What is a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic?

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) are designed to alleviate the pressure on hospitals by providing Australian families with more options to see healthcare professionals for urgent but non-life-threatening needs.  Medicare UCCs do not manage chronic disease plans or preventive health procedures like cervical screening tests. For routine and non-urgent healthcare needs, you should visit your local or regular GP.

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Do I need to pay to attend a Medicare UCC?

• Attendance at a Medicare UCC is free for urgent care needs, such as minor injuries and illnesses, including closed fractures, simple injuries, minor burns, UTIs, or ear infections.

• Bring your Medicare card or number when visiting a Medicare UCC.

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What are the opening hours for the Coffs Harbour Medicare UCCs?

• Coffs Harbour Urgent Care Clinic is open 8am - 8pm every day of the year.  Check our Google page for any updates to hours or call us directly on (02) 6602 9780.

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How do I know if my condition is urgent?

• Urgent care is needed when you require medical attention for an illness or injury that can be managed without a trip to the emergency department but cannot wait for a regular GP appointment.

• If you go to a Medicare UCC with a routine or non-urgent health condition, the clinic may refer you to a local GP or medical practice.

• If you believe you need emergency care, do not visit a Medicare UCC. Instead, call triple zero or go directly to the nearest emergency department.
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Is this a walk-in clinic? Do I need to book ahead?

Our clinic operates on an on-the-day appointment basis. Appointments become available at 8am each morning, and we predominantly use a first-come, first-served system. Once we reach our capacity for the day, we cannot safely see more patients and you may be referred to another service for your health needs. Some days, we fill up sooner than others, we suggest calling ahead on (02) 6602 9780.

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Will I need to wait on site all day to see a doctor?

On busy days, we allocate appointments to manage time effectively. This means you will not need to wait on-site to keep your position in the queue to see a doctor.