Being an outpatient
You’re an outpatient if you come to hospital for an appointment or a minor procedure but you aren’t admitted.
At your appointment you may see a specialist or other healthcare professionals.
Your appointment is free if you’re a public patient and have a Medicare card. You'll need to bring your card to each appointment.
Read more about health costs, private insurance and support.
Getting an appointment
You need an appointment to visit an outpatient clinic.
The first step is to get a referral from your GP. If your GP thinks you should see a specialist, they'll send a referral to the hospital.
Doctors in our emergency department may also refer you to a specialist as part of your treatment.
All referrals go in order based on how urgent each patient's condition is. You'll go on a waiting list with other patients who need to see a specialist.
The outpatient clinic will assess your referral and book an appointment for you. We'll let you know about your appointment by letter, phone or text message (SMS).
If you can't go to your appointment or have questions about your referral, please call the outpatients unit at the hospital.
What to bring
On the day of your appointment please bring:
- your appointment letter
- any test results, reports and medical scans such as x-rays, bone scans or ultrasounds
- medicines and dietary supplements needed during your visit
- your Medicare card
- your pension or concession card, if you have one
- your GPs contact details
- something to do while you wait.
Your appointment
Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment and let reception staff know you're here. They’ll check your details, ask to see your Medicare or pension card and direct you to the waiting area.
We do our best to stay on time, but delays can happen. Please tell clinic staff if you can’t wait for your appointment.
There may be other medical staff in the room when you see the doctor, including medical and nursing students. Your doctor will introduce them and ask if you’re willing to let them observe.
You can ask your doctor questions during your appointment. If you don't understand what you're being told, ask the doctor to explain it again.
After your appointment
Check out with our reception staff after your appointment.
Remember to speak to your GP about the appointment. If you saw a specialist, they should report back to your GP with your results, diagnosis or treatment.