Women's health in South Morang

What women's health care do you offer?

Book a private appointment for any of the following, or for any other health concern you'd like to raise. Your GP arranges scans, tests and referrals to other doctors when you need them.

• Cervical screening, including the option of taking your own sample
• Advice on contraception and family planning
• A health check before you try for a baby
• Care during pregnancy
• Help with perimenopause and menopause
• Period problems, pelvic pain and breast changes
• Blood tests with Dorevitch Pathology on site, no appointment needed

Which health checks are recommended at my age?

What you need shifts as you get older. The table shows the main checks for women, and your GP can adjust them for your own health and family history.

Who needs cervical screening, and how often?

Screening every 5 years is recommended if you're aged 25 to 74, have a cervix and have ever been sexually active, provided your previous result showed no human papillomavirus (HPV). The test checks for HPV.

You still need screening if you've had the HPV vaccine, because it doesn't protect against all HPV types. Once you're 75, talk with your GP about whether to keep screening.

Can I collect my own sample?

Most people can choose to do a vaginal swab themselves, in private. Self-collection isn't advised if you have symptoms such as unusual bleeding, pain or discharge, so your GP will help you decide which option suits you.

Booking your screening test

Mention cervical screening when you book so the right amount of time is set aside. The test, or the self-collection instructions, happen with your GP in a private room.

Can I get contraception and family planning advice here?

Yes. Your GP can go through the different types of contraception, how they work and how long each lasts, and help you find one that suits you. Your GP can write a prescription if you need one. It's also a good place to talk about plans for a family or questions about fertility.

Contraceptive implants and IUDs

Insertion and removal of implants and IUDs at Lakes Boulevard: [To be confirmed: whether Lakes Boulevard inserts and removes contraceptive implants and IUDs, which doctors do it, and the fee]. Procedures like these have an out-of-pocket fee, and you're told the cost before you agree.

Can I see a GP before and during pregnancy?

Yes. If you're hoping to get pregnant, a visit beforehand lets your GP check your general health, review your medicines and make sure your vaccinations are up to date.

When you're pregnant, your GP can confirm the pregnancy, organise early tests and write the referral you need to book in at the hospital where you plan to give birth. Whether shared antenatal care with the hospital is available here: [To be confirmed: whether Lakes Boulevard GPs offer shared antenatal care, and which GPs].

Medicare doesn't cover every pregnancy screening test. Your GP explains what each one checks for, and any cost, so you can decide.

Can a GP help with perimenopause and menopause?

Yes. Your GP can talk through symptoms such as hot flushes, poor sleep, mood changes and periods that are changing, and explain the treatment options with their benefits and risks, so you can choose what's right for you.

GPs with an interest in menopause: [To be confirmed: which GPs have an interest in menopause care].

The Medicare menopause health assessment

From July 2025, Medicare funds a perimenopause and menopause health assessment, which is a longer GP appointment of at least 20 minutes. Bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients. Let reception know that's what you're booking, so there's enough time.

When should I see a GP about my periods or pelvic pain?

Book in if you have pelvic pain, or if your periods are heavy, painful, irregular or not what's normal for you, or if they're affecting your work, study or sleep. Your GP will ask about what's happening and can organise tests, treatment or a referral.

Heavy bleeding can lower your iron levels, so your GP may suggest a blood test. Dorevitch Pathology collects on site.

Do I need a breast check or a mammogram?

If you notice a change in your breasts, see your GP promptly rather than waiting for your next screen. For routine screening, BreastScreen Victoria provides a mammogram every 2 years:

• 50 to 74: an invitation arrives every 2 years.
• 40 to 49, or over 74: you won't be invited, but you can book a screen every 2 years.

Your GP can help you decide when screening is right for you.

What happens at a women's health appointment?

You see your GP privately. Ask for a longer appointment if you need screening or have several things to discuss.

1. Book. Book online or ring reception, and say what the appointment is for so enough time is allowed.
2. Choose your doctor. You can book with any of our GPs. See our doctors below.
3. Talk it through. Your GP asks about your concerns, your history and the medicines you take.
4. An examination or screening, if needed. This happens in private, you can decline any part of it, and you can bring a support person.
5. Next steps. For a blood test, Dorevitch Pathology collects on site (Mon to Fri 8:00am to 3:00pm, Sat 8:30am to 12:00pm). Your GP explains any treatment, referral or follow-up, and scripts can be filled at Lakes Boulevard Medical Pharmacy in the building.

What should I bring?

• Your Medicare card
• A list of your medicines, including the pill or any hormone treatment
• The date of your last cervical screening test, if you know it
• The date your last period started
• Your questions and symptoms, jotted down so you don't forget any

Is a women's health appointment bulk billed?

Bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients. Some procedures have an out-of-pocket fee. Without a valid Medicare card, the full fee applies.

If contraceptive implant or IUD procedures are offered, they have an out-of-pocket fee: [To be confirmed: implant and IUD procedure fees at Lakes Boulevard]. Dorevitch Pathology charges its own fee for any test Medicare doesn't cover.

How bulk billing works here →