If you have any kind of health issue, a doctor at your local medical centre is usually the first place to go for help. If you live on the Central Coast, there are a number of practitioners and medical centres to choose from.
Teams of doctors working in medical centres are able to see patients with varying degrees of health problems. Medical centres usually have both male and female GPs who specialise in different aspects of care. One doctor at the centre may specialise in skin checks, while another may focus on women’s health.
Central Coast medical centres are also home to nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, podiatrists and dieticians. These centres may also offer emergency medical care, vaccinations, antenatal care, skin cancer clinics, chronic disease management, women’s and men’s health programs, acupuncture, mental health care plans and counselling.
Vaccines available at your local medical centre include whooping cough, flu, measles-mumps-rubella, chickenpox, pneumonia, cervical cancer, pneumococcal disease, tetanus, diphtheria and human papillomavirus.
Antenatal care refers to regular check-ups by your doctor or midwife throughout the pregnancy. If you suspect you are pregnant you will be able to confirm it at a medical centre and be supported throughout the pregnancy.
The Central Coast, and Australia, has a high rate of skin cancer. Skin cancer clinics can help save lives. They provide efficient and accessible skin cancer detection and treatment options, as well as affordable surgery.
Managing chronic disease in children and adults is one of the most important jobs of a local GP. Chronic diseases are conditions which last more than six months and affect your quality of life. Some chronic conditions include, allergies, asthma, cancer, chronic pain, diabetes and kidney disease.
Women’s health covers a broad spectrum of care including menstruation, contraception, sexual health, teen health, breast care, fertility, pregnancy, postnatal, iron infusions, cervical health and menopause and more, and is one of the most common services provided by local medical centres.
Doctors also highly recommend men’s health programs. Men have a shorter life expectancy than women and tend to make visits to the doctor less often. Common types of serious illnesses which affect men include, lung, prostate, blood and bowel cancers, cardiovascular and Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and drug and alcohol issues.
Some medical centres also offer acupuncture. Acupuncture can stimulate the body’s normal function and healing process and is used to help reduce the severity of conditions, from menopause and anxiety to frozen shoulder and fibromyalgia.
Your doctor can also arrange mental health care plans. These patients are entitled to Medicare rebates for several appointments with allied mental health services. Many medical centres employ psychologists who are qualified to care for people struggling with depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.
Call a Central Coast medical centre and arrange an appointment for a general health check today.