General Practice

Appointments

Standard appointments (10 minutes) are available for a single issue or a few quick, simple issues.

Long appointments (20 minutes) are offered for more complex issues, pap smears, health checks or problems related to mental health.

Although we run on an appointment system we always make time for emergencies such as chest pain, shortness of breath sick babies or children, pregnancy related problems and bleeding. Reception staff need to be informed at the time of making appointments for such situations.

After Hours Medical Care

The practice provides after hours care through a medical deputising service FCMS for all patients. Although the after hour service costs the patients very little in the way of annual fee, the practice pays a considerable annual subscription for this service to be provided to patients so we encourage patients to join this service.

Billing

The practice is a bulk billing practice for patients that have a current Medicare card for Monday – Friday. Full private fees are charged for weekend consultations however bulk billing will still apply to pension card holders, and often children under 16 years of age. Private fees apply for consultations that are not able to bulk billed to Medicare such as WorkCover and pre-employment medicals. Some procedures performed in the practice will incur a small out of pocket expense.

Repeat Scripts and Referrals

An appointment is necessary for these services; however a script may be issued without a visit if an attendance at the practice was in the last month. This would be at the discretion of the doctor. If the request is for a name change on a referral this can be done as a phone request. There is a fee of $15 to cover administrative costs and we request a 24 hour notice for provision of these.

Reminders / Recalls

The practice has a system of recalling patients for significant pathology results and reminders for regular health checks.

Test Results

All test results are given in person during a consultation and not over the phone. Receptionists can check to see if the test results are back but have no access to see the results. An appointment is necessary for all test results.

Privacy Policy

We are committed to providing utmost care in keeping your personal information safe and confidential. Your records can only be accessed through written consent, and in compliance with the Privacy Policy Act (2000)

Transfer Of Records

Transfer of records to another practice can be arranged after a written authority is received. Generally we send a health summary to the requesting company but should you wish to have your complete record sent there is an administrative fee of $20-$40 depending on the size of the file and postage cost. This fee is to cover administrative costs.

Complaint Process

We encourage feedback on your experience and we believe problems are best dealt with within the practice by emailing [email protected].

If you feel you are unable to approach any of the staff you may contact the Office of the Health Ombudsman at:

• Website: www.oho.qld.gov.au
• Phone: 13 36 46
• Facsimile:(07) 3319 6350
• Postal address:Office of the Health Ombudsman, PO Box 13281 George Street, Brisbane Qld 4003