinate advanced investigations and specialist treatment |
General Practitioners manage day-to-day healthcare needs, while General Physicians diagnose and manage a wide range of health conditions when specialist treatment is required.
Medical Disclaimer: The content on this page is for informational purposes only.