Finding the right GP and allied health support as you age

A good GP is one of the most useful relationships you can have as you get older. They get to know your history, keep an eye on the medications you take, and act as the front door to almost everything else in the health system, from physios to specialists to mental health support.

The trouble is, plenty of people stick with whoever they signed up with decades ago, even when it stopped working for them. If your GP rushes you, doesn't listen, or you can never get an appointment, you're allowed to look elsewhere. This guide walks you through finding the right one, and then making the most of what Medicare can help pay for.

This is general information, not medical advice. For anything about your own health, talk to your GP.

What makes a good GP for older patients

You don't need the fanciest clinic. You need someone you can talk to honestly and who has time for you. A few things worth looking for:

• They listen and explain things plainly. If you leave appointments unsure what was decided, that's a problem.
• Continuity. Seeing the same doctor most visits matters more as your health gets more complicated. Ask whether you can book with a specific GP rather than "the next available."
• Bulk billing, if cost is a concern. Bulk billing means Medicare covers the whole cost and you pay nothing out of pocket. Concession card holders (Pensioner Concession Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, Health Care Card) are more likely to be bulk billed. Always check with the clinic first, since some only bulk bill on certain days or for certain appointment types. See Services Australia on bulk billing.
• Accessibility. Step-free entry, parking, hearing loops, and longer appointments if you need more time.

How to find one near you

The Australian Government's healthdirect find a health service tool lets you search by location and filter for things like general practice, bulk billing, and free parking. You can also browse GP practices on our directory at gp-practices, or search across services at /search.

When you find a clinic you like, book a longer first appointment so the new GP has time to go through your history properly.

Switching GPs without losing your records

You don't have to ask permission to change GPs, and you don't have to explain yourself. Your new clinic can request a copy of your health summary from the old one, usually with a quick form you sign. If you have a My Health Record, a lot of your key information (medications, allergies, recent tests) travels with you automatically.

Bring a list of your current medications to the first visit, including anything you buy over the counter and any supplements. It saves a lot of guesswork.

Care plans: getting Medicare to help with allied health

Here's where a GP becomes really valuable. If you have an ongoing health condition, your GP can set up a care plan that opens the door to subsidised allied health services like physiotherapy, podiatry, dietetics, and exercise physiology.

What changed in July 2025

The system was simplified. The old GP Management Plan and Team Care Arrangements were replaced by a single GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP) from 1 July 2025. If you're currently on an older plan, there's a two-year transition window to move across, and you'll need the new plan for ongoing access to subsidised allied health from 1 July 2027. See the Department of Health and Aged Care on these changes.

Who can get one

A plan is available if you have at least one medical condition that has lasted, or is likely to last, at least six months, or that is terminal. There's no fixed list of conditions. Your GP decides based on your situation, so things like diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, COPD, and many others can qualify. See Services Australia on GP chronic condition management plans.

What it gets you

Once you have a plan, your GP can refer you for up to five subsidised allied health services per calendar year (up to 10 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients). You can split those five across different providers, for example three physio sessions and two podiatry visits.

A couple of things to know:

• These services are subsidised, not always free. Medicare pays a set rebate per visit and the provider may charge a gap on top. Ask about the out-of-pocket cost when you book. The exact rebate amount is set by Medicare and indexed each year, so check the current figure on MBS Online (for example, the allied health item numbers in the 10950-10970 range) when you book.
• The five services are a calendar-year total, not five per provider.
• Referrals are now done by a simple letter from your GP, the same way specialist referrals work.

How to set one up

Book a longer appointment and tell the reception staff it's for a care plan, so they allow enough time. Your GP will go through your conditions, your goals, and which allied health support would help, then write the plan and any referrals. Plans are reviewed periodically to check they're still working for you.

Building your wider care team

A GP and allied health plan is the core, but you may have other supports around it:

• Pharmacist for medication advice and reviews. See our guide to pharmacies.
• Home care services if you need a hand at home. Browse home-care options.
• Community programs that keep you active and connected, from exercise groups to social clubs. Have a look at community listings.

If you're a younger person with disability, your supports may come through the NDIS rather than Medicare care plans. See ndis for providers.

A quick checklist

• Pick a GP you can talk to, ideally one you can see consistently
• Check whether they bulk bill if cost matters
• Book a longer first appointment and bring a medication list
• Ask whether a chronic condition management plan suits you
• Use your subsidised allied health visits before the year resets
• Confirm any gap fees before booking allied health

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay to see a GP?
Not always. Many clinics bulk bill, especially for concession card holders, which means no cost to you. Others charge a fee and you claim part of it back from Medicare. Always ask the clinic before booking.

Is a care plan free?
The GP appointment to write the plan is usually covered by Medicare. The allied health visits it unlocks are subsidised, but some providers charge a gap. Ask about costs upfront.

Can I see a physio without a care plan?
Yes, but you'll pay the full private fee. A plan is what brings the Medicare subsidy.

What if I need more than five allied health visits a year?
Beyond the subsidised five, you can keep seeing allied health providers privately, or check whether private health insurance extras cover part of the cost.

Where do I start if I don't have a GP at all?
Use the healthdirect find a health service tool or browse gp-practices on our directory, then book a first appointment.

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For advice about your own health and which supports are right for you, speak to your GP.