|
Changes to Medicare
As of November 1st, the government has made changes to Medicare rebates and incentives. While these changes are welcome, they do not yet cover the full cost of providing the high-quality care you deserve. For this reason, our clinic will remain a private billing clinic. Thank you for understanding and continued support. IMPORTANT NOTICE - FEE INCREASE EFFECTIVE FROM 1ST JULY 2025 Due to recent payroll tax changes introduced by the Victorian Government, along with ongoing inflationary pressures, Andrew Place Clinic will be increasing our fees by 8% from 1st July. We recognize that this comes during a time of significant cost of living challenges. This decision has not been made lightly. However, this adjustment is necessary to ensure we can continue to deliver the high-quality medical care you deserve. If you have any questions or concerns about these changes, we encourage you to speak directly with your doctor or a member of our team. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and continued support. Practice Fees Standard Appointment - Weekdays until 5pm - $ 103.00 - Medicare Rebate: $43.90 - Actual cost to patient: $59.10 CONCESSION Standard Appointment - Weekdays until 5pm - $ 76.00 - Medicare Rebate: $43.90 - Actual cost to patient: $32.10 Long (Double) Appointment - Weekdays until 5pm - $ 206.00 - Medicare Rebate: $84.90 - Actual cost to patient: $121.10 CONCESSION Long (Double) Appointment - Weekdays until 5pm - $ 152.00 - Medicare Rebate: $84.90 - Actual cost to patient: $67.10 All patients with a valid Centrelink Concession Card including Aged and Disability Pension, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card & <16yrs will be charged a concession rate for all appointments. Additional charges apply for all consultations booked at 5pm and onwards weekdays, Saturdays & Public Holidays. Please refer to our website Fees Tab for more information. Billing is based on MBS item number which is dependent on the service provided. ________________________________________ Influenza (Flu) Vaccinations Flu Vaccinations 2026 - Available from 13/4/2026 - Book online via a Flu Vaccine Clinic or contact reception to book an appointment. The clinic is offering Flu Vaccine bookings at both Bundoora & Mill Park. 2026 Flu Vaccine stock is available from 13/4/2026. Flu vaccinations normally are given each year from mid- April onwards so patients will be able to book appointments to be protected before the influenza season, which is usually June to September in most parts of Australia. Annual vaccination against influenza is recommended for those over 6 months of age. This is especially important in the very young, very old and immunocompromised. Alternatively, if you would like to discuss this with your doctor, please call reception to book a consultation appointment. Appointments can be made via the online booking system or by phoning the clinic. Private Flu Vaccines will be at an out-of-pocket cost to the patient of $21.00 which is to be paid on the day of vaccination. National Immunisation Program (NIP) Free Vaccine Eligibility (Government funded) The following groups are eligible for free flu vaccines:
Influenza or flu vaccines safeguard against the four prevalent flu viruses projected for the upcoming season. Administered via a needle in the arm, these vaccines offer protection to people of all ages against the flu and associated symptoms. By receiving a flu shot, you’re not only reducing your risk of falling ill with the flu’s often debilitating symptoms but also decreasing the likelihood of severe flu-related complications that can lead to hospitalization or even being life-threatening.
We will also be co-administering pneumococcal and COVID vaccines if required during Flu Vaccination Clinic appointments. We will NOT be able to administer Shingles Vaccines, travel vaccines or other vaccines during a flu clinic, patients will be required to book a separate appointment with the Nurse during normal treatment room sessions. ________________________________________ RECEIVING RESULTS - Change to Results Policy as from 7/11/2024 As from Monday 7/11/2024, all results will be handed over to our Nursing team, Reception Staff will no longer be able to assist patients with Results. This covers all results, including informing patients and releasing of results. If your Doctor marks a result as "Non-Urgent Appointment", the patient will receive a message alert & patient will be required to make a follow-up appointment which can normally be in-clinic or by telehealth. Nurses are trained to handle many things within their scope of practice, which includes certain aspects of patient education and communication. Delegating the communication of results to nurses will optimise the overall delivery process and minimise any clinical risks. Patients can access results via speaking with the allocated Nurse (always at Bundoora on 9467 1444 except on Tuesday & Thursdays when you call Mill Park) strictly during the following hours only – Monday with Nurse Jo - Between 1pm-2pm Tuesday with Nurse Jo - Between 1pm-2pm (Call Mill Park on 9466 7211) Wednesday with Nurse Niamh – Between 1pm-2pm Thursday with Nurse Jo - Between 1pm-2pm (Call Mill Park on 9466 7211) Fridays with alternate with Nurse Niamh or Nurse Jo – Between 1pm-2pm If a patient calls outside of these hours, reception will advise them to call back during our “results time" and they will transfer the call at that stage to the Nurse. If the Nurse is on the phone with another results call and the patient's call cannot be put through, reception may take the patient's details & email BOTH Nurse Managers who may assist in speaking with the patient. A nurse will endeavour to return the call (ideally bewteen 1-2pm) but if not that day. ________________________________________ Public Holidays: Friday 3rd April 2026 - Good Friday Public Holiday Andrew Place Clinic (Bundoora & Mill Park Branches) will be CLOSED on 3/4/2026. In an emergency, please call 000. Saturday 4th April 2026 - Easter Saturday Public Holiday Andrew Place Clinic (Bundoora & Mill Park Branches) will be OPEN for appointments between 9.00am to 1.00pm on public holiday rates. There will be no Nurse service appointments available on this day. Monday 6th April 2026 - Easter Monday Public Holiday Andrew Place Clinic (Bundoora Branch Only) will be OPEN for EMERGENCY Appointments between 9.00am to 12.00 noon & APC Mill Park will be closed on the above public holiday date. Normal consulting schedule resume at both APC Bundoora and APC Mill Park from the following business day. In an emergency, please call 000 If you require urgent medical care on this day, please present to your local hospital emergency department. Local Emergency Departments: Northern Hospital (03) 84058000 Austin Hospital (03) 94965000 Royal Children’s Hospital (03) 9345 5522 Mercy Hospital for Women (03) 84584444 During the year, Andrew Place Clinic (Bundoora & Mill Park Branches) will be CLOSED on Christmas Day 25/12, Boxing Day 26/12, New Years Day 1/1 & Good Friday. Otherwise during most other Public Holidays, Andrew Place Clinic (Bundoora Branch Only) will be OPEN for EMERGENCY Appointments between 9.00am to 12.00 noon only. AFTER HOURS LOCUM SERVICE Andrew Place Clinic employs an accredited service to care for patients when the clinic is closed. (03) 94295677 Primary Priority Care Centre (PPCC) for Non-Life Threatening injuries or illnesses: Heidelberg (03) 90009276 Epping (03) 94222220 MENTAL HEALTH 24HR CRISIS LINE 1300874243 - (1300 TRIAGE) ________________________________________ DOCTORS LEAVE DATES: The following doctors will be on Leave in Feb/March/ April 2026 Dr. Tristan Barnes: 2/4/2026 to 6/4/2026 - First day on consulting on 8/4/2026 Dr. Leanne Cole: 2/4/2026 to 9/4/2026 - First day on consulting on 10/4/2026 Dr. Simone Craig: 25/2/2026 to 20/3/2026 - First day on consulting on 24/3/2026 Dr. Seema Deb: 10/3/2026 to 30/8/2026 - First day on consulting on 31/8/2026 Dr. Melanie Hemsley: 3/4/2026 to 12/4/2026 - First day on consulting on 13/4/2026 Dr. Christina Illing: 7/4/2026 to 9/4/2026 - First day on consulting on 13/4/2026 Dr. Marita Long: 24/3/2026 to 8/4/2026 - First day on consulting on 9/4/2026 Dr. Kate Ludescher: 3/4/2026 to 12/4/2026 - First day on consulting on 14/4/2026 Dr. David Marshall: 25/3/2026 to 31/3/2026 - First day on consulting on 1/4/2026 The following doctors will be on Leave in Mid/Late 2026 Dr. Tristan Barnes: 11/9/2026 to 8/10/2026 - First day on consulting on 9/10/2026 Dr. Seema Deb: 10/3/2026 to 30/8/2026 - First day on consulting on 31/8/2026 Dr. Eric Tay: 22/6/2026 to 5/7/2026 - First day on consulting on 7/7/2026 Dr. Melanie Hemsley: 17/9/2026 to 25/9/2026 - First day on consulting on 28/9/2026 Dr. Christina Illing: 13/7/2026 to 16/7/2026 - First day on consulting on 20/7/2026 Dr. Christina Illing: 30/6/2026, 7/7/2026, 14/7/2026, 22/9/2026, 29/9/2026, 15/12/2026, 22/12/2026, 24/12/2026, 29/12/2026 Dr. Cherry Liang: 28/5/2026 to 28/6/2026 - First day on consulting on 29/6/2026 Dr. Kate Ludescher: 3/7/2026 to 11/7/2026 - First day on consulting on 14/7/2026 Dr. Philip Smith: 27/6/2026 to 26/7/2026 - First day on consulting on 28/7/2026 The following doctors will be on Leave in 2027 Dr. Christina Illing: 5/1/2027, 12/1/2027, 19/1/2027 & 26/1/2027 Dr. Eric Tay: 6/1/2027 to 1/2/2027 - First day on consulting on 2/2/2027 ________________________________________ STAFF NEWS Dr. Seema Deb on extended Holiday Leave from 6/3/2026. Dr. Seema Deb will be on extended holiday leave from 6/3/2026 to 30/8/2026. She will return to regular sessions from Monday 31/8/2026. Her full biography & consultation hours is available to view on the Doctors Tab. Dr. Sanjay Sudarshanan will increase his Weekday Consulting hours at Andrew Place Clinic from 17/3/2026. Dr. Sanjay Sudarshanan will return to working weekday sessions as of 17/3/2026. He will work Tuesdays at Bundoora, Fridays at Mill Park and monthly Saturdays at Bundoora. Andrew Place Clinic welcome new Registrars or continuing Registrars joining the GP Team in February 2026 We wish to welcome and introduce the following registrars who will be joining the Andrew Place Clinic team from February 2026. Dr. Ruyan (Ru) Chen - Part Time Registrar at Mill Park Dr. Stephanie Ivezic - Part Time Registrar at Mill Park Dr. David Marshall - Full Time Registrar sharing his shifts across both Mill Park & Bundoora. Dr. Rory Maxwell - Full Time Registrar sharing his shifts across both Mill Park & Bundoora. A full biography & consultation hours is available to view on the Doctors Tab. Dr. Roslyn Rayner will cease Monday Consulting hours at Andrew Place Clinic from November 2025. Dr. Roslyn Rayner will reduce her consulting sessions at Andrew Place Clinic as from November 2025, as she will no longer be working her Monday sessions. Please refer to her profile in the Doctors Tab for her regular consulting hours. Dr. Melanie Hemsley will cease Wednesday fortnightly Consulting hours at Andrew Place Clinic from November 2025. Dr. Melanie Hemsley will reduce her consulting sessions at Andrew Place Clinic as from November 2025, as she will no longer be working her fortnightly Wednesday sessions due to other regular commitments. Please refer to her profile in the Doctors Tab for her regular consulting hours. _______________________________________ CLINIC NEWS: "IN CLINIC" WAITING ON-SITE All patients and carers, MUST NOT DISPLAY/OR HAVE ANY RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS to be able to sit and wait on-site in clinic waiting room for their appointment. If you do have cold/flu/respiratory symptoms, patients and carers will be asked to wait outside or in their car until the GP/ Nurse is ready to see them. Thank you for you understanding! MoleMap Check Appointments No Longer Available at Andrew Place Clinic. Andrew Place Clinic has ceased this service from August 2024. Patients can contact Mole Map on 1800 665 362 or Molemap.net.au to book an appointment. The nearest local clinic is now Preston. New "MyMedicare" Program Please refer to the "Patient Information Tab" under MyMedicare for further information regarding new government program introduced on 1/11/2023. MyMedicare is a voluntary & free to register program that aims to strengthen and formalize the relationship between our patients, their GP and the practice, which will lead to better health outcomes. CHANGE TO POLICY FOR RECEIVING RESULTS, REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS, REFERRALS AND TELEPHONING YOUR DOCTOR Please refer to the "Patient Information Tab" under Practice Policies for further information regarding changes to our Clinic's policies relating to Receiving Results, Repeat Prescriptions, Referrals and Telephoning your Doctor. No Requests will be taken or actioned and results will not be given out on the weekend or on a public holiday and can only be given out by the Nurse strictly in the "Results Time" via the telephone outside of a GP consultation. Any non-urgent requests may be forwarded to your doctor and will endeavor to be actioned within 10 business days. If the matter is more urgent, we recommend that you make an appointment to see your doctor. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. ________________________________________ SMS REMINDERS Due to changes in accreditation requirements we require each patient’s verbal consent to send SMS reminders. Please contact reception to consent and note that you will not be able to receive SMS reminders, including those for upcoming appointments with your GP, until this has been done. Thanks for your cooperation. ________________________________________ COVID Vaccinations COVID-19 VACCINATIONS Please refer to the COVID-19 Tab for ALL information retaining to COVID-19 including Vaccinations, Bookings, Information and Links otherwise you may book an appointment with your regular GP to discuss any COVID related questions. Please note we do not stock children's Covid vaccinations. ________________________________________ Andrew Place Clinic celebrates 54 years in serving the local Community! In January 2026, Andrew Place Clinic was proud to celebrate its 54 years in being an established Family Medical Clinic with a devoted group of general practitioners serving the local and surrounding community area with a range of medical needs. Over the years the building itself has seen many renovations, an expansion of Andrew Place Clinic to rooms at Bundoora Health & now to a completely separate and new location in Mill Park. We have seen the introduction of many services, GPs, Registrars, Nurses, Reception Staff and Allied Health. 54 years on........... Andrew Place Clinic takes pride in providing quality, friendly and professional care for our many patients and their families, with some spanning for 4 generations and we are always welcoming new patients into the clinic and hope we will for many years to come. Comments are closed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
© 2024 Andrew Place Clinic
|
Website by Screen Story Co.
|