Toddlers sitting on floor playing with blocks

18 Mar 2025

What Does a Paediatrician Do?

What is a Paediatrician?

A general paediatrician is a medical specialist who has expertise in diagnosing and treating medical, developmental and behavioural conditions in infants, children, and teenagers. Paediatricians provide child and family centred care, partnering with families and other health professionals to provide best practice care.

General Paediatricians provide medical check-ups, treat childhood illnesses, assess a child’s physical, mental, and behavioural development, and manage acute and chronic conditions. They have expert knowledge about the many different illnesses and conditions that can affect a child’s health, behaviour, and learning. They also understand how different conditions and illnesses relate to each other.

What conditions does a Paediatrician treat?

Paediatricians treat a wide range of childhood conditions, illnesses and injuries. They have expertise ranging from newborn and infant health to adolescent health.

Paediatricians assess, diagnose, and treat infants, children, and teenagers with:

  • Developmental delays
  • Growth and weight concerns
  • Feeding concerns
  • Asthma and other breathing concerns such as chronic cough
  • Allergies and immunological conditions
  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression
  • Learning difficulties
  • Sleep difficulties
  • Gastrointenstinal problems such as constipation, abdominal pain or diarrhoea
  • Muscle or bone problems
  • Neurological conditions like seizures, headaches, tics or cerebral palsy
  • Heart conditions such as murmurs, palpitations or faints
  • Endocrine (hormone) conditions

What training is required to become a Paediatrician in Australia?

General Paediatricians in Australia need to complete at least 6 years of additional full-time training after becoming a doctor. They choose to specialise in General Paediatrics.

When should my child see a paediatrician?

General Practitioners (GPs) can manage many common childhood illnesses but  may refer your child to a paediatrician for more complex health issues or specialist care. It’s important to see a paediatrician if:

  • Your GP wants a specialist opinion
  • Your child has chronic developmental or health problems
  • Your child requires specialist care and treatment

Does my child need a referral to see a paediatrician?

In Australia, you need a referral from a general practitioner (GP) or another specialist medical professional such as an obstetrician, to see a paediatrician.

Before you see a paediatrician

If your child has been referred to a paediatrician you can prepare for the appointment by:

  • Considering what your goals for the appointment are
  • Gathering information that will be helpful for your child’s appointment (such as reports from any other health professionals or your child’s teacher)
  • Contacting the clinic with any questions you have about your child’s referral, waiting times and costs
  • Advise the clinic of any special requests

Initial paediatrician appointments take up to 1 hour, so it can be very helpful to bring a quiet form of entertainment for your child and a snack.

How much will it cost to see a private paediatrician?

If you see a private paediatrician and are eligible for Medicare, you will receive a rebate for part of the cost. Information about the cost of the appointment, including the estimated out-of-pocket cost and Medicare rebate, will be provided to you before the appointment.

The Brainy Bunch Paediatricians

The Brainy Bunch Paediatricians provide specialist private paediatric services in Brisbane for infants, children, and adolescents up to age 16 years. Our experienced and caring general paediatricians assess and treat a wide range of conditions, providing comprehensive care for your child’s health and development.

Our aim is to deliver the highest standards of clinical care within a warm and nurturing environment. Contact the Brainy Bunch today to discuss your child’s needs and book an appointment with one of our paediatricians.

 

HOW TO

Start the process

To begin psychological therapy or an assessment

You do not need a referral to see a psychologist for therapy or assessment. However, Medicare rebates are available for those who have a Mental Health Care Plan. To obtain a Mental Health Care Plan, you will need to visit your GP or a Psychiatrist or a Paediatrician. Medicare rebates are not offered for assessments.

To book an appointment with a Paediatrician, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist or Paediatric Neurologist

For an appointment with one of our medical specialists, please see your General Practitioner (GP) or current medical specialist and discuss a referral to our service. A referral from a GP or medical specialist is required, and once this has been received, our team will be in contact with you.

To begin speech therapy or a language assessment

You do not need a referral to see a speech pathologist for an assessment or therapy. However, Medicare rebates may be available for those who have a Chronic Disease GP Management Plan or Team Care Arrangement. You will need to speak with your GP to determine if you are eligible for referral under these schemes. Medicare referrals are also available under a Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder or other eligible disability (including Autism) scheme. Speak to your child’s GP, Paediatrician or Psychiatrist for a referral under this scheme.

HAVE A QUESTION?

Enquire Now

For enquiries or to book an appointment, please email admin@thebrainybunch.com.au or call (07) 3846 4554. Alternatively, you can complete the contact form below, and one of our reception team will be in touch to answer your query or book an appointment.