Practice Policies

Fees and billing

 

All standard consultations (Monday-Friday) with a general practitioner will be bulk billed if you have a Medicare card. Please bring in your Medicare card or number with you for all consultations. Surgical procedures will attract a fee above what is claimable from Medicare.

A fee will be charged for patients not registered with Medicare, and for consultations not covered by the Medicare Benefits Schedule. Items not covered by Medicare are Cosmetic procedures such as Restylane (fillers), Dysport (anti-wrinkle injections) and chemical peels and Pre-employment screening. Please see the receptionist prior to your consultation if you have any queries.

If your visit is a result of a work related injury, you need to inform the doctor.  Work related consultations and treatment will be billed to the employer or the Insurance Company involved.

 

Appointments

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Consultations are either by appointment or walk-ins. Patients with appointment have priority over walk-ins but patients requiring urgent medical care will be seen first. A longer consultation can be made upon request.

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After hours care

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If you require urgent medical attention outside practice opening hours, please contact National Home Doctor Service on phone number 137425. You can arrange a home visit and you will be bulk billed if you have a valid Medicare Card. This service is only available to patients of this practice on weekdays between 6pm to 8.30am and Saturday and Sunday from 1pm.

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Home visits (within a 5km radius)

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Home visits are available for regular patients who are sick and unable to attend this practice. These visits will be determined by the Doctor and will depend on their availability and on the patient’s medical condition.

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Telephone calls/electronic communication 

 

Should you wish to talk to the Doctor a message will be taken and the doctor will return the call at the first available time. Emails and website enquiries will be checked daily and replied to as soon as possible.

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Test results

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Test results are given during consultations in order to allow for appropriate discussions of their implications.

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We encourage patient feedback

 

In order to maintain high quality care we welcome any constructive comments or suggestions.  The staff are here to help, so please ask for any assistance.  Due to unexpected incidences the doctor may sometimes fall behind schedule.  We apologise for any inconvenience caused.  We do value your opinions and a suggestion box is located in our reception area where you may anonymously give any suggestions. We will then evaluate these suggestions and post outcomes at reception.  If you are dissatisfied and wish to take your concerns further, you may contact the Health Clinic Complaint Commissions on (02) 9219 7444.

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Preventative healthcare

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Regular health checks and consultation with the Doctor when any changes or symptoms occur are an essential part of preventative care. We respect the patients right to participate in decisions about their healthcare.

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Reminders and recalls

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To provide for an efficient monitoring of your medical health, this practice offers a computerised system of reminders and recalls either by SMS or phone calls. We will also contact you for follow up tests, immunisations, health care assessments, reviews of chronic health problems. We can also provide you with information on state and federal government registers for managing chronic health conditions. If you do not wish to receive reminders please inform the practice.

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Referrals 

 

To provide you with the best health care the Doctor may refer you for diagnostic testing or to another medical specialist, general practitioner or allied health professional. Referral letters can be given to the patient or if you prefer, emailed/faxed by the practice to the other provider.

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Privacy

 

This practice is committed to maintaining the confidentially of your health information. Your medical record is a highly confidential document and can only be accessed by the Doctor. Reception and general staff cannot access these records. Our privacy policy is available at reception.

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Patient details

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Please inform staff if your personal details have changed and any court documentation in regards to child custody arrangements.

 

Communication services

 

Should you require help to understand our practice brochure we can explain it to the patient verbally or print in a larger font. We can also use a translation/Interpreter service, National Relay Service or AUSLAN for the hearing impaired.

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Emergency numbers

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General Emergency                         000

Ambulance Bookings                      131 233

Poisons info line                               131 126

Castle Hill Police                              9680 5399

Norwest Private Hospital                8882 8882

Sydney Adventist Hospital              9487 9111

National Home Doctor Service      13 7425