Mediclinic runs a sexual health clinic in Clayton South through the Sexual Health in Practice (SHIP) program. We are a GP Partner of the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC). Our doctors, Nurse Practitioners and nurses have received education and support from MSHC to provide sexual health assessments in a general practice setting.
Regular testing for sexually transmissible infections (STIs) is a normal part of looking after your health. Many STIs have no symptoms, so a check-up is worthwhile even if you feel well. You don’t need to travel into the city. You can get tested, treated and followed up here in south-east Melbourne.
What our sexual health clinic in Clayton offers
- Nurse assessment and GP or Nurse Practitioner consultation
- Routine check-ups for STIs
- Testing and treatment for people with STIs
- Treatment for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and genital warts
- Prescriptions for HIV PrEP and PEP (see PrEP and PEP)
- Sex worker friendly and inclusive care
We take a holistic approach that looks at your physical, social and mental health. Mediclinic is LGBTIQ+ friendly and is taking part in Thorne Harbour Health’s “All Are Welcome” pilot. You can read more on our LGBTIQ+ inclusive care page.
How a SHIP appointment works
Nurse pre-assessment
You first see one of our Practice Nurses. They take your history and ask about the reason for your visit. This helps your practitioner focus on what matters to you.
See your practitioner
Next, you see one of our doctors or Nurse Practitioners. They talk through your concerns, examine you if needed, and give you pathology referrals and any medication you need.
On-the-day pathology
Australian Clinical Labs collects pathology onsite, so in most cases your samples can be taken on the same day as your consultation.
Get your results
Results are usually back in 2–3 business days. Book a results appointment ahead of time so there’s no delay. Telephone results appointments are available.
Your practitioner will explain which tests suit you. This depends on your history, any symptoms and your sexual practices. If a test shows an infection, we’ll talk you through treatment and follow-up. We’ll also explain how to let recent partners know if they need testing too.
Booking your appointment
When you book, choose one of the SHIP (Sexual Health in Practice) appointment types so we can set aside the right time:
- Sexual Health In Practice – Face to Face – New Patient Initial Appointment. Use this for your first sexual health visit.
- Sexual Health In Practice – Face to Face – Return Patient. Use this to review results or for a prescription or referral.
- Sexual Health In Practice – TELEPHONE Results Only. Use this for a results-only phone call.
Book online at /book/ or call reception on (03) 9544 1555 and say it’s for “SHIP” or the Sexual Health Clinic. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, by appointment only.
Good to know: Your visit is confidential. If you’re new to Mediclinic, please arrive 10 minutes early to complete your registration. You can also fill in the new patient form before you arrive. See New patients.
Fees and Medicare
Since 23 January 2023, a private fee has applied to all face-to-face SHIP appointments:
- New patient initial appointment (face to face): private fee. Medicare rebate available.
- Return appointment (face to face): private fee, including ongoing complex consultations. Medicare rebate available.
- Telephone results review: bulk billed.
Fees are at your practitioner’s discretion. They depend on your history, your needs and the time taken. The same billing structure applies whether you see a GP or a Nurse Practitioner. Pay at reception after your appointment. If you bring your debit card, we can usually process your Medicare rebate on the spot. Current fees are listed on our fees page.
International students can use their OSHC card. See International students and OSHC.
More about MSHC
The Melbourne Sexual Health Centre is a public sexual health service in Carlton. It offers clinical care, education and research. For general sexual health information, visit mshc.org.au.
Do I need to have symptoms to get an STI test?
No. Many STIs, including chlamydia and gonorrhoea, often cause no symptoms. Regular testing is recommended for anyone who is sexually active. Your practitioner can advise how often you should test.
How long do STI results take?
Results usually come back in 2–3 business days. Please book your results appointment ahead of time. A telephone results appointment is available and is bulk billed.
Is the sexual health clinic bulk billed?
Telephone results reviews are bulk billed. Face-to-face SHIP appointments have attracted a private fee since January 2023, and a Medicare rebate is available. Fees are at your practitioner’s discretion. See our fees page for details.
Can I get tested on the same day as my appointment?
In most cases, yes. Australian Clinical Labs collects pathology onsite, so your samples can usually be taken straight after your consultation.
Do I need a referral?
No. Book directly under one of the SHIP appointment types online, or call (03) 9544 1555.
Is my visit confidential?
Yes. Your health information is private and handled under privacy law. Our staff do not share details of who visits the clinic.