This article will explore some of the key features of Holland Park General Practice services and explain why they're so important to your health and wellbeing.

About General Practice Doctors

A general practice physician is a primary care physician who can treat patients for almost any illness. General practice physicians provide treatment at their offices and also in hospitals, nursing homes, and other places where care may be needed. Patients usually go to a general practice doctor for routine health issues such as colds or flu, allergies, and infections. Doctors who specialize in one field, such as cardiology or orthopedics, usually are not equipped to handle these non-specialty health issues and may recommend that you visit a general practitioner instead. General practitioners typically work under contract with insurers to accept insurance payments directly from their patients.

Where Does General Practice Fit Within the Healthcare System?

General practice is one of three primary healthcare sectors, along with hospital-based services and community health services. Doctors can specialize in either general practice or focus on a specific branch. Within general practice, there are many different specialties. Most GPs work in private practices, but there are also opportunities to work in public Holland Park General Practice centres or hospitals.

How Are General Practitioners Trained?

Most doctors become GPs by doing a medical degree (Bachelor's level), then undergoing general practice training in a hospital, private facility or health centre. Once they've completed their training, which typically takes about five years, they'll be qualified to take on their own patients. Unlike some countries where GPs are paid per patient (known as a capitation), general practitioners in Australia work under an item-of-service payment method—they charge for each service performed rather than for each individual patient seen. This is because GP consultations are only a small part of general practice. The vast majority of services and treatment provided by general practitioners in Australia is preventative—it focuses on wellness and health management rather than treating existing conditions.

What Can You Expect at Your First Appointment?

The first appointment is a good opportunity to introduce yourself and your general health to your new Holland Park General Practice physician. Your doctor will likely conduct a full physical exam, which may include hearing, vision, and dental checks. He or she will also ask you about your past medical history, personal habits (including diet and exercise), family history, lifestyle choices (such as alcohol consumption), emotions (such as stress), and any other questions related to your symptoms. They'll talk about where you can receive care for certain conditions (for example, dermatology for skin issues) and what medications might be beneficial if you already take them. You'll also be asked about any insurance coverage you have or are looking into through work or independently.

Takeaway

General practitioners (GPs) are medical doctors that provide a wide range of health care services to patients. They can make decisions about hospital admissions, order medical tests and x-rays, perform minor surgical procedures and conduct health examinations. Patients often see their Holland Park General Practice practitioner regularly for preventive care but can also call upon them for emergency care at any time. It is estimated that GPs provide approximately 40% of all primary healthcare in Australia.