Booking with a new GP can feel like a hassle. The good news is that registering as a new patient at Metta Medical Centre in Karrinyup is straightforward — and a small amount of prep means your first consultation can focus on you, not paperwork.
This is the checklist our reception team uses to onboard new patients, so you arrive ready.
The Metta Medical new-patient checklist
Bring with you
- ✅ Medicare card — physical card or the Medicare app on your phone
- ✅ Photo ID — driver’s licence, passport, or proof-of-age card
- ✅ Concession card or pension card — if you have one (for reduced-fee eligibility)
- ✅ Private health insurance details — if you intend to use them for any procedures
- ✅ List of current medications — name, dose, and how often you take each one
- ✅ List of allergies — including reactions (rash, swelling, anaphylaxis, etc.)
- ✅ Recent specialist letters — last 12 months, especially for chronic conditions
- ✅ Recent pathology results — blood tests, imaging, scans (last 12 months)
- ✅ Vaccination record — especially if you have a child under 5 or are in a high-risk occupation
Helpful but not essential
- 📋 Your previous GP’s contact details (so we can request a transfer of records)
- 📋 A summary of any chronic conditions and how they have been managed
- 📋 Any reports from allied health (psychology, physiotherapy, dietetics) you’ve seen recently
Arrive 10 minutes early
We ask new patients to arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment. This gives reception time to:
- Register you in our system
- Scan your Medicare card and ID
- Complete the new-patient registration form
- Confirm your billing preferences
If you arrive on time you’ll lose some of your consult to admin — better to use that time with the doctor.
What happens at your first appointment?
Your first GP visit at Metta usually runs longer than a follow-up. Plan for 20-30 minutes.
Your GP will:
- Review your medical history (conditions, surgeries, family history)
- Review medications and allergies
- Discuss whatever is bringing you in today
- Examine you if needed
- Order tests, write prescriptions, or make referrals as required
- Book any follow-up
If you have multiple things you want to talk about, book a long consultation so there’s enough time for all of them. Standard consults are 15 minutes; long are 30.
Transferring records from your previous GP
If you’d like us to request your medical history from your previous GP, ask reception for a records transfer form. We send the request directly to your old practice — they typically reply within 1-2 weeks, sometimes longer. Records can come as a paper printout or as a secure electronic transfer.
You don’t need your full prior history at your first appointment. Most patients just bring a list of current medications and any specialist letters from the past year.
Costs and billing on your first visit
Metta Medical Centre is a mixed-billing practice. Most appointments are privately billed, with bulk billing or reduced fees available for:
- Children under 16
- Concession and pension card holders (varies by GP)
- Some procedures and care plans
Our standard fees:
- Standard consultation — $115 ($100 children/concession)
- Long consultation — $185-$350
- Telehealth short — $65
- Telehealth standard — $115
You can find full fee details on our Fees & Billing page, or ask reception when you book.
Booking your first appointment
The fastest way to book is via HotDoc online booking or by phoning reception on 08 6184 9885. New patients are welcome with all our GPs — choose any doctor with availability.
Note: Dr Lucinda Townsley asks new patients to phone reception rather than book online, so reception can match you with the most appropriate appointment length.
Frequently asked questions
Can I register as a new patient at Metta Medical?
Yes — Metta Medical Centre welcomes new patients. Bring your Medicare card and photo ID to your first appointment, and arrive 10 minutes early so reception can complete your registration.
Do I need to transfer my medical records to Metta Medical before my first visit?
No — most patients just bring a list of current medications and any recent specialist letters. If you’d like a full records transfer from your previous GP, ask reception for a transfer form at your first appointment.
How long is a first GP appointment at Metta Medical?
Plan for 20-30 minutes. If you have multiple issues to discuss, book a long consultation rather than a standard one.
Does Metta Medical bulk bill new patients?
Some appointments are bulk billed (children, concession card holders, certain procedures), but most are privately billed. Standard fees start at $115. See our Fees & Billing page or ask reception for current fees.
Can a new patient book online at Metta Medical?
Yes — new-patient online booking is available via HotDoc for most of our GPs. Dr Lucinda Townsley asks new patients to phone reception (08 6184 9885) directly.