General information only, not medical advice – talk to your doctor about your health and any symptoms.
Last reviewed: 11 October 2026 · Published by Australian Men's Performance and Health Association Inc
Australia has a well-regulated health system designed to protect patients. Knowing how it works can help you find safe, appropriate care and avoid services that cut corners.
This guide explains how to find a registered doctor, how to check a practitioner’s registration, what a proper assessment usually involves and why prescription medicines can only be supplied after assessment by a registered doctor.
Start with a GP
For most health concerns, a general practitioner is the best first step. A GP can assess a wide range of issues, coordinate tests, manage ongoing care and refer you to a specialist when needed. Having a regular GP or clinic means your doctor gets to know your history over time.
You can find GPs through local clinics, the healthdirect service finder or by asking friends and family for recommendations. Telehealth appointments are also available for some situations, although some concerns need an in-person examination.
Check the AHPRA register
In Australia, doctors and many other health practitioners must be registered with their national board through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The public register is free to search online and shows a practitioner’s registration type, any specialist registration and any conditions on their registration.
Checking the register takes a minute and gives you confidence that the person you are seeing is qualified and registered to practise. If a service will not tell you the name of the doctor you will see, treat that as a warning sign.
What a proper assessment involves
A proper medical assessment is more than a questionnaire. A doctor will usually take a detailed history, ask about your symptoms, lifestyle, family history and current medicines, and may examine you. They may arrange tests if they consider them appropriate and will explain the results.
A good assessment also includes discussing options, risks and what to expect, and giving you time to ask questions and make an informed decision. You should feel able to seek a second opinion at any time.
Why prescription medicines need a doctor
Prescription medicines can only be supplied after assessment by a registered doctor or other authorised practitioner. This rule exists because these medicines can have significant side effects, interact with other medicines and be unsuitable for some people.
A doctor’s role includes deciding whether a medicine is appropriate at all, considering alternatives, and monitoring your health over time. Services that offer medicines with minimal or no assessment, or that sell them directly online, bypass these safeguards.
Warning signs to watch for
Be cautious of services that promise particular results, rely on testimonials, pressure you to sign up quickly, or offer products without a genuine consultation. Advertising of health services in Australia is regulated, and responsible providers avoid exaggerated claims.
Other warning signs include unclear pricing, no named practitioner, products shipped from overseas without a doctor involved, and advice to stop seeing your regular GP.
Costs, Medicare and referrals
Many GP services attract a Medicare rebate, and some clinics bulk bill. Ask about fees when you book so you know what to expect. To see many specialists with a Medicare rebate, you need a referral from a GP.
AMPHA can help with general doctor referral enquiries across Queensland and New South Wales. AMPHA may receive fees for referring people to partner clinics, and you are always free to choose your own doctor.
Telehealth and online services
Telehealth can be a convenient way to see a doctor, particularly for follow-up appointments or when travel is difficult. Legitimate telehealth services use registered doctors, conduct a genuine consultation, keep proper records and will ask you to attend in person when an examination or tests are needed.
Be cautious of online services that rely mainly on a short form, offer to supply medicines without speaking to you, or market particular products heavily. A registered doctor must make an independent clinical decision about whether anything is appropriate for you.
Your rights as a patient
The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights describes what you can expect when receiving care, including access to safe and high-quality care, respect, clear information, the right to take part in decisions and privacy. You can ask questions, request copies of your results and seek another opinion.
If you have concerns about a practitioner or service, you can raise them with the provider first. In Queensland, the Office of the Health Ombudsman receives health service complaints, and AHPRA handles concerns about registered practitioners.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a doctor is registered in Australia?
Search the free public register on the AHPRA website using the practitioner’s name. It shows their registration type and any conditions.
Can I get prescription medicines without seeing a doctor?
No. Prescription medicines can only be supplied after assessment by a registered doctor or other authorised practitioner.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist?
To claim a Medicare rebate for most specialist appointments, you need a referral from a GP or another eligible practitioner.
Does AMPHA choose my doctor?
No. AMPHA handles general referral enquiries, but the choice of doctor is always yours.
Related reading
Talk to your doctor
This article is general information only and cannot assess your individual situation. If you have questions about your health or notice changes that concern you, please talk to your doctor. A registered doctor can take your history, examine you and decide what, if anything, is appropriate for you. In an emergency, call 000.
AMPHA may receive fees for referring people to partner clinics, such as Third Spring Medical. Information on this site is general in nature and is not medical advice.