Should I go to the hospital or a medical centre/GP?

It can be hard knowing whether to go straight to the emergency department at your local hospital or instead see your local doctor, especially if you’re dealing with a medical issue on your own. Not all health problems require a trip to the hospital, and in many cases, a general practitioner (GP) or a medical centre can handle non-life-threatening conditions.

Knowing when to go to the hospital or doctor means you’ll get the appropriate level of care and avoid putting even more pressure on busy emergency rooms.

If you are experiencing severe or life-threatening symptoms, don’t wait – seek immediate care from a hospital emergency department. They are designed to handle any critical condition and are staffed with specialists who can give you the care you need – whether you’re at a private or public hospital.

Some of the common reasons to visit a hospital include:

• Chest pain or tightness: Any sudden chest pain, pressure or tightness could be a sign of a heart attack.
• Severe breathing difficulties: Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath or choking requires urgent medical attention, especially if it happens suddenly or gets progressively worse.
• Severe bleeding: Any bleeding that can’t be stopped, especially if it's heavy or from a deep wound, should be treated as an emergency. Also get emergency care for any head injuries or trauma that involve heavy bleeding.
• Severe burns: Serious burns, especially those affecting large areas of the body or the face, will need immediate treatment at a hospital to stop the chances of infection and to reduce scarring.
• Sudden weakness or numbness: These symptoms, particularly if they are happening on one side of your body, can indicate a stroke.
• Broken bones or dislocations: For visible fractures or severe swelling (and of course for bones sticking out of the skin), going to the hospital is a must. Some injuries will require surgery.
• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis): Symptoms like facial or throat swelling, difficulty breathing or collapsing due to an allergic reaction need urgent treatment in a hospital.

In certain situations, driving to the hospital might not be safe or even possible, so calling an ambulance will be your best option. Trained paramedics will be able to give you immediate care on the way to the hospital.

You should call 000 and ask for an ambulance if:

• Someone is unconscious: Whether it’s due to an injury, accident or unknown reason, if someone becomes unconscious you need to call an ambulance.
• Suspected heart attack or stroke: As we’ve already mentioned, if you suspect a heart attack or stroke, call an ambulance immediately as things can rapidly decline and timely medical care is essential.
• Severe trauma: If someone has sustained serious injuries from a car accident or a fall, for example, paramedics will be able to stabilise them and get them to a hospital fast.
• Severe allergic reactions: Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. If someone shows signs of anaphylaxis – such as swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing – then call an ambulance right away.
• Difficulty breathing or choking: If someone can’t breathe or is choking and first-aid efforts, like the Heimlich manoeuvre, don’t work, you’ll need to call an ambulance.

For less critical but still urgent medical issues, visiting your GP or a local medical centre is often the best course of action. Doctors can manage a broad range of health issues, and many clinics have long opening hours to take care of walk-ins.

You should consider visiting a doctor or medical centre for:

• Cold and flu symptoms: Most respiratory infections like the common cold or flu can be managed by a GP.
• Minor injuries and sprains: For minor fractures or sprains, your GP can assess the damage and recommend the most appropriate treatment (e.g. pain relief or physiotherapy referrals).
• Persistent or worsening symptoms: If you’ve been sick for several days and aren’t getting better, your GP can do some tests to diagnose the issue and hopefully figure out the right treatment.
• Skin conditions: Rashes and infections can usually be treated by a GP, who can prescribe topical treatments or antibiotics if necessary.
• Non-severe allergic reactions: For non-life-threatening allergies, such as a mild rash or itching, a GP can give you some management strategies.
• Ongoing health concerns: Chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure or asthma should be regularly managed by your GP. That includes routine check-ups, prescriptions and ongoing health plans.
• Mental health support: GPs can do initial assessments for mental health concerns such as anxiety or depression, and then refer you to a specialist or create a mental health treatment plan.

There are also several other healthcare services to help tackle non-urgent medical issues, including:

• Pharmacies: Pharmacists can give you advice on over-the-counter medications for common ailments like colds, minor infections and allergies. Most pharmacies here in Australia also offer services like annual flu vaccinations, COVID-19 vaccinations and health checks for conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Free health advice hotlines: Services like healthdirect are available for anyone in Australia who needs medical advice either online or over the phone (1800 022 222), where you will speak to a registered nurse, They will listen to your issues and help you decide if a trip to the doctor or hospital is necessary.
• After-hours GP services: If you need to see a doctor outside of regular business hours, there may be after-hours GP services nearby. Check what’s offered in your state or territory, as most often you’ll be able to book a home visit or an appointment at after-hours medical centres.
• Urgent care clinics: For injuries and illnesses that don’t require a trip to the emergency department but are too urgent to wait for a GP, urgent care clinics can be a great alternative. In Victoria, for example, you can visit Priority Primary Care Centres.
• Community health centres: Many regional communities have health centres that offer a range of services, from general medical care to mental health support, vaccinations and family planning services. These centres are usually free or low-cost and can give you the right treatment for non-emergency conditions.

Choosing between a hospital, doctor or alternative care option can be daunting, but understanding the severity of your symptoms and the type of care you need can make the decision easier. Whatever your medical issue, it's worth considering private health insurance to take the financial burden off of your shoulders.

This is general information only. For detailed personal advice, you should see a qualified medical practitioner who knows your medical history.