A lot of people put off a sexual health check simply because they don’t know what the appointment involves. Once you understand the process, it’s usually far less daunting than the mental picture. Here’s what actually happens at Clinicare Fitzroy, from the moment you walk in to follow up care after your results.
Who conducts the appointment?
All GPs at Clinicare are trained to provide sexual health consultations, so you’re not being referred to a separate specialist or waiting for a dedicated clinic day. The appointment is a standard GP consult, conducted privately, with the same confidentiality obligations that apply to every other health matter. Clinicare has been providing care in Fitzroy since 1992, and the team’s approach is designed to be safe, inclusive, and free from stigma and discrimination.
It’s also worth knowing upfront that Clinicare is a private billing practice, which means there is an out of pocket cost for consultations. Details about fees are available on the clinic website so you can plan ahead before you book.
The initial consultation: what you’ll be asked
The appointment begins with a private conversation about your concerns and medical history. Your GP will ask about recent sexual activity, any symptoms you’ve noticed, and your contraception situation if relevant. This isn’t an interrogation; it’s how the GP decides which tests are appropriate for your circumstances rather than running a blanket panel on every patient.
Clinicare describes this opening stage as an initial assessment where the GP works to understand your concerns before recommending anything. You won’t be handed a form and left alone with it. If you’re unsure what to share, just tell the GP what prompted the visit and let the conversation develop from there.
Which tests are involved?
Testing varies depending on your history and the GP’s assessment, but Clinicare’s sexual health service covers STI checks for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis, as well as hepatitis A and B vaccinations if needed. For women, routine cervical screening tests are included in the scope of a sexual health check. Prostate and breast cancer screenings are also available within this service.
Practically, STI testing typically involves a combination of a urine sample, a blood draw, and sometimes a swab, depending on the infections being tested for and your history. The specific combination is decided in the consult, not predetermined. Onsite pathology and blood collection is available at Clinicare during your appointment through the clinic’s partners at 4cyte Pathology, so you don’t need to travel to a separate collection centre.
Can I ask about PrEP, contraception, or vaccinations at the same appointment?
Yes, and many patients do. Clinicare offers PrEP advice for HIV prevention, contraception options including IUDs and Implanon, and hepatitis A and B vaccinations, all within the sexual health service. Covering multiple concerns in a single visit is straightforward; mention at the start of the appointment what you’d like to discuss so the GP can plan accordingly.
What happens after the tests are done?
Once samples have been collected, they are processed through 4cyte Pathology. The pathology provider’s own turnaround times will determine when results are available; your GP can give you a realistic expectation at the time of your appointment. Because pathology is onsite, the GP receives results directly rather than having you chase them through a third party.
If a result requires treatment or further conversation, Clinicare’s process includes personalised treatment plans for managing STIs, contraception, and overall sexual health. Follow up support and, where necessary, collaborative care with specialists are part of the model. You won’t receive a result without context or next steps.
How is confidentiality handled?
Your sexual health records are subject to the same privacy protections as any other medical record. Clinicare’s stated position is that all patient information is handled with the utmost discretion. The practice also notes that email is unencrypted and not preferred for confidential health information; direct phone contact or booking through the clinic is the right channel if you have sensitive questions before your appointment.
Reception at the Fitzroy clinic on Smith Street can be reached on (03) 9417 3377 during business hours. If you’d prefer not to discuss anything on the phone, booking online and raising the topic with your GP directly in the consult is a perfectly reasonable approach.
Is Clinicare suitable for LGBTQI+ patients?
Clinicare explicitly lists LGBTQI+ support as part of its sexual health services. The practice’s stated commitment is to ensure everyone receives care that is safe, inclusive, and free from stigma and discrimination. Inclusive care is built into the service description, and the clinic has been part of Fitzroy’s inner north community for over 30 years.
If you have specific concerns about how your care will be approached, it’s reasonable to mention them when you book so reception can note your preferences. For a full picture of the sexual health services on offer, the sexual health service page covers the scope in detail.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to prepare anything before the appointment?
No specific preparation is stated for most STI tests. It is common for GPs generally to advise patients to avoid urinating for a period beforehand if a urine sample is likely, but any instructions specific to your situation will be confirmed during the consult. Bringing a list of any current medications or supplements is always useful context for your GP.
How often should I have a sexual health check?
Annual check ups are a general recommendation, but frequency depends on individual circumstances including the number of partners, whether you’re on PrEP, and any symptoms. Your GP will advise a schedule based on your specific situation during the consultation.
Will my results go to anyone outside the clinic?
Your results are held within your patient record at Clinicare. They are not shared with anyone outside the practice without your consent. Clinicare’s contact page notes that confidential health information is only shared after receiving written consent and confirming your identity.
Where do I book a sexual health check at Clinicare Fitzroy?
The Fitzroy clinic is at 165 Smith Street, with entry on Webb Street, and is accessible by Tram 86 at Stop 17. Phone bookings go through (03) 9417 3377, Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm. Because Clinicare is a private billing practice, it’s worth checking the fees page before your first visit so there are no surprises. For a full overview of the practice, including the team and the range of services available, the Our Practice page is a good starting point.
Sources
This article draws on the following pages.
