The quick answer
- Urgent care is for suitable problems that need attention today but are not life-threatening.
- Hospital emergency care is for serious or complex conditions, while a regular GP manages routine and ongoing care.
- Fast Track is a private walk-in clinic, not a government Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.
Urgent care is designed for health problems that need attention today but do not appear life-threatening. It sits between routine GP care and hospital emergency care. The right choice still depends on the person, the symptoms and how quickly the situation is changing.
Start with how serious it may be
000 or hospital emergency
For life-threatening warning signs, major trauma, severe illness or care that may need hospital monitoring, surgery or admission.
Urgent care
For suitable non-life-threatening injuries and sudden illnesses that need same-day clinical assessment.
Your regular GP
For ongoing conditions, preventive care, prescriptions, referrals and problems that can safely wait for an appointment.
What urgent care can assess
Examples may include sprains, selected suspected fractures, cuts, minor burns, fever, vomiting, respiratory symptoms, rashes and infections. A list of conditions is not a diagnosis or a promise that a clinic is suitable. The clinician assesses urgency and decides what can be safely managed on site.
At Fast Track, imaging and pathology are available on site, as clinically required. Availability can vary. Your clinician will explain your care plan, including any hospital, specialist or GP follow-up you need.
Why this level of care exists
A person may need help today even when the situation does not seem life-threatening. Urgent care gives that person another care option without presenting itself as a substitute for emergency services or ongoing general practice.
Fast Track accepts walk-ins from 8am to 8pm, seven days. No urgent care appointment is needed. This practical access may help when a suitable problem cannot wait for a routine appointment.
Private urgent care and Medicare UCCs are different
Fast Track is a private-billing clinic and consultation gap fees apply. It is not a government Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. Australian Government Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are a separate program and are bulk billed. See Fast Track fees and Medicare information before visiting.
A quick decision check
- If it may be life-threatening, call 000.
- If it is serious or complex, hospital emergency care may be safer.
- If it needs care today and is not life-threatening, urgent care may be suitable.
- If it is routine or ongoing, your regular GP is usually the right starting point.
Still unsure where to go?
Call Fast Track on (07) 2113 8660. The clinic team can explain whether to walk in, see a GP or seek hospital care. Call 000 for a life-threatening emergency.
Could Fast Track be suitable today?
Fast Track can assess and treat non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses. Walk in from 8am to 8pm, Mon to Sun. Our experienced clinicians will assess and tailor a care plan for you.