Visiting a new GP for the first time is an opportunity to discuss your current health concerns, provide important medical history and establish ongoing care with a local practice.
Peninsula Health Centre is a general practice in Frankston South welcoming new patients and providing 100% bulk billing for eligible Medicare card holders, subject to the practice’s billing policy.
Here is what to expect when attending your first appointment.
What happens at your first GP appointment?
Your GP will usually begin by asking why you have booked the appointment.
If you have a particular concern, such as a new symptom, medication question or ongoing health problem, mention this early so there is enough time to address it.
Your doctor may also ask about:
Current and previous medical conditions
Regular medications
Medication allergies
Previous operations or hospital admissions
Family medical history
Smoking and alcohol use
Relevant lifestyle factors
Previous investigations or specialist care
Depending on the reason for your appointment, your GP may perform an examination, check observations such as your blood pressure or arrange further investigations.
What should you bring to your first GP appointment?
You do not need to arrive with your entire medical history organised, but a few things can make your first consultation easier.
Consider bringing:
Your Medicare card
Any relevant concession card
A current list of medications
Relevant specialist or hospital letters
Recent test results if available
Your immunisation history if relevant
A list of important questions or concerns
If you take several medications, bringing the medication packets or an up to date medication list can be particularly helpful.
Transferring your medical records
If you are changing GP practices, access to your previous medical records can help your new doctor understand your medical history and ongoing treatment.
Relevant information may include previous diagnoses, medications, allergies, pathology and imaging results, specialist correspondence and immunisation records.
You can ask Peninsula Health Centre about the process for requesting records from your previous practice.
It is worth arranging this early if you have complex medical conditions or require ongoing prescriptions.
Should I book a standard or longer appointment?
A standard consultation may be suitable if you have one relatively straightforward concern.
Consider booking a longer appointment if you:
Have several health concerns to discuss
Have a complex medical history
Need a detailed mental health consultation
Require chronic disease planning
Need a comprehensive health assessment
Have extensive forms or paperwork to complete
Trying to cover several complex concerns during a short appointment may mean another appointment is needed.
If you are unsure which appointment length to choose, ask reception when booking.
Why continuity of care matters
Seeing the same GP where possible allows your doctor to become familiar with your health history, medications, previous investigations and ongoing concerns.
This can be particularly helpful for people managing chronic conditions, taking several medications or requiring regular follow up.
Continuity does not mean you always have to see the same doctor. Another GP at the practice can provide care when your usual doctor is unavailable or when you require an earlier appointment.
Preventative healthcare with your GP
General practice is not only for times when you are unwell.
Your GP can also discuss preventative healthcare appropriate to your individual circumstances. This may include:
Blood pressure
Cardiovascular and diabetes risk
Immunisations
Cancer screening
Mental health
Sexual and reproductive health
Healthy weight and lifestyle
Age appropriate health assessments
The appropriate checks vary according to factors such as your age, medical history, family history and individual risk.
You can explore the range of GP services available at Peninsula Health Centre.
What about skin checks?
GPs can assess many common skin concerns.
For dedicated skin cancer checks, mole mapping and skin cancer treatment, The Mole Clinic Frankston operates from the same Frankston South location as Peninsula Health Centre as a separate skin cancer service.
Is Peninsula Health Centre bulk billed?
Peninsula Health Centre provides 100% bulk billing for eligible Medicare card holders for standard GP consultations, subject to the clinic’s billing policy.
Some procedures, forms, reports and other services may attract separate fees.
You can read more about bulk billing at Peninsula Health Centre.
Frequently asked questions
Is Peninsula Health Centre accepting new patients?
Yes. Peninsula Health Centre welcomes new patients at its Frankston South clinic.
Do I need my old medical records before my first appointment?
Not necessarily. You can attend your first appointment without having your complete previous medical record available. However, transferring relevant records can be particularly useful if you have ongoing medical conditions, take regular medications or have had significant previous investigations or treatment.
Can I bring several health concerns to my first appointment?
Yes. If you have several concerns or complex issues, consider booking a longer appointment so there is adequate time to discuss them.
What should I do if I need urgent medical care?
A routine GP appointment is not appropriate for a medical emergency. Call Triple Zero (000) for severe chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, signs of stroke, major bleeding, loss of consciousness or another medical emergency.
Book your first GP appointment in Frankston
Peninsula Health Centre welcomes new patients looking for general practice care in Frankston and Frankston South.