About Medicare Urgent Care Clinics
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?
Will my patients go to a Medicare UCC instead of coming to my practice?
Will I know if one of my patients has received care at a Medicare UCC?
Will immediate diagnostic imaging and pathology services be available to patients attending the Medicare UCC?
How much will it cost to attend a Medicare UCC?