Townsville Paediatrics

If you have had a paediatrician recommended to you by family or friends, discuss this with your GP, and they can arrange a referral.

How to make an appointment

A referral to a paediatrician can be either public or private.

A public referral is made to a hospital outpatient clinic and you see the paediatrician on duty for that day. When you get the referral from your GP, call the hospital clinic and make an appointment.

Private referral is made to a specific paediatrician – often a doctor of your choice. You need to call the paediatrician's rooms to make an appointment. You will see the same doctor each visit.

How much does it cost?

If you have a Medicare card, a visit to a paediatrician at a hospital outpatient clinic or at a community health centre does not cost you anything.

A private paediatrician's fees will vary and there is usually some cost to you, usually called 'out-of-pocket expenses'. When you make the appointment, you can ask how much it will cost and how much you will get back from Medicare.

Making the most of your visit

Before you go and see the paediatrician take some time to prepare.

Write down the reason for your visit and your concerns.

Write down all the questions you want to ask.

Make a list of any medications your child is taking, including complementary or alternative therapies. Include the dose (how much medicine) and how often your child takes it.

If you have a baby, take their health record booklet, which includes information from their Maternal and Child Health checks.

During your visit:

Write down anything that is important or that you might forget.

Ask questions if you don't understand anything the paediatrician says.

After your visit, your paediatrician will often send a letter back to your GP outlining their plans for the management of your child.

Key points to remember

If you think your child needs to see a paediatrician, visit your GP first and discuss your concerns with them.

You can see a paediatrician as a public or private patient.

To make the most of your visit to the paediatrician, write down any questions you may have.