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What is a Urinary Tract Infection?

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are a common condition, especially among women, occurring when bacteria enter the urinary system. UTIs are one of the most frequent infections in women, with about half of all Australian women experiencing one at least once in their lifetime ¹,².

To ensure fast and easy access to care, selected Amcal Pharmacies now offer a pharmacist-led consultation service for treating UTIs in eligible women.

Who is this service for?

This service is available to:

  • Women aged 18 to 65 years,
  • Who are experiencing uncomplicated UTI symptoms such as frequent or painful urination, urgency or lower abdominal discomfort,
  • And who do not have complicating factors, including but not limited to, fever, back pain, pregnancy, or recurrent infections.

What to Expect during the consultation

Prior to the consultation, there will be an explanation of the service and any associated fees

  • A specially trained pharmacist will conduct the consultation in a private room
  • There will be a symptom assessment using a validated clinical checklist
  • Discussion of your medical history and any areas of concern
  • If suitable, treatment of antibiotics will be provided
  • Advice and education on correct medicine use, and referral to a GP if necessary

For complicated infections or if you are outside the service eligibility criteria, you will be referred to a GP or urgent care service.

Important: The consultation does not guarantee that medicine will be supplied as this depends on the pharmacist’s clinical assessment.

Consultation Costs

Consultation fees apply, except in Victoria, where government reimbursement remains in place at the time of publication. Cost of any medications are additional.

Medicines provided through this service are not subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), so they will not count towards your PBS Safety Net.

To confirm consultation costs, we recommend contacting your local store directly.

Find a Store

Why see a pharmacist for UTI symptoms?

  • Fast access to treatment, especially for time poor individuals
  • Extended continuity of care between GP visits
  • Health education and GP referral for complex UTI care

We acknowledge individuals in the transgender community and people who are non-binary who might not identify as women. Efforts have been made to use neutral language. Where the word ‘woman’ has been used, we include all people with a uterus.

References

¹ Chronic UTI Australia. The UTI Factsheet (2024). The-Urinary-Tract-Infection-UTI-Factsheet-February-2024-1.pdf
² Kidney Health Australia. Urinary Tract Infections Factsheet (2018). https://kidney.org.au