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Seeing a GP in Melbourne CBD — What to Expect When Travelling

Seeing a GP in Melbourne CBD — everything you need to know. Whether you’re new to Melbourne, visiting Australia, or just looking for a GP in the CBD, this guide explains how general practice works in Australia — and what you can expect at CBD Doctors Melbourne.

What does a GP do in Australia?

A GP (general practitioner) is your first point of contact for almost any health concern in Australia. Unlike many countries where you need to see a specialist directly, the Australian healthcare system is built around general practice — your GP assesses your health, treats most conditions directly, and refers you to specialists when needed.

At CBD Doctors Melbourne, our GPs can help with:

  • General health consultations and check-ups
  • Diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury
  • Mental health assessments and care plans
  • Women’s health — contraception, cervical screening, menopause, PCOS
  • Men’s health — health checks, sexual health, testosterone, skin checks
  • Chronic disease management — diabetes, asthma, hypertension, heart disease
  • Skin checks and skin cancer screening
  • Referrals for blood tests, imaging, and specialist appointments
  • Prescriptions and repeat scripts
  • Vaccinations and travel health
  • Preventive health and lifestyle medicine
  • Rapid STI tests for gonorrhoea and chlamydia

You do not need a referral to see a GP. You can book directly online. If you are unable to book online, please give us a call and we can take you through the booking process.

How does Medicare work in Australia?

Medicare is Australia’s public health insurance scheme. If you hold a valid Medicare card, you are entitled to a rebate on GP consultations and many other health services.

If you are visiting Australia on a tourist or temporary visa, you may not be eligible for Medicare unless you are from a country with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with Australia.

If you are not Medicare eligible, standard GP consultation fee applies. However you may be able to claim part of the visit through your travel insurance. We will provide you with an email receipt after your appointment for your records. You can then make a claim.

How do I get a referral in Australia?

In Australia, you need a GP referral to see most specialists — including cardiologists, dermatologists, gynaecologists, psychiatrists, orthopaedic surgeons, and others. Without a GP referral, specialist appointments are significantly more expensive and in some cases not available at all.

Your GP will assess your symptoms, determine whether a specialist referral is appropriate, and write a referral letter outlining your history and the reason for the referral. Most referrals are valid for 12 months (or 3 months for a non-specific referral).

At CBD Doctors Melbourne, same-day referrals are available for most specialist . Please note some specialists do have wait times so we recommend seeing a GP as soon as possible. If you have a specialist please bring their details to your GP appointment and let the doctor know.

How do I get a blood test in Melbourne CBD?

Your GP can order blood tests (also called pathology) during your consultation. You do not need a separate appointment — your GP will give you a pathology request form at the end of your consultation, which you take to a pathology collection centre located on our floor.

Most blood test results are returned to your GP within 24–48 hours.

You will need to call us 2 days after you have provided your sample. We will check we have received your results and if a follow up is required. Only if a further treatment is required will the doctor request you make a follow up appointment. This follow up appointment will be an additional charge.

Most standard blood tests when ordered by a GP require additional payment if you don’t have Medicare. The pathology company has their own billing and will be able to tell you what the cost is.

How do I get a prescription in Australia?

In Australia, prescription medications require a valid prescription from a GP. Your GP can prescribe medication during your consultation and provide you with a print of your script to take to the pharmacy.

Repeat prescriptions — if you are on ongoing medication and need a repeat script, CBD Doctors Melbourne offers same-day repeat prescription appointments. Speak to your doctor about the number of repeats you need. Please also make sure you let the pharmacies know that they should not keep the repeats otherwise you will always have to go back to the same pharmacy.

Do I need a long appointment as a new patient?

At many GP clinics in Australia, new patients are required to book a long consultation — even for a simple issue. At CBD Doctors Melbourne, that’s not the case. New patients are welcome to book a standard consultation for straightforward concerns. If your issue requires more time and is for more than 1 health concern, please book an extended consultation.

What languages do your GPs speak?

Our GP team speaks English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Serbian, and Croatian. If English is not your first language, please let our reception team know when booking and we will do our best to match you with a GP who speaks your language.

Where is CBD Doctors Melbourne located?

CBD Doctors Melbourne is located at Level 10, 53 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 — in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, between Collins Street and Flinders Lane. There are plenty of great melbourne coffees shops (including a bagel shop) that you can visit before or after your appointment.

We are easily accessible from across the CBD and inner suburbs including Southbank, Docklands, Carlton, Fitzroy, East Melbourne, and North Melbourne.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 6:00pm

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a Medicare card to see a GP in Melbourne?
No — anyone can see a GP regardless of Medicare status. Appointment fees apply.

Can I get a same-day appointment?
Yes. CBD Doctors Melbourne offers same-day appointments for most services, including general consultations, referrals, prescriptions, skin checks, and more. Please note same day appointments are based on availability and not guaranteed. Book in as soon as possible to ensure you see a doctor. An appointment is required to see a doctor.

How much does a GP appointment cost in Melbourne CBD?
This depends on the type of consultation. All fees are stated on the appointment type. Fees start at $110 for a single health concern. If you are unsure, please give us a call and we can take you through the costs.

Can a GP write me a specialist referral on the same day?
Yes. If a referral is clinically appropriate, your GP can write one at the end of your consultation.

How do I find a GP in Melbourne CBD who speaks my language?
CBD Doctors Melbourne has GPs who speak English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Serbian, and Croatian. Let our team know your language preference when booking.

Can I get a prescription without a full consultation?
No you will require an appointment with the doctor to get a prescription.

Book an appointment in Melbourne CBD

CBD Doctors Melbourne is located at Level 10, 53 Queen Street, Melbourne CBD — between Collins and Flinders Lane, easily accessible by tram, train, and car.

Getting here:

  • Tram: Collins Street (Routes 11, 12, 48, 109)
  • Train: Flinders Street Station (5 minutes walk), Southern Cross Station (10 minutes walk)
  • Car: Paid parking on Queen Street, William Street, and the Rialto car park on Collins Street

Same-day appointments are available Monday to Friday.

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