6 ways to build a gp patient base

Medipeople • September 7, 2017

6 Ways to Build a GP Patient Base

Starting at a new practice with no patients can be daunting, especially if you’re relying on the practice to send patients your way. Unless the practice has lots of new walk-ins or is short of GPs it could be a slow process to build a GP patient base. And then you might find yourself on the phone to a recruiter like us to find you a new practice. Here are 6 ways to build a GP patient base fast and keep you in that great job. Feel free to also check out our GP Guide for Working in Australia!

1. HAVE A SPECIAL INTEREST

GP’s who have a special interest such as aged care, mental health, obstetrics, etc. and develop their skills in this area, have a greater chance to build a patient base fast. Qualify this special interest as your subspecialty and you will be the go-to GP in the practice. The practice will channel these patients your way, and your colleagues will ask your opinion and refer patients to you. This is an excellent way to build a GP patient base and a great way to increase job satisfaction.

2. CONTACT YOUR PATIENTS

You deal with all aspects of your patient’s wellbeing so you’re their trusted health adviser. Why not give your patients a call and follow up on specialists results, blood tests, etc. Many GP’s simply don’t do this. For one this is good practice as reports do sometimes slip thought the cracks, and also gives you the opportunity to build a true doctor patient relationship. By personally following up your patients, you offer tremendous value and they will have all their friends and family come to see you.

3. WORD OF MOUTH

As mentioned above, giving an excellent service will create tremendous value and boost your referrals quicker than you can say “no more appointments please”. Excellent service means taking the time to thoroughly examine, diagnose, and implement effective treatment. Good communication with your patients is paramount, showing that you care and following up post consultation will have your patients talking about you with everyone. Word of mouth is one of the most effective ways to build a GP patient base fast.

4. BECOME AN ACTIVE COUNCIL MEMBER

Your local council is one of the strongest referral networks available. Being known in your local community is an excellent way to network and promote your services. Request to write a health related topic in the council newsletter or offer to speak at related meetings. Being known as the local GP offering expert advice is an excellent way to advertise your services and get referrals fast.

5. JOIN A SPORT OR RECREATIONAL GROUP

Are you part of a sporting or recreation group? If not, you should be! This is good for your health and wellbeing and another great opportunity to meet likeminded people away from work. As you will be known as “the doctor” around the place, members will ask you for advice about their injuries and illnesses. This shouldn’t be seen as a negative but a golden opportunity for you to invite them to see you at your practice. Who said you can’t mix business with pleasure!

6. GET ONLINE

Don’t be shy? Show the world who you are. Create a professional profile on LinkedIn or your practice website, so patients can see your background and experience. Also don’t be afraid to add any interests or hobbies you may have. This shows you are human. Today’s patients often search through Google to find a new GP in their area. In the search results, you will often find practice reviews and comments below about the GP’s. Great comments about you builds credibility and equals more referrals. And that’s exactly what you want to build a GP patient base. Make sure the comments you receive are great. Read 10 Winning Habits Successful Doctors Have in Common, follow the best practice guidelines and your reviews will be “thumbs up” all the way!

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER TO BUILD A GP PATIENT BASE FAST

The best way to build a GP patient base fast is to set yourself apart from your colleagues. A small difference in your field of interest and skills will stage you as the expert GP in your area. Your practice colleagues will channel patients your way. Your community groups are another excellent way of broadening your network and having fun at the same time. A personal call to your patients as a follow-up will set you apart from most of your colleagues. This is good practice and builds solid long lasting relationships with your patients who will have their friends and family from all over coming to see you.

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Fast-Track Pathway for UK Psychiatrists to Work in Australia

March 13, 2025

UK-based psychiatrists now have an exciting opportunity to fast-track their career in Australia through a new Expedited Specialist Pathway, designed to reduce barriers and help internationally trained specialists transition seamlessly into the Australian healthcare system. Medipeople is on hand to secure your job in Australia and guide you through the registration, visa and relocation process. From 23 December 2024, psychiatrists with UK qualifications will be able to apply directly for specialist registration with Ahpra (the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) and the Medical Board of Australia, enabling them to begin practicing sooner and contribute their expertise to Australian patients. Eligibility for Psychiatrists UK psychiatrists are eligible if they hold the following qualifications: Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Psychiatry Awarded under an approved RCPsych curriculum (from August 2007 onwards) after satisfactory completion of a GMC- or Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board-approved psychiatry training program in the UK. This pathway allows highly skilled psychiatrists to transition quickly into Australia's healthcare workforce, ensuring access to critical mental health services for patients across the country. Why Consider Australia? Australia offers: A world-class healthcare system with excellent professional development opportunities. Competitive remuneration packages and benefits. The chance to live and work in vibrant cities or picturesque regional areas, with a lifestyle renowned for its balance of work, leisure, and outdoor living. The Application Process The Expedited Specialist Pathway builds on the success of the October launch for general practitioners, which saw 96 UK-based GPs apply within two months, with 80% of applicants already progressing through the system. Similar efficiency is anticipated for psychiatrists, making this pathway a reliable and attractive option. What’s Next? The Expedited Specialist Pathway will soon expand to include other specialties such as general medicine, general paediatrics, and diagnostic radiology, providing more opportunities for UK specialists to join the Australian medical workforce. This initiative reflects the commitment to making it easier for professionals from comparable healthcare systems, such as the UK, to relocate and practice in Australia. Start your journey today and be part of a healthcare system that values your expertise. Applications open 23 December 2024.

Updated: Fast-Track AHPRA Registration for General Practitioners

By Chris Tsolakis • March 5, 2025

AHPRA has launched the Fast-Track Specialist Pathway , providing a streamlined process for internationally qualified GPs and other medical specialists to obtain specialist registration in Australia. This new pathway is significantly faster and more cost-effective than traditional routes, reducing the time to start practicing in Australia from 12 months to approximately 4–6 months. At Medipeople, we are actively supporting GPs through this new process and ensuring smooth transitions into high-quality medical positions across Australia. Latest Updates March 2025 – Key Highlights & First Approvals The first successful Fast-Track application was approved in December 2024 after a two-month processing period, setting a promising precedent for future applicants. GPs must still complete visa and Medicare provider number processing before starting work. As more applications are processed, the timeline and requirements are expected to become even more efficient. Eligibility Criteria & Accepted Qualifications This pathway is currently open to GPs with qualifications from the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand, including: MRCGP + CCT (UK) – from 2007 onwards MICGP + CSCST (Ireland) – from 2009 onwards FRNZCGP (New Zealand) – from 2012 onwards Additional specialties such as anaesthetics, obstetrics, and psychiatry are expected to be added in December 2024. How the Fast-Track AHPRA Pathway Works Key Steps in the Application Process: Specialist Registration (With Conditions) – Bypass the RACGP assessment and apply directly to the Medical Board of Australia. Supervised Practice (6 Months) – Includes orientation, cultural safety training, and workplace-based assessments. Workplace-Based Assessments – Supervision reports required at 3 and 6 months. Full Specialist Registration – Following completion of supervised practice and assessments. Processing Timeframe: AHPRA assessment: 6–8 weeks Overall process (including AMC, EPIC, visa & Medicare): 4–6 months This is a significant improvement over the traditional RACGP PEP Specialist Pathway, which takes 9–12 months. Key Considerations for GPs Supervision & Job Requirements You must secure a job offer before submitting your application. A supervisor must be nominated by your employer as part of the process. The supervised practice plan is more detailed than traditional pathways, requiring specific training activities. Does This Avoid the 10-Year Moratorium? No, GPs on this pathway must work in a DPA area or secure a 19AB exemption. Exception: New Zealand medical graduates who were citizens or permanent residents on the first day of medical school are exempt from the moratorium. Next Steps: How Medipeople Can Help At Medipeople, we specialise in assisting UK, Irish, and NZ-trained GPs with navigating the Fast-Track AHPRA Pathway, securing roles in trusted, high-net-worth practices across Australia. We provide expert guidance on the AHPRA, visa, and Medicare process. We match you with top-tier GP roles in sought-after locations. We ensure seamless supervision arrangements with practices that support international GPs. Get Started Today! To find out more about how Medipeople can help you secure a fast-tracked GP role in Australia, get in touch today!