Medicare Urgent Care Clinic Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
A Medicare Urgent Care Clinic provides free, walk-in care for non-life-threatening urgent medical conditions. It's an alternative to hospital emergency departments for people who need immediate attention but not emergency-level care.
Urgent care is when you need medical attention for an illness or injury that can be managed without a trip to the emergency department but cannot wait for a regular appointment with a GP. You can visit a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic for things like minor fractures, sprains, minor infections, respiratory illnesses, mild burns, severe stomach pains, or urinary tract infections.
Emergency care or life-threatening illnesses or injuries require immediate medical attention by an emergency department or hospital. This includes things like chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe burns, poisoning, loss of feeling, and seizures. If you or a loved one has a life-threatening injury or illness, do not attend a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. Call Triple Zero (000) or go to the Southern Fleurieu Health Service.
Your local GP is your first point of contact for non-urgent, routine, and preventative health care. This includes diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases and illnesses, general screening and health checks, vaccinations and prescriptions, mental health advice, family planning advice, and referrals for tests, scans, or specialist care. For more information, visit health.gov.au/MedicareUCC.
No. The clinic is walk-in only.
When you arrive, you will be assessed by a triage nurse to determine how urgently you need care. Patients are seen in order of clinical urgency, not arrival time.
During busy periods, the clinic may reach full capacity. If this happens, you will be advised of alternative care options, such as nearby after-hours GPs or hospital emergency departments. Staff will also guide you on what to do next to ensure you receive safe and timely care.
The clinic is available to people with a valid Australian Medicare card.
We are not able to provide services to overseas visitors or those without Medicare.
Services Provided
We provide care for a wide range of non-life-threatening conditions, including:
- Minor fractures and sprains
- Cuts, wounds, and minor burns
- Mild asthma symptoms
- Infections (ear, eye, skin, urinary tract)
- Vomiting, diarrhoea, and dehydration
- Fevers, rashes, and flu-like symptoms
If you're experiencing a life-threatening condition such as chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, or major trauma, call Triple Zero (000) or go directly to the nearest hospital emergency department.
No. The clinic does not offer vaccinations. Please contact your GP or pharmacist.
On arrival, you will be assessed by a triage nurse who will quickly evaluate your condition to determine how urgently you need to be seen. Patients are then seen in order of clinical urgency, not arrival time.
Wait times vary depending on how busy the clinic is and the urgency of other patients’ conditions. We aim to keep wait times as short as possible and will keep you informed while you wait.
Please speak to the reception team before leaving. Depending on your condition, you may be asked to wait or advised of next steps. If you leave without being seen, you may need to be re-triaged on return.
During busy periods, the clinic may reach full capacity. When this happens:
- We may be unable to accept new patients for the remainder of the day.
- You will be advised of alternative care options, such as nearby after-hours GPs or hospital emergency departments, depending on your condition.
- We appreciate your understanding as we prioritise safe and timely care for all patients.
- We recommend arriving earlier in the day where possible, especially on weekends and public holidays when demand is higher.
After Your Visit
Yes. Follow-up care should always be arranged with your regular GP. A discharge summary, along with any test results requested by the Medicare UCC, will be sent directly to your GP to support your ongoing care.
No. The Medicare UCC is designed for immediate, short-term care only. We do not manage chronic or ongoing conditions. For long-term health needs, please see your GP.
Clinic Access
Please bring:
- A valid Medicare card
- Any relevant medical history or medication list
- Photo ID, if available
We are open 7 days, 8am – 6pm
65 Ocean Street, Victor Harbor, South Australia
Need More Information?
For more details, please:
- Call us at: 08 7544 8338
- Or come in during opening hours. No appointment needed.
