Practice Information
Fees
This is a private billing practice and payment on the day is required.
The Practice bulk bills children under the age of 16 years and holders of Veteran Affairs entitlement card (DVA).
A discount is given to pension and health care card holders. On the spot Medicare rebates are available.
Please note that additional fees are incurred for surgical procedures, vaccines and tests including: pregnancy testing, ECG, spirometry, audiometry and other tests.
Reception, when applicable, will notify you at a time of booking if you can expect to pay a higher fee, i.e. for procedures, booking long consultations, vaccinations etc.
Appointments
Consultations are by appointment and 15 minutes appointments are allocated. If you have multiple issues or a complex problem we advise that you book a longer appointment, please inform Reception when making your booking.
Please advise Reception if you have a medical situation requiring same day appointment. There are a few appointments available for urgent problems each morning and afternoon. Walk-ins will be triaged accordingly.
Surgical procedures, pre-employment, insurance and other medicals will always require a longer appointment. Please inform Reception at the time of booking so the appropriate time and resources can be allocated.
Every effort is made to avoid running late, however due to the nature of the business ie; complex medical problems, interruptions or unforeseen medical emergencies delay this it not always possible. Patients are encouraged to ring prior to their appointment to check the Doctor is running on time.
If you have a life threatening emergency you should call 000 for the ambulance.
Repeat Prescriptions
To ensure optimal medical care, a review of your medical condition may be required before a repeat prescription or referral can be provided.
However, in some circumstances, this may not apply (e.g. lost prescription) and a $25 fee will be charged for the service. Please note, that there would be an extra charge if you require the script to be sent directly to your preferred pharmacy. Please allow up to 48 hours before collection.
Specialist Referrals
Specialist referrals cannot be requested over the phone and will not be provided without prior consultation.
Home visits and After Hours Care
Home visits are not routinely provided. However, under certain circumstances, and by prior approval this service may be provided to regular patients within the local area if their medical condition prevents them from being able to attend the clinic.
After Hours Care is provided by agreement with the Call Doctors Home Visit Services. Should you need assistance after hours please phone Call Doctors Home Visit Services on 1300132929.
Test Results.
In most circumstances, patients are required to make a return appointment to discuss results. This will provide opportunity to discuss the outcome of your tests with a Doctor and to organise appropriate follow up when required. If you do not wish to arrange a review appointment, you can ring the clinic select option 2 and leave your details for the nurse to call you back to find out the results.
All patients are responsible for obtaining the results of any investigations performed. If you have not been contacted within seven (7) days of having any test performed please phone Reception to ensure we have received your results and if any follow-up is indicated.
Reminder System
The Practice offers a reminder and recall system to provide systematic preventative and comprehensive care. The current recall system uses both electronic/telephone and traditional mail. Please advise if you do not wish to be registered in the practice systems.
Telephone Access and Emails
Should you wish to speak with your Doctor you may leave a message with reception or talk to one of the practice nurses. Please note, generally practice staff will not interrupt a consultation unless the problem is deemed urgent.
If the call is regarding a medical condition, it may be more appropriate to make an appointment with a Doctor.
Please note that the email address should not be used for clinical enquires, requests or private information as it is not a secure messaging system.
Transferring medical records
If you would like to have your medical records transferred to us from another medical centre please ask one of the reception staff and this will be organised for you. Please be aware that most medical centres charge an administrative fee to transfer medical records.
Interpreter Services
For patients who speak languages other than English, a telephone interpreter services are available if needed.
Translation and Interpreter Service phone number 131 450. It is free service and available 24 hours a day.
Further information about this service is available at https://www.tisnational.gov.au
Free interpreting service is available for patients who suffer hearing or speech impairment.
Contact detail are 1800 246 945 or website www.nabs.org.au
Privacy Policy
Your medical record is a confidential document. It is the policy of this practice to maintain security of personal health information at all times and to ensure that this information is only available to authorised members of staff.
This Practice follows the “Code of Practice for the Management of Health Information in Medical Practices” developed by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). This means that your personal health information is kept private and secure. The approach used in the Code is consistent with the provisions of the Federal and State Privacy Legislation.
A copy of our privacy policy is available from reception or available to download here - ACMC Privacy Policy.
Patient feedback
The clinic aims to provide a professional, quality and caring medical service for patients. If you have any concerns, complaints or suggestions about any aspect of our service, we need to hear about it and we encourage patients to complete the anonymous Patient Feedback Form. If you have any concerns, please ask to speak to the Practice Manager.
Any feedback and complaint is taken very seriously and used to foster improvement in the staff and clinic overall.
For further advice regarding health service related complaints, please contact the Office of Health Health Complaints Commissioner
Call 1300 582 113 between 9 am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Albury Central Medical Clinic is formally accredited against the RACGP Standards. This means the clinic meets standards set down by the RACGP and by the independent accreditation body QPA to ensure high quality care is provided. |
