Medicare Urgent Care Clinic
Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are for use when there is urgency, but it’s not an emergency
Ochre Health operates a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) open 8am to 5pm 7 days a week. Please note, if we reach our capacity earlier than 5pm, non urgent patients will be directed elsewhere.
Medicare UCCs are bulk-billed, meaning there is no cost to patients.
Appointments are not required, patients can walk in and wait to be seen in order of priority.
When to visit a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic
Urgent care is when you need medical attention for an acute illness or injury that can be managed without a trip to the emergency department but cannot wait for a regular appointment with a GP.
Medicare UCCs provide assessment, treatment, and care for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions. 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 e.g. asthma, croup and exacerbation of COPD
- gastroenteritis
- mild burns.
If in doubt, call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or visit the Healthdirect website
Urgent Care Clinics are available to treat presenting issues, we are not able to offer specialist referrals
Ochre Health Urgent Care Clinic does not have imaging on site, all imaging is referred to an external provider.
Please note: We are not able to provide regular prescriptions. Patients requiring these will be advised to seek alternative services.
Emergency or life-threatening care
Emergency or life-threatening care requires immediate medical attention and management by an emergency department or hospital. Medicare UCCs do not provide emergency care.
Call triple zero or go to your nearest Emergency Department if you or a loved one has a life-threatening injury or illness.
Read more about urgent care and care options, go to the links below:
FAQ's
If you have a Medicare card or number, bring this with you when you attend a Medicare UCC.You can also bring any letters or correspondence from your GP and details of any medicines you are currently taking (including those without a prescription).
If you are attending a Medicare UCC for your child to receive medical attention, bring your child’s personal health record (Blue Book).
Medicare UCCs provide assessment, treatment and care for urgent but non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses.
This may include:
- Minor infections
- Minor fractures*, sprains, sports injuries and neck and back pain
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Sexually transmitted infections (STls)
- Stitches and glue for minor cuts
- Insect bites and rashes
- Minor eye and ear problems
- Respiratory illness e.g. asthma, croup and exacerbation of COPD
- Gastroenteritis
- Mild burns
*Please note we do not have X-Ray on site.
Serious and life-threatening injuries and illnesses require immediate medical attention and management by an ED or hospital. Call triple zero (000) or go to your nearest ED if you or a loved one has a serious and life-threatening condition.
This includes:
- Chest pain or tightness.
- Breathing difficulties
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- Severe burns
- Poisoning
- Numbness or paralysis
- Unconscious, responsive or having seizures
- Ongoing fever in infants.
Your usual GP or healthcare provider should be your first point of contact for routine, preventive, and non-emergency health care.
This includes:
- Diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases and illnesses
- General screening and health checks
- Vaccinations and prescriptions
- Ongoing management of chronic conditions e.g. diabetes, arthritis
- Mental health advice
- Family planning advice
- Referrals for tests, scans or specialist care.
Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are NOT for the following:
- Chronic disease management
- Preventive procedures
- GP mental healthcare plans
- Routine antenatal care
- Routine vaccinations
- General health assessments.