1. GPs are not available after hours or on weekends. Many Australians find it difficult to get an appointment with their GP after hours or on weekends. This means that they may have no choice but to go to the ED if they need medical attention outside of regular business hours.
2. GPs are bulk-billed. ED visits are free for Medicare card holders, while GP visits can be expensive. This means that some Australians may choose to go to the ED instead of seeing their GP, even if their condition is not an emergency.
3. Australians are increasingly turning to the ED for mental health care. EDs are not equipped to provide mental health care, but many Australians do not have access to other mental health services.
4. Australians are not aware of other options for non-emergency medical care. There are a number of other options for non-emergency medical care, such as urgent care clinics and walk-in clinics. However, many Australians are not aware of these options or do not know where to find them.
The role of GPs
1. Diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses and injuries
2. Preventive care
3. Chronic disease management
4. Mental health care
5. Referral to specialists
Availability of GPs after hours and on weekends
How DinkumDoc Telehealth can help
1. Cold and flu symptoms
2. Ear infections
3. Sinusitis
4. Urinary tract infections
5. Skin conditions
6. Mental health issues