Medicare Urgent Care Clinics Provide More Care Than You Think

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics Provide More Care Than You Think

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) provide quick, convenient medical care for a wide range of health problems, ones that are not a life-threatening emergency.
Common Urgent Conditions that can be treated at Medicare Urgent Care Clinics include:
• minor infections, cuts and wounds
• minor fractures, sprains, sports injuries and neck and back pain
• urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• insect bites and rashes
• minor eye and ear problems
• respiratory illness
• gastroenteritis
• mild burns

Testing and Treatment for STIs

From 1 December 2025, Medicare Urgent Care Clinics can also provide testing and treatment for sexually transmissible infections (STIs) such as syphilis and other STIs when they have symptoms such as:
• sores or ulcers
• skin rashes
• unusual discharge
• pain or burning when urinating
• other symptoms that may suggest an STI
Testing and treatments are also available for people with risk factors who need urgent testing and/or treatment.

If pregnant, clinics may also offer opportunistic syphilis testing, which helps protect both the mother and the baby.
Please remember that many people with an STI do not show any symptoms and you should go to your regular GP for testing if you are sexually active. These tests are recommended once a year or when you change sexual partners.
Early testing and treatment help prevent complications and reduces the spread of infection in the community.
HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

PEP is a short course of medication that can prevent HIV infection after possible exposure.
PEP must be started as soon as possible and within 72 hours (3 days) of exposure.

Possible situations where PEP may be needed include:
• condom breakage during sex with someone who may have HIV
• sharing injecting equipment with someone who may have HIV
• other possible exposure to blood infected with HIV
Previously, people could usually access PEP only through hospital emergency departments, sexual health clinics, or some GPs can prescribe HIV medication. Some Urgent Care Clinics enable people to access PEP quickly, which is important because the medicine works best when started as early as possible.

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are:
• Bulk billed – you do not pay for the visit
• Walk-in – you do not need an appointment
• Open long hours – usually 14 hours a day, every day, including public holidays
To find your nearest clinic, visit: health.gov.au/MedicareUCC
Translated information can be accessed at www.health.gov.au/find-a-medicare-ucc/translated-resources

Please visit our webpage at www.eccq.com.au/bbv or call one of our team members who can assist you in your preferred language.