Billing Arrangements
- We BULK BILL standard consultations for all patients that have a current Medicare card, Monday to Friday
- All overseas visitors/students without a Medicare card are privately billed.
- Certain services within the practice may incur a fee e.g. Procedures, bandages, travel vaccines, pregnancy tests. Please check with reception for a more detailed outline.
- Workcover consultations are the responsibility of the patient and will not be bulk billed
Appointments
Our practice operates on an appointment system and the standard appointment time is 15 mins.
The doctor will see urgent cases/emergencies first as they arise and this may cause a waiting time for some patients. If your appointment needs several problems discussed or is a more complex appointment please advise the booking receptionist so an appropriate time can be allocated.
Results
To obtain results, an appointment with the referring doctor needs to be made. Your doctor will advise you when to expect the test results to be back.
In general, we encourage you to book an appointment to see your doctor to follow up on your results 2-3 days after you have had your blood tests, X- rays or other investigations.
Our practice encourages you to take personal responsibility for your health, thus it is your responsibility to obtain your results. You must come back or ensure by some other means that you have obtained your results.
Results are not given over the phone
Reception staff members do not have access to patient medical records. If a receptionist contacts you, they will simply pass on the message from the doctor.
Phone Messages
Telephone interruptions to the Doctors are only for emergencies. However, if you would like to leave a message with the receptionist, we will endeavour to arrange for the doctor to return your call.
Prescriptions
As we are committed to your care, it is necessary for patients to make appointments in order to have prescriptions written, irrespective of whether the prescription is part of an ongoing treatment.
There are medical, ethical and legal reasons for not providing prescriptions without having a doctor-patient consultation.
After Hours Care
The doctors at our practice are linked to Australian Home Doctor to provide patients access to a home visit service after business hours.
Details of these visits are conveyed to us to ensure optimum continuity of care.
Alternatively, you can present at your local hospital.
Vaccinations
All routine childhood, adult and travel vaccinations are available.
Travel to some countries may involve complex vaccinations schedules.
It is recommended to see your doctor at least 6 weeks prior to departure. When booking appointments for vaccine please advise booking receptionist so the correct time can be allocated.
Referrals
A consultation is required for all specialist referrals. This enables the doctor to provide the specialist with the current details of your medical condition.
Referrals are valid for 12 months and it is illegal to backdate a referral, so please make an appointment to see your doctor prior to seeing the specialist.
To obtain any pathology or radiology referrals an appointment with the doctor is required.
Chronic Disease Management
There are government Medicare-subsidised chronic health management plans available for our regular patients to assist you with a chronic health or a serious medical condition.
These include Diabetes, Asthma, Heart attacks /failure, Chronic Musculoskeletal conditions and many others.
Please make an appointment to see if you are eligible to access allied health care subsidised by Medicare. These include a dietician, exercise physiologist, physiotherapist and many others.
Workers Compensation
Fees arising from injuries occurring at work are the responsibility of the patient. If you are entitled to work cover insurance, the account for the consultation can be sent directly to the work cover insurance after all the correct forms are completed by the patient and his/her employer.
Procedures
Many minor surgical (e.g. Mole and wart removal, hormone implants) procedures are performed at our practice. A consultation is with the doctor is required before an appointment can be made for the procedure.
Recalls
We participate in recalls and reminders for abnormal test results, cervical screens, Depo injections, vaccinations, health assessments and other healthcare areas. For further information on these please discuss with your doctor.
Transfer of Medical Records
If you wish to transfer your health record to another service provider please ask your new provider to send a transfer application form signed by you.
Alternatively, if you would like Kings Circle Medical Centre to obtain records from another service provider please contact reception for a transfer application.
Applications for the transfer of health records will be processed in 30 days of receiving the request. A transfer fee may apply.
Management of your Personal Health Information
Your medical record is a confidential document. It is the policy of this practice to maintain the security of personal health information at all times and to ensure that this information is only available to authorised members of staff.
This practice has a written privacy policy that is available to patients upon request.