BOOKING AN APPOINTMENT
A standard appointment usually deals with 1 issue and for this we allow up to 12 minutes. Should you feel you have more concerns you would like discussed then we encourage you to make a longer appointment and for this we allow up to 25 minutes. Please inform our friendly reception staff if you are wanting to book for specific care plans or procedures as these often involve longer appointments and may also involve time being allocated with our nursing staff as well as the doctor. While doctors and nurses endeavour to run on time, the nature of health care is that delays sometimes happen and we thank you for your patience if this occurs. As can be expected, emergency cases are given priority and we trust that you will understand if an emergency is seen before you.
24HR BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORS
Andrew Place Clinic offers 24hr Blood Pressure Monitor appointments to existing patients on request.
A non-rebate fee will apply for this service. The fee for patients holding a valid Concession card is $55 and fee for all other Private patients is $75.
MOLEMAP CHECKS
Andrew Place Clinic is able to offer a MoleMap Check for current, existing and new patients of the clinic.
MoleMap Check is a thorough full head to toe skin check with technology to identify melanomas and skin cancer. You will be seen by a trained melanographer, images reviewed and diagnosed by a specialist dermatologist who will then forward a report in approximately 5-10 days to your nominated GP who will discuss the results and any treatment recommendations.
MoleMap Check appointments are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fortnightly Fridays as of the 23rd Feb 2024 with a fee of $225.00
There is no Medicare rebate but service may be covered by Private Health Insurance, patients are to check with their own Health Insurance Provider for coverage details.
These appointments are always held at our Mill Park rooms (30A Oleander Drive, Mill Park)
WORKCOVER & TAC ACCOUNTS
In January 2022 the fee for existing Workcover & TAC consultations was lifted and now matches the standard consultation fee. All WorkCover & TAC appointments will be paid for by the patient at the time of consultation, who will then seek the reimbursement from their workplace.
Please note that billing will, as always, be subject to doctor discretion.
If you would like more information regarding general practice fees see the following link:
https://www.racgp.org.au/advocacy/position-statements/view-all-position-statements/health-systems-and-environmental/billing-for-general-practice-services
RECEIVING RESULTS
It is important that you obtain results of any tests that your doctor has arranged for you. No News is No News, not good news! So please follow up any tests you have had with the clinic.
The preferred way of receiving results is with a follow-up appointment with your doctor. Please note that results usually take 2-4 working days to return, with special tests taking longer.
Alternatively, you may contact the clinic between 11.00am & 4.30pm on weekdays only to receive your results via phone from one of our reception staff. Please note that it may not be possible to answer queries about results outside of these times and patients must call for results on the weekdays that the ordering doctor is working. If you are unable to call at these times please arrange a follow-up appointment with your doctor.
If your result requires more urgent follow-up please discuss this with your doctor.
REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS
General Practitioners should practice quality prescribing, so the doctors at Andrew Place Clinic prefer to see all patients who need prescriptions at a scheduled appointment. It is understood that this may not be possible in all cases. A non-rebate fee will apply for all prescriptions issued without an appointment ($20).
Any requests for prescription/s will be forwarded to your doctor and will be actioned within 5 business days. No Requests will be taken or actioned on the weekend or on a Public Holiday. If the matter is more urgent, we recommend that you make an appointment to see a doctor.
REFERRALS
General Practitioners are unable to backdate referrals so please ensure you have a valid referral before seeing a specialist.
It is preferred that you arrange appointment to see your regular doctor to issue referrals for specialist visits and specialist tests. It is understood that this may not be possible in all cases so a non-rebate fee will apply for all referrals issued without an appointment ($20).
Any requests for referrals will be forwarded to your doctor and will be actioned within the 10 business days. No Requests will be taken or actioned on the weekend or on a Public Holiday. If the matter is more urgent, we recommend that you make an appointment to see a doctor.
TRANSFERRING MEDICAL RECORDS
The practice and each doctor is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of personal health information and abides by State and Commonwealth privacy legislation. Patient medical records withhold personal health information and is a confidential document. It is the policy of this practice and doctors to maintain security of personal health information at all times and to ensure that this information is only available to authorised members of staff.
You have the right to request for your personal health information to be transferred to another Medical Practice at any time.
All requests to transfer medical records must be in writing with the patient completing a Medical Consent Transfer Form provided by the clinic and doctor, with the patient signing the consent and listing the practice details to which the medical record is to be forwarded. A fee may be incurred for administrative time, recovery, inspection, collating, copying and postage.
Andrew Place Clinic may charge $20 for Transfer of Records to cover Australia Postage fees & Administration Costs.
TELEPHONING YOUR DOCTOR
We believe your medical concerns are best dealt with by making an appointment to see your Doctor.
If you have a brief query our receptionists will let your doctor know the relevant details and a receptionist, doctor or nurse will then return your call.
All queries are treated with the utmost confidentiality.
Generally reception do not interrupt consultations and you will receive a return call as soon as possible. Non-urgent requests may take 10 business days to action. If the query is more urgent, we recommend you make an appointment to see your doctor.
HOME VISITS
Some doctors will offer home visits for patients who are unable to be seen at the clinic. We ask that you discuss this with your doctor directly or our reception team to arrange.
Many doctors care for residents of surrounding Aged Care Facilities and this is a very important community role.
Please contact our reception staff to discuss this further.
AFTER HOURS LOCUM SERVICE
Andrew Place Clinic employs an accredited service to care for patients when the clinic is closed.
The locum service number is (03) 9429 5677
In case of an emergency, please call an Ambulance on 000.
It may also be appropriate to attend the local emergency department
Northern Hospital (03) 8405 8000
Austin Hospital (03) 9496 5000
Royal Children’s Hospital (03) 9345 5522
Northpark Private Hospital (03) 9468 0565
Mercy Hospital for Women (03) 8458 4444
Primary Priority Care Centre (PPCC) for Non-Life Threatening injuries or illnesses: Heidelberg (03) 90009276 Epping (03) 94222220