Measuring how well your lungs work.
A simple breathing test used to diagnose and monitor asthma and COPD. Done here at the surgery. Bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.
Good to know before you book.
Blow hard and fast
You breathe in fully and blow out as hard and fast as you can into a mouthpiece, a few times.
It can make you a little light-headed for a moment.
Book a test (opens HotDoc in a new tab)Before and after a reliever
The test may be repeated after a reliever puffer to see if your breathing improves.
Your GP will tell you if you should skip any puffers beforehand.
How to preparePart of your review
Spirometry helps track asthma and COPD over time.
Often combined with an action plan review.
Asthma and COPDBulk billed consultations
GP consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.
Where a fee applies, reception will tell you before your appointment.
See all fees
Find the care that fits.
Choose a topic to see what is involved, the questions people ask most, and how to book.
Your breathing, measured.
Spirometry measures how much air you can breathe out, and how fast. It helps diagnose asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and track how well they are controlled.
It is also used for some workplace and pre-operative assessments.
- Book a spirometry test
- Talk it through with your GP
- Tests, treatment or referral if needed
- Follow-up and review
How long does it take?
Usually around 20 to 30 minutes, including repeats.
Is it safe?
Yes, for most people. Tell your GP if you have had recent surgery, a heart problem or chest pain.
Getting ready.
Avoid smoking, heavy exercise and a large meal for a few hours before, and wear loose, comfortable clothing. Your GP will tell you whether to skip any puffers beforehand.
Bring your puffers and spacer to the appointment.
- Book a spirometry test
- Talk it through with your GP
- Tests, treatment or referral if needed
- Follow-up and review
Should I take my puffers?
Your GP will tell you which, if any, to skip before the test.
What if I have a cold?
Call reception; the test may need to be rescheduled.
The numbers worth knowing.
Key facts about screening and care, at a glance.
What is due at your age?
Australia's screening programs start at different ages and run on different timeframes. Move the slider to see what generally applies.
40years
General information about Australian programs, not a personal plan. Talk it through with your GP.
Everyone involved, around you.
Your care can involve more than one person. Choose a part of your care team to see how it fits together.
Your GPs.
Any of our GPs can help. These GPs list related areas among their interests. All are bulk billing GPs for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.
Chronic disease including diabetes and heart health, asthma and COPD, and healthy ageing.
Book with this GP (opens HotDoc in a new tab)General adult medicine, nutrition and care of older adults.
Book with this GP (opens HotDoc in a new tab)Emergency medicine background, skin cancer checks, chronic disease and minor procedures.
Book with this GP (opens HotDoc in a new tab)Female GP Registrar. Chronic disease, women's health and care of older adults.
Book with this GP (opens HotDoc in a new tab)
Make the most of your appointment.
A little preparation gives you and your GP more time for what matters to you.
What to bring
Your ticks are saved on this device only.
What your care will cost.
GP consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Where a fee applies, reception will tell you before your appointment.
Bulk billed
GP consultations
GP consultations for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.
Fee may apply
Some items and procedures
Some consumables, devices and privately purchased items. Reception will tell you first.
Set by the provider
Other providers
Pathology, imaging, allied health and specialists set their own fees.
If things change between visits.
- Getting worse?(02) 6543 8424Call reception and tell them things have changed, so you can be seen at the right time.
- When we are closed1800 022 222healthdirect, for health advice any time of day or night. Poisons Information Centre is on 13 11 26.
- In an emergency000Bleeding after a procedure that does not stop with 15 minutes of firm pressure. The nearest emergency departments are at Muswellbrook and Scone hospitals.
Signs that need urgent help
- Bleeding after a procedure that does not stop with 15 minutes of firm pressure
- Spreading redness, swelling, pus or fever around a wound or procedure site
- Chest pain, fainting or sudden breathlessness
- A severe allergic reaction: swelling of the face or tongue, or trouble breathing
Is it bulk billed?
GP consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Where a fee applies, reception will tell you before your appointment.
Does spirometry hurt?
No, but blowing hard can make you light-headed briefly.
Do I need to stop my puffers?
Your GP will tell you which, if any, to skip beforehand.
Is it bulk billed?
Yes, for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes. Aberdeen Surgery is currently accepting new patients. Book online any hour through HotDoc or call (02) 6543 8424.
Nothing matches that. Try a broader word, or call reception on (02) 6543 8424.
Related reading and services.
- Skin cancer checksService
- Biopsies and minor excisionsService
- Wound and dressing careService
- CryotherapyService
- Our teamMeet the GPs
- All services37 services on Segenhoe Street
This page is general health information. It is not advice about your own situation and does not replace a consultation with your doctor. In an emergency, call 000.
Spirometry, close to home.
Book online any hour, or call reception from 8:00am, Monday to Friday. Bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.