Bookings

Tunstall Square Medical Centre runs on an appointment basis, with appointments being able to be made either in person or over the phone with our friendly receptionists. A standard appointment is 15 minutes, but if you have a number of problems to discuss with the doctor we can also book longer appointments.

If your problem is an emergency, treatment is available during normal surgery hours. Do not wait for an appointment but please call us in advance and let the receptionists know that you are coming and what the nature of the emergency is so that they can properly prepare. The receptionist or doctor may advise you to attend a hospital emergency department rather than coming to the practice if that is more suitable for your emergency.

If more than one person is interested in an appointment with one of the doctors, please make sure to book a separate appointment for each person so that there is proper time available with the doctor. Piggy backing two patients into the one appointment nearly always results in a poor experience for both the patients, who do not get the direct and proper attention they need and deserve, and the doctor who is frustrated to not have the proper chance to discuss the issues with the patients, and is generally then delayed and inconveniences the subsequent patients for the rest of the session.

Fees

Although we are a private billing practice, our fees are quite modest.

We do Bulk Bill:

• Full pensioners who have a blue pension card
• Health care card holders
• All students from prep to university level
• Self funded retirees are charged a small fee (currently $10).

Payment

We accept cash, cheques, payment by EFTPOS and credit cards.

If you have registered your banking account details with Medicare your rebate can be deposited directly into your bank account.

Note! All fees must be settled on the day at the conclusion of the consultation. We do not post out accounts.

We do not Bulk Bill on Saturday Mornings

Home Visits

It is possible to arrange for home visits but bear in mind that the doctors have only limited time for home visits, if you are too sick to come in to the surgery then please phone so that we can advise you on the best course of action. If you are sick enough to be unable to attend the surgery then it is likely that you would either need blood tests or x-rays to determine the cause of your illness, which may mean that waiting for a doctor to visit at the end of the day is not the best option.

In particular for patients over the age of 40 who experience unexplained chest pains, please either ring for an ambulance or attend a hospital emergency department where you can be tested and treated rapidly and effectively.

After Hours

For after hours issues please ring the surgery main phone line for advice and assistance. If you are in a genuine emergency situation please call 000 for an ambulance or attend a hospital emergency department immediately.

Results

If you have had a comprehensive number of blood tests\x-rays it is essential to make an appointment with the responsible doctor, so that you will fully understand what tests are being performed and the results.

A single result may be passed onto you over the telephone, but be aware that the reception staff are not medically qualified to discuss the significance of the findings.

Repeat Prescriptions/Specialists Referrals

At the doctor's discretion, a repeat prescription may be written, usually for an acute medical condition.

24 hours notice is required, except if the need is urgent.

For a repeat referral to a specialist, an appointment is necessary.

Please note that you should obtain a referral BEFORE seeing your specialist.

Back dating referrals is illegal under the Health Insurance Commission act and will NOT be issued.

Privacy

All our medical records are treated as confidential documents.

No information will be passed on to another person or organisation unless we have your written permission.

If you move to another area or decide to leave the practice your full details can be sent to a doctor of your choice, again with your written permission.

Problems

If you experience any difficulties with our services, please discuss this with one of our doctors or the practice manager.

If you feel your concern needs to be addressed outside the practice, please contact either of the following:

Victorian Health Services Commissioner
Level 30, 570 Bourke Street, Melbourne, 3000

Tel: 03 8601 5222

or

Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
Level 8, 111 Bourke Street, Melbourne, 3000

Tel: 1300 419 4950