Victoria’s Urgent Care Clinics milestone and what General Practice need to know about UCC referrals

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Victoria’s Urgent Care Clinics mark one million visits

Victoria’s Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) have surpassed one million patient visits over the past 3 years, playing a significant role in reducing pressure on busy hospital emergency departments.

Delivered in partnership with the Australian Government, Victoria’s network of UCCs treat more than 7,500 patients each week.

Data shows the most common conditions Victorians attend UCCs for include respiratory infections, lacerations, coughs and abdominal pain – all conditions that do not necessarily require emergency care.

Highly qualified GPs and nurses provide expert urgent care 7 days a week, from early to late, meaning UCCs provide an alternative care option for Victorians.

For more information, see Urgent Care Clinics on the Better Health Channel website.

Announcing two new Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in the EMPHN catchment

EMPHN is pleased to announce that two new Medicare UCCs are now open and providing care to communities in Lilydale and Eltham. The clinics commenced operation from late December and form part of the Australian Government’s expansion of the Medicare UCC program, which has delivered 50 new clinics across Australia, including 12 in Victoria. 

Read the full media release from the Australian Government here.

Guidance for General Practice Teams

Referring patients to an Urgent Care Clinic

Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) provide same-day, bulk billed care for patients with urgent, non-life-threatening conditions that require timely assessment, but do not require emergency department care.

Patients can attend a UCC without an appointment or referral. A Medicare card is not required to access the service; however, where available, patients should bring their Medicare card to the appointment. Referrals from General Practice are welcomed where appropriate.

When to consider a referral to a UCC:

Referral to a UCC may be appropriate when:

• Immediate assessment or treatment is needed, but emergency department care is not required.
• Same-day assessment/ care for urgent, non–life-threatening conditions such as:
  • Minor infections
  • Minor fractures, sprains, sports injuries and neck and back pain
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Minor cuts
  • Insect bites and rashes
  • Minor eye and ear problems
  • Respiratory illness
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Mild burns

When not to refer to a UCC:

UCCs are not suitable for:

• Routine or preventative care, including health checks, screening, and immunisations.
• Life-threatening or high-risk conditions requiring emergency department care or hospitalisation.
• Chronic or complex conditions requiring continuity of care, care planning, or regular follow-up.

Triage and Patient Flow

Patients attending a UCC are assessed and prioritised according to clinical urgency, not order of arrival.

Depending on clinical demand and service capacity at the time of presentation, some patients may be redirected to an alternative appropriate service to support safe and timely care.

Communication between UCCs and GPs

If your patient attends a UCC, a discharge summary will be:

• Uploaded to My Health Record (unless requested not to do so by the patient)
• Sent electronically to the patient’s nominated GP/practice within 24 hours. If electronic transfer is not possible, or if the patient does not nominate a usual GP, the patient will be given a hard copy of the discharge summary.

The UCC will also advise the patient’s nominated usual GP of any test results undertaken during the visit. Patient ongoing care and follow-up will ordinarily return to the patients usual GP.

Local UCCs across EMPHN catchment