Being an outpatient
You’re an outpatient if you come to hospital for an appointment or a minor procedure but you aren’t admitted.
At your appointment you may see a specialist or other healthcare professionals.
Your appointment is free if you’re a public patient and have a Medicare card. You'll need to bring your card to each appointment.
Find out more about health costs, private insurance and support.
Getting an appointment
You need an appointment to visit an outpatient clinic.
The first step is to get a referral from your GP. If your GP thinks you should see a specialist, they'll send a referral to the hospital.
All referrals go in order based on how urgent each patient's condition is. You'll go on a waiting list with other patients who need to see a specialist.
The outpatient clinic will assess your referral and book an appointment for you. We'll let you know about your appointment by letter, phone or text message (SMS).
Tell us if you change your phone number or address.
Changing your appointment
If you can't go to your appointment, please tell us as soon as possible. Either call the phone number on your appointment letter or appointment SMS.
Support for your appointment
If you need to travel more than 50 km for your appointment you may be eligible for the Queensland Government's Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme.
If you need an interpreter for your appointment, we'll book one for you.
You can also talk to one of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Hospital Liaison officers.
What to bring
On the day of your appointment please bring:
- your appointment letter
- your Medicare card
- concession cards such as Health Care Card or Veteran Card
- any test results, reports and medical scans such as x-rays, bone scans or ultrasounds
- your GP's contact details
- a list of medicines you’re taking
- something to do while you wait.
Your appointment
Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment and let reception staff know you're here. They’ll check your details and ask to see your Medicare or pension card.
We do our best to stay on time, but delays can happen. Please tell us if you can’t wait for your appointment.
There may be other medical staff in the room when you see the doctor, including medical and nursing students. Your doctor will introduce them and ask if you’re willing to let them observe.
You can ask your doctor questions during your appointment. If you don't understand something, ask the doctor to explain it again.
After your appointment
Check out with our reception staff after your appointment. If you need another appointment, we'll book it for you.
Remember to speak to your GP about the appointment. If you saw a specialist, they should report back to your GP with your results, diagnosis or treatment.