Medical centre
What is Medical Centre
A medical centre is a healthcare facility where individuals can consult with doctors and other health experts for a range of health issues. Primary healthcare services provided by medical centres include diagnosis, treatment, health screenings, preventative care, and referrals.
What services does a medical centre provide?
Depending on the medical centre, services may include:
- General practitioner (GP) consultations
- Treatment for illnesses and minor injuries
- Health checks and preventative care
- Vaccinations
- Sexual and reproductive health care
- Mental health support
- Chronic disease management
- Health advice and education
- Medical certificates
- Referrals to specialists and allied health professionals
- Pathology or other testing services
- Telehealth consultations
Who works at a medical centre?
A medical centre may have several healthcare professionals, including:
- GPs
- Practice nurses
- Nurse practitioners
- Allied health professionals
- Psychologists or counsellors
- Podiatrists
- Physiotherapists
- Reception and administrative staff
Medical Centre vs Hospital
| Medical centre | Hospital |
| Mainly provides primary and general healthcare. | Provides a wider range of medical and specialist services. |
| Suitable for routine healthcare and many non-emergency illnesses and injuries. | Provides emergency care, inpatient treatment and complex medical care. |
| Usually provides scheduled consultations. | Emergency departments operate 24 hours a day. |
| Can refer you to a specialist or hospital when needed. | May have specialist departments and inpatient facilities. |
| Usually not the first choice for life-threatening emergencies. | Emergency departments treat serious and life-threatening conditions. |
When should you visit a medical centre?
Consider going to a medical centre if you:
- Have a new or ongoing health concern.
- Need treatment for an illness or minor injury
- Need a health check
- Need a prescription or medication review
- Need a vaccination
- Need help managing a chronic condition
- Have concerns about your mental health
- Need a referral to a specialist
- Need advice about your symptoms.
- Need preventative healthcare.
What to expect at a medical centre
- Book an appointment: Contact the medical centre or check if walk-in appointments are available.
- Check in: Provide your information, including Medicare information if appropriate.
- See a healthcare professional: Describe your symptoms, concerns, and medical history.
- Assessment: The healthcare professional may examine you or arrange tests.
- Treatment plan: They will discuss treatment, self-care or follow-up options.
- Referral or prescription: You may receive a prescription, medical certificate, referral or request for further testing if clinically appropriate.
- Follow-up: You may be asked to return for another appointment.
Note: The content on this page is for information only. In case of emergency, call triple zero (000).
