Public vs Private Paediatric Care in Australia: What parents need to know

Introduction

When your child needs specialist care, one of the first decisions you may face is whether to go through the public system or see a private paediatrician.

For many families, it’s not always clear what the difference is, how long each option takes, or what it will cost.

Understanding how both systems work — and how they can be used together — can help you get your child seen sooner and plan for longer-term care.

The public system (hospital outpatient clinics)

Public paediatric care is provided through hospital outpatient departments.

Pros

• No out-of-pocket costs

• Access to multidisciplinary teams (e.g. allied health, specialists)

• Good option for ongoing or complex care

Cons

• Often long wait times

• Referrals are triaged into categories:

  • Category 1: seen within 30 days

  • Category 2: usually within 90 days

  • Category 3: can be several months or longer

Wait times can vary depending on location and demand.

The private system (private paediatricians)

Private paediatricians work in clinics outside the hospital system.

Pros

• Usually shorter wait times

• More flexibility with appointment scheduling

• Ability to choose your paediatrician

Cons

• Out-of-pocket costs (which can be significant over time)

• May not include access to broader hospital-based supports

Can be somewhat disconnected from other specialists caring for your child

You don’t have to choose just one

Many parents assume they must choose either public or private care — but in many cases, you can use both pathways at the same time.

A common and practical approach is to:

• See a private paediatrician first to get an earlier appointment

• Stay on the public waiting list

• Transfer care to the public system when your appointment becomes available

This approach is often:

• the fastest way to access initial care

• more cost-effective long term if ongoing support is needed

Private care can become expensive if multiple follow-up appointments are required, so transitioning to the public system later can be helpful.

How to make the most of both systems

1. Ask your GP for flexible referrals

You can ask your GP to:

• refer to a specific private paediatrician, or

• write a general referral (“Paediatrician”) so you can call multiple clinics

👉 This allows you to find the earliest available appointment.

2. Ensure your public referral has been received

Contact the hospital outpatient department and ask:

• Has the referral been received?

• What category has it been assigned?

This gives you a better idea of expected wait times.

3. Keep track of both pathways

If you are on multiple waitlists or have booked multiple appointments:

• keep a record of dates and clinics

• cancel appointments you no longer need

This helps free up appointments for other families.

4. Plan ahead for long-term care

If your child may need ongoing specialist support, consider:

• starting privately for faster access

• transitioning to public services for ongoing management

Final thoughts

Choosing between public and private paediatric care can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to get help quickly.

The good news is you don’t have to choose just one.

Using both systems strategically can help you access care sooner while also managing costs over time.

Related guides

👉 How to get a referral to a paediatrician in Australia

👉 How to get a paediatrician appointment faster in Australia