Privacy and cost: seeing a GP about drinking

How much does it cost to see a GP about drinking?

The same as any other GP visit at that practice. Medicare pays a rebate, and if the practice bulk bills, you pay nothing.

Since 1 November 2025, bulk billing incentives apply to every Medicare-eligible patient for GP visits, and some practices now bulk bill everyone. Others charge a gap fee on top of the rebate. Ask the practice when you book.

Longer appointments have a higher Medicare rebate and often a higher fee. A longer first visit is worth booking if you can, so there's time to talk.

Medicines on the PBS cost the standard co-payment per script, and less with a concession card. See medicines that can help.

What does other support for drinking cost?

Much of it is free, and some is partly covered by Medicare.

• Phone and online services, peer support groups and NSW public drug and alcohol services are generally free.
• Sessions with a psychologist can be partly covered by Medicare with a GP mental health treatment plan. Psychologists set their own fees, so ask about the gap.
• Private rehab and private hospital programs can be expensive. Private health insurance may cover some of it, depending on your policy.

See counselling and support for what's available.

What goes on my medical record if I talk to a GP about drinking?

Your GP writes notes, as at any visit. Those notes stay with the practice and are protected by Australian privacy law.

Your GP won't share them with your employer, family, partner or insurer without your consent. There are rare exceptions, such as a serious risk to someone's safety or a legal requirement, and your GP can explain them.

You can ask your GP what they're writing down, and you can ask for a copy of your record.

Medicare claims show the type of service, such as a standard GP consultation, not what you talked about. Some services, such as a mental health treatment plan, are listed by name.

Will it show up in My Health Record?

Only documents that are uploaded show up, and you control who can see them. Your GP's consultation notes aren't uploaded; things like a health summary, test results or prescriptions can be.

• Ask your GP not to upload a particular document.
• Restrict a document, or your whole record, with an access code, so only providers you give the code to can see it.
• Hide a document, which you can undo later, or remove it permanently.
• Check the access history to see which organisations have looked at your record.

In an emergency, providers can override access codes, but they still can't see documents you've hidden or removed. You can manage all of this through myGov, or by calling the My Health Record help line on 1800 723 471.

Will seeing a GP about drinking affect my insurance?

Not your private health insurance. In Australia, health insurers can't charge you more or refuse cover because of your health or a GP visit.

Life, income protection and similar insurance are different. When you apply, insurers ask about your health and you need to answer honestly. They can only get your medical records with your consent. If you have questions, talk to your GP or the insurer before you apply.

What does the booking say?

When you book through Satchel, the booking says GP appointment. It doesn't say what it's for, and you don't need to tell reception the reason.

Your bank statement and Medicare records show a GP visit, the same as any other. This is general information, so ask your practice if you have questions about how they handle your details.