Who do I call in an emergency?

For all emergencies please call 000.

The nearest public Hospital/Emergency department is the John Hunter Hospital in Lookout Road New Lambton.

What do I do if I have a problem after hours?

Our after hours care is provided by GP Access after hours service. Please call 1300 130 147.

Are you a bulk billing surgery?

We are a private billing practice so we do not offer bulk billing. Payment at the time of consultation is required. A list of fees is available on our website.

Are you accepting new patients?

Unfortunately we are not currently accepting new patients. This will be reassessed in July this year.

Are you wheelchair accessible?

Yes the practice has a ramp at the front of the building and the surgery is laid out on a flat single level.

Patients may be dropped off in the car park, or there is Mobility Parking opposite the Post Office on Llewellyn Street.

Do I need to make an appointment?

Yes, we require a booking for all appointment types, including with the practice nurse.

What do I do if I can’t make my appointment?

Please call the practice as soon as possible to allow us to offer your appointment to someone else. You may be charged a fee if you do not attend your appointment.

How long is a standard appointment?

A standard appointment is 15 minutes.

A long appointment is for 30 minutes and recommended if you need to discuss more than one issue, for mental health problems or care plans, cervical screening tests and skin checks. If you are not sure how much time you may need, please call and discuss with our reception staff.

Can I speak to a doctor over the phone?

Telehealth appointments are now available if you need to speak to your doctor over the phone. These are billed as an appointment. If you have not been seen in more than 12 months then it is a Medicare requirement that you be seen in person.

Do I have to see a doctor to get a medical certificate?

Yes a consultation is required to obtain a medical certificate.

Do I need an appointment for a prescription?

Doctors are required by the Prescription Benefits Scheme (PBS) to see patients to issue a prescription. This is the ensure that regular medical checks are carried out, such as monitoring your blood pressure, glucose level, mood, weight etc.

In some circumstances, your doctor may be happy to issue a repeat prescription for a regular medication until you can be seen. We charges a fee for this service, to cover the doctor and administration time.

You can click on the HotDoc appointment link above to request this.

Do I need an appointment for specialist’s referral?

As with prescriptions, our doctors routinely require a medical appointment to discuss a referral to a specialist. This is the ensure that regular medical checks are carried out, such as monitoring your blood pressure, glucose level, mood, weight etc, and making sure your updated information is included in your referral.

In some circumstances, your doctor may be happy to issue a referral to your regular specialist in extenuating circumstances. We charges a fee for this service, to cover the doctor and administration time.

You can click on the HotDoc appointment link above to request this.

What is your Privacy Policy?

As a patient of our Practice we require you to provide us with your personal details and medical history so that we may properly assess, diagnose, manage and be proactive in your healthcare needs. The privacy of your health information is important to us. Our medical record is a confidential document and as such it is the policy of this practice to maintain the security of your personal information at all times.

From time to time your personal health information may be collected, used and disclosed for the following:

Administration purposed in running our medical practice.
Billing purposes, including compliance with Medicare and Health Insurance Commission requirements.
Disclosure to other doctors in the practice for the purpose of continuity of care and professional development.
For communication with others involved in your care, such as specialists and allied health providers, through referral to these services and in receiving reports or results returned to us following referral.
As part of quality improvements activities and/or participation in research, either within the practice or externally organized. Wherever possible all information used will be de-identified. Where it is not possible to de-identify information, your additional consent will be sought, and you will be given the opportunity to “opt-out” of any of any involvement before your information is used.
To comply with any legislative or regulatory requirements (such as notifiable diseases).
For notifying you about health services that may be due, or which require follow-up with your GP (including inclusion on national and state registers, such as the Childhood Immunisation Register and Cervical Screening Register).
For legal disclosure as required by a court of law.

If you have any concerns about the use of your personal health information, please speak with your GP or our Practice Manager.

Disclosure to Family Members

By law, if you are competent and an age where you are capable of making decisions about your own healthcare, we are not permitted to disclose your medical information (including test results) to anyone else in your family without your permission. If you are 16 years or older, please indicate your consent to share and disclose your personal health information with family members.

FAQs