| We've put together a list of the most frequently asked questions from our patients - simply click on the questions below. Is the surgery open on weekends? Is the surgery open on weekends? The Hurstbridge and Districts medical centre is open every Saturday from 9am-12 noon. Appointments are made on the day unless a doctor has booked a review appointment during the week. Saturday morning is intended for patients that need urgent attention or cannot come through the week. There is no bulk billing on Saturday. How are appointments made for Saturday morning? Simply ring the surgery in the morning. Open hours are 8.30am - 6.00pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am - 12.00pm on Saturday. The surgery is closed from the end of a session on Saturday (12 noon) until Monday morning (8.30am). The surgery is also closed on public holidays. What are the after hours arrangements? After hours assistance can be obtained at: * Mill Park Super Clinic, 250 Childs Rd, Mill Park Ph: 94738888 Do the doctors do shared care? Yes. Several of the doctors are affiliated shared care practitioners. Pregnant patients who would like to take advantage of shared care can make an appt by the usual channels. Does the practice do home visits? Home visits can be arranged. Home visits are usually reserved for elderly patients who cannot or are too unwell to come to the surgery. It is preferable for patients to come to the surgery building if at all possible as facilities for treatment are there. Dr Kelly regularly visits the Wattle Glen Aged Care facility and Dr Mangan regularly attends patients at Killara Retirement Facility. What are the billing arrangements? For a full list of our billing arrangements please vistit the Billing page on this website. What if I cannot see my usual doctor? This is a situation that can arise if you need an urgent appointment and your usual doctor is fully booked or not on duty. It has been a longstanding and successful strategy of Hurstbridge and Districts medical centreto invite you to see whoever is available at the time, in the knowledge that this is endorsed by your own doctor, and the attending doctor has full access via computer to your records No, the books are not closed to new patients at Hurstbridge and Districts medical centre. Is there a reminder service available? Yes - there is an SMS reminder system for booked patients. In addition several recall systems are in place for various things such as pap smears, health assessments etc. If you do not wish to be on our recall system please advise the practice manager. What if I have complex issues? Complex issues or several simultaneous ailments will require an long consultation. This can be requested when making an appointment. What if I need a removal of a lesion from the skin? All the doctors perform minor surgery. A long appointment needs to be made. All removed lesions are sent to the pathology service for examination. What of follow up appointments? Your doctor will advise you if you need a follow up appointment. This usually occurs when tests have been ordered, to follow the progress of an illness to assess response to treatment or redressing of wounds or ulcers or remove sutures. When would I need a long consultation? Long consultations are required for complex issues, medical checkup or report for insurance, pap smears or when you feel you may need extra time to discuss and diagnose your condition. A long cons can be requested when making your appointment. What if I need to cancel an appointment? We request that cancellations be made in a timely fashion so that another patient can be offered that appointment. On most days there is a cancellation list. Regulations do not allow doctors to supply repeat prescriptions without a consultation. Prescription only appointments can be made that attract a lesser fee if indicated to reception. Can I talk to my doctor over the phone? Yes. However it is not always possible immediately and in that case the doctor will return your call at a more convenient time. Referrals must be obtained prior to seeing the specialist. How do I find out my test results? All results are checked by your doctor as they become available. The doctor will indicate to staff the action that needs to be taken. This may result in staff contacting you for a followup appointment. Unless a followup appointment has already been arranged by your doctor at your consultation, we advise patients to ring the surgery for results. What if I have a complaint or suggestion? We would like to know if you are unhappy with our service. The first point of contact would be our practice manager or your doctor. Most problems can be satisfactorily resolved with open communication. |
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Frequently asked questions
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