Health care options

Self-care at home is the best option for minor illness or injury which may include:

• mild respiratory symptoms such as a fever, cough, fatigue and runny nose
• minor cuts and grazes
• muscle aches
• hangover.

Find out how to take care of yourself at home with self-care.

You can also read about managing COVID-19 at home.

Your local pharmacy or chemist can offer advice on minor illness without the need to book an appointment. You can receive advice from a pharmacist if you have the following symptoms:

• worsening respiratory symptoms such as a persistent fever, muscle aches or shakes and shivers
• coughs and colds
• sore throats
• general aches/pains.

Pharmacies can also offer services such as dispensing prescription medicines and emergency contraception.

Find out how your local pharmacist or chemist can help.

If you are unsure what to do call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for free health advice from experienced registered nurses 24 hours, 7 days a week.

healthdirect also has other helpful services including:

• National Health Services Directory service finder
• symptom checker and mobile app.

For more information visit the healthdirect website (external site).

GPs, commonly known as a general practitioner or doctor, care for patients of all ages and advise on health issues including illness, injury, mental health and healthy lifestyle tips. GPs work in private clinics or practices. You may need to seek a GPs advice if you experience symptoms such as:

• worsening respiratory symptoms such as a persistent fever, muscle aches or shakes and shivers
• vomiting
• severe pain.

Your GP can also refer you to another doctor or health care professional for more specialised care if necessary.

Find out more about GPs.

We have a large network of GP practices within the Perth metropolitan area that can provide GP urgent care services so people receive the most appropriate care without the need to attend an emergency department.

GP urgent care is treating people with urgent (required on the day), but non-life threatening injury and illness that is typically treated within the usual scope of general practice.

Not all urgencies are emergencies.

What types of minor injuries and illness are treated at a GP urgent care clinic?

• Musculoskeletal injuries such as minor fractures, sports injuries and minor neck and back pain
• Skin and soft tissue infections and symptoms, such as cuts and lacerations, mild burns and rashes, bites and insect stings
• Gastrointestinal illnesses
• Illnesses of the eye, ear, nose and throat
• Other potentially urgent medical symptoms such as urinary tract infections and wound infections and abdominal pain.

GP urgent care clinics will have access to pathology and radiology services. They will also include fully equipped treatment rooms to apply sutures, plastering and conduct minor procedures.

How to book a GP Urgent Care clinic appointment online

You can:

• view GP urgent care appointments
• then make a choice about the time and cost
• and how far you will travel within the metropolitan area to attend.

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) provide free (bulked billed) urgent health care to all people, including vulnerable and young people.

Staffed by doctors and nurses UCCs provide care and treatment for an illness or an injury that can be managed without a trip to the emergency department, but cannot wait for a regular appointment with a GP.

You do not need an appointment or referral. You can walk in and wait to be seen. UCCs are open for extended hours.

Find a Medicare UCC near you (external site)

Most hospital care is planned.

If your GP or specialist decides you need a test, operation or other hospital treatment, he or she will ask the hospital to admit you as an inpatient. Inpatients stay in hospital overnight or for a few days for medical, surgical, paediatric, obstetric and rehabilitation services.

Elective surgery

Elective surgery is non-emergency surgery which is medically necessary, but which can be delayed for at least 24 hours.

Find out more about elective surgery.

Different types of hospital care

Inpatients

If your GP or specialist decides you need a test, operation or other hospital treatment, he or she will ask the hospital to admit you as an inpatient. Inpatients stay in hospital overnight or for a few days for medical, surgical, paediatric, obstetric and rehabilitation services.

Outpatients

Outpatients receive medical treatment without staying in hospital. Outpatient services can include emergency services, day procedures and therapy services. Even though you are not being admitted to a hospital, you will still need a referral from your GP to receive outpatient care.

When you are referred to an outpatient clinic, the medical advice provided by your GP will determine how urgently you need care. Patients with the most urgent needs will receive medical care first.

To change or cancel an outpatient appointment call Outpatient Direct on 1300 855 275.

Emergency departments provide 24 hour emergency services for people who have had a serious accident or suddenly become ill and require emergency medical care.

You should go to an emergency department (ED) if you have a serious or life-threatening condition.

Call 000 for an ambulance.

View the list of metropolitan emergency departments and emergency phone services or see ED wait times (external site).

Metropolitan

In the Perth metropolitan area, WA Health emergency department doctors and nurses are always on duty.

Country

Country hospitals and nursing posts can arrange emergency services. Ambulance services or the Royal Flying Doctor Service can also help you access these services. Health services information can be found using the National Health Services Directory.

Royal Flying Doctor Service (WA)

• Jandakot Airport, 3 Eagle Drive, Jandakot WA 6164
• Phone: 1800 625 800 (24/7 medical and emergency calls only)
• Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service (WA) website (external site)

Are there costs for ambulance travel?

There are costs for ambulance travel. Find out more about the cost of ambulance services (external site) and free and discounted ambulance services for seniors.

What happens when I arrive at an emergency department?

When you arrive in the emergency department a triage nurse will assess your condition.

You will then be given a triage category, with triage 1 being people in need of emergency care and triage 5 being those with less critical needs. Patients are seen in order of triage category, so triage 1 patients will always be treated ahead of other patients.

Do I pay for emergency department care?

You can get free emergency medical care at a WA Health emergency department if you have a Medicare card (external site). If you are from an overseas country that has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (external site) with Australia you can get free emergency treatment once you prove your citizenship, such as by showing your passport.

If you do not have a Medicare card you will have to pay for your medical care.

Private hospital emergency departments

You will pay for medical care received in the emergency department of a private hospital.