Medicare Urgent Care Clinics

 

 

 

 

The Australian Government has provided funding for 58 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) across the country: Medicare Urgent Care Clinics | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

Medicare 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 are bulk-billed, meaning there is no cost to patients. Appointments are not required. Patients can walk in and wait to be seen.

For routine, general health care Tasmanians should continue to see a regular GP. Medicare UCCs are not an alternative to traditional GP visits.

Remember – Medicare UCCs are for use when there is urgency, but it’s not an emergency.

Read more about urgent, emergency and general healthcare below. If in doubt, or for more information call HeathDirect on 1800 022 222

Tasmanian Medicare UCCs

There will be four Medicare UCCs in Tasmania, which are open 7 days a week. Two will be located in the South, one in the North and one in the North West.

The Medicare UCCs will help reduce pressure on our hospital EDs and make it easier for people to see a doctor or nurse when urgent but non-life-threatening care is required.

The following clinics have been confirmed:

• Launceston Medicare UCC
  • Location: Launceston Medical Centre, 247 Wellington Street.
  • Opens 31 July
  • Opening hours: 2 pm to 8 pm, 7 days per week
  • Visit the Launceston Medical Centre website
• Hobart Medicare UCCs
  • Location: Your Hobart Doctor, 71 Bathurst.
  • Opens 14 August
  • Opening hours: 4 pm to 10 pm, 7 days per week
  • Visit the Your Hobart Doctor website

The locations and details of the other clinics will be published as they become operational.

What is urgent care and when should I attend a UCC?

Urgent care is when you need medical attention for an illness or injury that can be managed without a trip to the emergency department, but cannot wait for a regular appointment with a GP.

Medicare UCCs provide assessment, treatment and care for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions. This may include:

• minor infections
• minor fractures, sprains, sports injuries and neck and back pain
• urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• 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.

If in doubt, call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or visit the Healthdirect website

Emergency or life-threatening care

Emergency or life-threatening care requires immediate medical attention and management by an emergency department or hospital. Medicare UCCs do not provide emergency care.

Call triple zero or go to your nearest ED if you or a loved one has a life-threatening injury or illness. This includes:

• chest pain or tightness
• breathing difficulties
• uncontrollable bleeding
• severe burns
• poisoning
• numbness or paralysis
• unconscious, unresponsive or having seizures
• ongoing fever in infants.

General health care

Your local general practitioner (GP) should be your first point of contact for routine, preventative, and non-emergency health care.

Care provided by your local GP includes:

• diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases and illnesses
• general screening and health checks
• vaccinations and prescriptions
• mental health advice
• family planning advice
• referrals for tests, scans or specialist care.

Medicare UCCs won’t be able to see people for things like chronic disease management or preventive health procedures such as cervical screening tests.

What do you need to bring to a UCC?

If you have a Medicare card or number, bring this with you when you attend a Medicare UCC.

You can also bring any letters or correspondence from your GP and details of any medicines you are currently taking (including those without a prescription).

If you are attending a Medicare UCC for your child to receive medical attention, bring your child’s personal health record (Blue Book).