Before your appointment
A standard GP appointment is usually around 15 minutes. It goes quickly, so a little preparation can help you cover what matters most.
- Decide on your main concern. If you have several, list them in order of importance and mention them all at the start, so your GP can plan the time.
- Book the right length. Ask for a longer appointment for health assessments, care plans, mental health concerns, multiple issues or minor procedures.
- Note your symptoms. When did they start? What makes them better or worse? Have they changed?
- Check your history. If it’s your first visit, think about past illnesses, operations, allergies and family history.
What to bring
- your Medicare card and any concession or DVA card
- photo ID if you’re a new patient
- a list of all medicines, including vitamins, supplements and over-the-counter products, or bring the boxes
- referral letters, hospital discharge summaries or recent results from other providers
- your glasses or hearing aids if you use them
- a support person or interpreter if that helps you. Let reception know when you book
During your appointment
- be open and honest, even about things that feel embarrassing. GPs talk about these topics every day
- ask your GP to explain anything you don’t understand, or to write it down
- take notes or use your phone to record key points
Good questions to ask
- What do you think is causing this?
- What tests do I need, and how will I get the results?
- What are my treatment options, and what are the benefits and risks?
- Are there side effects I should watch for?
- When should I come back, and what should prompt me to return sooner?
After your appointment
Make sure you know the next steps, such as booking a blood test or follow-up appointment. At Delacombe Medical Centre, pathology is collected onsite on weekdays, so in many cases you can have bloods taken soon after your visit. Book your follow-up before you leave if you can.
Preparing for a telehealth appointment
Telehealth can suit scripts, referrals, results and follow-ups. Find a quiet, private spot, make sure your phone is charged, and have your medicines list handy. Anything that needs examining is usually best seen in person.
Keep a symptom diary
For problems that come and go, such as headaches, tummy pain, dizziness or sleep issues, a simple diary can be very helpful. Note the date and time, what you were doing, how long it lasted, how severe it was on a scale of 1 to 10, and anything that helped. Photos can also help, for example of a rash that appears and disappears.
Your first visit to a new GP
If you’ve recently moved to Delacombe, Winter Valley, Bonshaw or another part of Ballarat West, your first visit is a chance to set up your health record. Arrive a few minutes early to register, and consider asking your previous practice to transfer your records. Let your new GP know about any ongoing conditions, regular medicines, screening tests that are due and your vaccination history.
Communication support
If English isn’t your first language, you can ask for an interpreter, and phone interpreters may be available. Our GPs between them speak languages including Arabic, Bengali, Hindi, Persian, Punjabi, Sinhalese, Tamil and Urdu, so you can also ask reception whether a GP who speaks your language is available. For Auslan interpreting, bookings can be made through the National Auslan Booking Service.
Bringing children
If you’re bringing children, pack a snack, a drink and something quiet to do. If the appointment is about your child, think about how to describe their symptoms and how they’ve been eating, drinking, sleeping and playing.
Getting your results
Ask your GP how you’ll receive your results and whether you need a follow-up appointment. It’s a good idea to book the follow-up when the test is ordered. If you’ve had a test and haven’t heard back when expected, call reception rather than assuming everything is fine.
Printable checklist
- Main concern and other issues, in order of importance
- Symptoms and when they started
- Medicines, supplements and allergies
- Medicare card and any concession card
- Letters and results
- Questions for your GP
- Interpreter or support person booked, if needed
Frequently asked questions
A standard appointment is usually around 15 minutes. Ask for a longer appointment if you have several concerns.
Yes. A family member, friend or carer can come with you. You can also ask for an interpreter when you book.
Write your questions down beforehand, and don’t hesitate to call reception afterwards or book a follow-up.
Sources and further reading
This article is general health information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Information is current as at November 2026 and may change. Always speak with your GP about your own health. In an emergency, call 000.
Talk to a GP about your health
Bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Open seven days at Delacombe Town Centre.
