How is a Sports Medicine Doctor different to a GP?
A Sports Medicine Doctor is usually someone who has qualified as a regular GP, and has then done significant formal training in the area of Sports Medicine. Your Sports Medicine doctor can therefore work as a GP, but they tend to do less of this and more specific practice dealing with sports injuries.

When should I see a Sports Medicine Doctor?
Your Sports Doctor can help you with most of your sporting injuries and/or sporting medical problems. You may have just sustained injury and require an accurate diagnosis, or have an overuse injury that needs to be properly managed, or an internal problem associated with your sport.

It is especially wise to start here if you think your problem may require investigation such as X-rays, scans, blood analysis, or something along these lines.

Your Sports Doctor can also be great helping to sort out a long standing problem that you are not sure what you should do with next.

Will I need to see anyone else?
Your Sports Medicine Doctor may need to refer you to any of a number of people. If your problem requires investigation you will be referred to the appropriate place or specialist, if you need a surgical opinion you may be referred to a surgeon, or you may also be referred to a physiotherapist, massage therapist, podiatrist, etc as is determined to be best for your problem.

You will however always be actively involved in this investigation and management decision-making process with your Sports Medicine Doctor.

Does Medicare cover my consultation?
Yes. Consultations receive the same level of Medicare rebate as a regular GP consultation.