In the 2023-24 May Budget, the Australian Government announced $358.5 million over five years from 2022-23 to establish 58 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (Medicare UCCs).
Any person can access a Medicare UCC when they need medical attention for an illness or injury that can be managed without a trip to the emergency department but cannot wait for a regular appointment with their usual GP.
Medicare UCCs provide acute episodic care and treatment that does not require admission to a hospital. This may include:
minor infections
minor fractures, sprains, sports injuries and neck and back pain
urinary tract infections (UTIs)
sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
stitches and glue for minor cuts
insect bites and rashes
minor eye and ear problems
respiratory illness
gastroenteritis
mild burns.
Important information for GPs
Medicare UCCs won’t be able to see people for major trauma or complex conditions.
Medicare UCCs will have an agreed escalation pathway in place with their local Hospital Emergency Departments.
There are limited MBS items accessible at the Medicare UCC, limited to the scope of delivering urgent care. Should a presentation not require urgent care, patients will be referred back to the GP nominated by them as their usual GP for further assessment and management.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can I refer patients to a Medicare UCC?
Yes, if the issue is an urgent care matter as outlined above, you can provide patients with the contact details of the closest Medicare UCC. However, patients do not need a referral to attend a Medicare UCC. Walk-ins and patient bookings are accepted for urgent care 7 days a week.
Will my patients go to a Medicare UCC instead of coming to my practice?
No, there are limited MBS items that patients can access at the Medicare UCC. The patient’s usual GP is still the first point of contact for non-emergency, routine and preventative health care.
GP’s can also see same day/urgent care type presentations if they have capacity to fit their patients in, otherwise the UCC’s are a good option for when the patient can’t get a same day appointment
Medicare UCC’s won’t be able to see people for treatment for chronic disease management or preventative health procedures.
Will I know if one of my patients has received care at a Medicare UCC?
Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) ensure continuity of care by providing timely discharge summaries for all patients. Summaries are uploaded to My Health Record (unless the patients opted out), sent electronically to the patient’s usual GP/practice within 24 hours, and include updates on any test results. Patients are also given a written summary.
How much will it cost to attend a Medicare UCC?
Medicare UCCs will provide urgent health care with no out-of-pocket costs for patients. Any diagnostic services, such as radiology and pathology, will also be provided with no out-of-pocket costs for patients.
Can I send my patients to receive wound care and management at a UCC?
UCCs handle acute care wounds within their scope of practice, but follow-up or ongoing wound management should be done by the patient's usual GP. Weekend wound care may be provided at UCCs if the GP practice is closed and the patient cannot wait for the next appointment.
Will patients have to pay for prescriptions and medications?
UCC’s are required to stock some medicines which is intended to provide immediate treatment, free of charge (for example medication to cover 24-48 hours of care or if during after hour periods). Patients will be given a prescription to fill when discharged from the clinic.
What is a surge protocol and when might it be activated in a UCC?
All UCCs have a surge protocol policy in place to allow safe and effective care minimising the risks to patient safety and staff wellbeing when clinics are operating at capacity. Surge protocols will be activated under any of the following circumstances:
• The number of waiting patients exceeds the ability for staff to provide adequate care
• Staff are unable to manage incoming patient flow within standard operating procedures
• The number of patients presenting near closing time exceeds what can be adequately and safely managed before closure
There so many after hour care options now available, how can I assist my patients in navigating care for them during the after-hour period or when care is urgent and there no appointments for them?
Finding the right healthcare option is the first step. It’s important to work out what kind of care your patients need based on your unique circumstances and the healthcare services available.
Brisbane South PHN in conjunction with Brisbane North PHN have developed a website for patients and healthcare providers to easily navigate the right care for patients when they are unable to get an appointment with their GP.
Patients can visit FindCareFast on (www.findcarefast.com.au )
Is there a need to enter into a formal after-hours agreement with Medicare UCC for our patients to be seen at an UCC when our practice is closed/after-hours?
No formal agreements are needed with the UCC. If any of your patients meet the criteria, they can walk into any UCC during operating hours.
