FAQ

How much is a consultation?

Standard consultation is $78.
We expect payment at time of consultation.
You can pay by cash, credit card or EFTPOS.
We are able to process your Medicare rebate on the same day in most cases via our EFTPOS terminal using your savings or cheque account cards.

Do you Bulk Bill patients?

We Bulk Bill during ALL opening times the following people:

• DVA card holders
• Children 15 years and under
• People who identify as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

Between 8am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday we will Bulk bill:

• Full Blue Pension card holders

Concessional rates apply for:

• Health Care card holders
• Full time students 16 years and over (must present a valid student ID at every consult)

What other costs may I need to pay?

Commencing Monday 2nd March - patients requiring regular dressings by our nurses for Chronic long term wounds will need to pay  $5 every time they attend for a dressing to cover the cost of the products used.

This fee is NOT reduced or waived for those on concession and pension cards.

The only time this fee will not be charged is if you choose to purchase your own dressing products from a pharmacy.

Do your doctors do home visits?

Our doctors will only do home visits for regular patients of our clinic in exceptional circumstances and with prior arrangement with the individual doctor.

What if I have to cancel or reschedule an appointment?

We understand that circumstances change and you may not be able to keep an appointment.

Please let us know as far ahead as possible, so that the appointment can be reallocated to another patient.

It is our practice policy to charge a fee of $20 if you fail to attend a booked appointment or if you cancel less than 2 hours prior to the scheduled appointment.

How do I contact a doctor when you are closed?

If you ring our practice after hours you will hear a recorded message giving the numbers of the services that provide afterhours care for our practice when we are closed.

• House Call Doctor
  Phone: 13 55 66
  www.housecalldoctor.com.au
  Mon to Fri 6pm – 8pm, Sat from 12 noon, Sun & public holidays 24 hours
• The Townsville Hospital Emergency Department
  Phone:  4433 1111
  Open 24 hours

• Mater Hospital Emergency Department
  Fulham Rd, Pimlico
  Phone: 4747 4000
  Open: 7am to 11pm, 7 days per week
  Cost: out of pocket fee capped at $190

• GP Help Line
  Phone: 1800 022 222
  Mon to Fri 6pm – 8pm, Sat from 12 noon, Sun & public holidays 24 hours
• FOR ALL EMERGENCIES DIAL – 000

Can I speak to a doctor over the phone?

We do not like to interrupt consultations and many phone enquiries can be dealt with by our excellent nursing staff. It is there for our standard practice to have all requests to speak to a doctor, referred first to the nurse on duty.

Can I get my results over the phone?

You can call and ask to speak to the nurse on duty regarding your test results. Depending on the tests performed and their urgency it can take 3 -5 days for us to receive your results. The results can only be given over the phone if this has been authorised by the doctor and only to the patient or the parent of a child under 16 years. However if there are any significant or concerning results a nurse will endeavour to contact you.

What do I do if I have a complaint or suggestion?

If you have a problem we would like to hear about it. We take your concerns, suggestions and complaints seriously. Experience has shown that if you have a problem with one of our doctors it is best to speak with him or her first. If you are still unhappy or have a problem with another member of our staff you can write a letter to:

The Practice Manager, North Shore General Practice, 1/50 North Shore Bvd, BURDELL QLD 4818

We feel that most things can be handled within the practice, however if you would like outside advise you can contact:

Office of the Health Ombudsman
Po Box 13281, George St Brisbane QLD 4003
Ph: 133 646