Family of 3

On my to do list is to go for one of these before we leave (in less than 3 weeks), but there's still so much to do that I'm thinking I might not get round to it.

Is it easy to arrange this yourself in Oz i.e. not have to get a GP's referral etc? I'll be in Perth, NOR.

HelenTD

I would be inclined to have it done in UK before you leave, depending on what sort of screening it involves. If it involved something like a pap smear, I think I'd rather have it done in more familiar surroundings. If it just involves various blood tests, then it's not so embarrassing.

I haven't come across "well women checks" at any of the GP surgeries that I've been too, it's more a case of telling the doctor what you're worried about, then they'll arrange the test (or not, if they think it's unnecessary). You only need a referral if you need to see a specialist doctor (consultant). There there are several health plans available for more chronic conditions, but the GP does the plan.

There are huge variations on the cost of accessing GP services. Some surgeries bulk-bill, which means you pay nothing, depending on your visa status to get access to Medicare for this. Others charge you the full amount, then arrange for the Medicare rebate to be refunded to you later. With some, you pay the full amount and arrange the rebate yourself by going into Medicare with the receipt. Note: you do not necessarily get the whole amount back (and sometimes nothing at all).

It can be very hard to get an appointment with a GP, might involve waiting a week, but this varies from one surgery to another. Also, a lot of surgeries do not bulk-bill, so you pay the full amount after you've seen the doctor. For something quick, a standard appointment might cost up to $90. If it's something more complicated, and setting up health screening might fall into this category, you might need a long appointment, so double the normal fee. If you have a few health issues, or have children, it's a hell of a lot cheaper to go to a bulk-billing practice, but a lot of people try to do this and it can be hard to get on the books as there is a maximum amount of patients they're allowed to have.

In short, probably get done there, and bring the results with you.

irishbloo

I havent seen a general wel woman clinic here.I get smears test done at my doctors,breast scan at the clinic and mole testing done at the molescan clinic.With two nearly teenagers I just need to find somewhere to have my nerves tested.In the meantime I will rely on sparkling wine.

Family of 3

I'm in Singapore.

Nothing to "worry" about, just like to have all the bits checked once a year.

I guess easier to do it here then, since I know where to go.

Wendy

Yes, have it done there if you can then you have lots of time to figure out where to go here.

I have a lovely woman doctor who is a specialist in womens health, so I don't really have a problem getting these things done. It did take me a good year to find her though.

Dorothy

Why get it done there? If anything shows up on your results are you going to stay in Singapore to have treatment? I think it makes a lot more sense to do it once you get here and have settled in a bit. I'm not sure about other posters, but my GP asks me and keeps track of all my checks and reminds me when they're due.

Not for you, but HelenTD...Why would you find a pap smear embarrassing? It's not as if the doctor has never seen a woman's genitals before; yours are not that unique! If you have daughters I would hope you don't pass on the message that having a doctor examine them is something to be embarrassed or ashamed of.

Family of 3

True. I'm used to paying for this stuff here, so is there a private clinic NOR I can just call and book an appointment?

Dorothy

You see the GP for your smears, breast exam, annual physical. If you find a bulk billing practice you don't pay anything. When you get here I'll give you the contact details of my GP's practice. They bulk bill children and their gap payment is very reasonable.

jad n rich

Also look for womens health centres.

Usually a group of women GP's who work one or two days a week on a bulk bill or low fee basis, doing breast checks, paps, contraception, termination advice, teen sex health etc. Here, qld, the local one is in mooloolaba its bulk bill plus a $5 donation. If its anything serious they know the best specialists, pathology to refer you to, ie least wait time, pathology lab that might bulk bill some tests etc, very useful knowledge that may save you heaps on time, costs.

HelenTD

Lots of women find Pap smears and breast checks embarrassing and lots of women request female doctors for this reason. Lots of women don't have these screening procedures done because it's embarrassing and uncomfortable. Women die because they don't go and have these checks done. I'm not saying that I find the procedures unpleasnt or embarrassing, but many women do. Of course I talk to my children about having a doctor or other health professionals check them, why on earth would you think otherwise?

Dorothy

Because your post eluded to your finding a smear embarrassing is why.

HelenTD

There are lots of links on this subject, here's just one:

http://news.smh.com.au/national/wome...0910-4dfw.html

kitty4

Where in Mooloolaba is this womens health centre?

rozellem

When I got to Sydney I googled family planning and found a free centre that did paps smears, contraception and all sorts of womens issues. Was happy with them. For some reason they are not as wide spread as in the UK. I must say this place was a bit of a trek for me in a less well off area with lots of immigrants. The staff were brilliant and I would go there again.

jad n rich

North Coast Womens health centre
166 Brisbane Road Mooloolaba - if you know the area its really the bundilla end next to the Pharmacy, the big blockbuster video store is just about opposite side of road. I will PM you the number too.