Medical Services

Patient billing

Providence Medical & Dental Belmont is a mixed billing practice. Bulk billing is available for pensioners, healthcare card holders and children 15 years and under. The fee for a standard consultation is $73 and $130 for a longer consultation. Payment is required at the time of consultation and we accept EFTPOS, credit card and cash. We use Medicare Online claiming so the Medicare rebate can be refunded into your bank account within 24-48 hours.

Communication

Phone Calls
Our doctors will deal with some enquiries over the phone, however these calls interrupt consultations. For this reason, they cannot always take your calls immediately and will return your call when it is convenient. Enquiries are best dealt with by making an appointment with your doctor. If your problem is urgent, please advise Reception.

Results
We ask that all patients make a follow up appointment with the doctor for reviewing test results. You may ring to find out if your results are back but no results will be given over the phone unless previously organised with your doctor. To protect the rights of patient confidentiality the Reception staff will ask a series of questions in order to confirm the identity of the person to whom they are speaking with.

Recalls
Our Practice offers a recall service for preventative care. This system enables the doctors to recall patients for a number of reasons, eg. test results, immunisations, PAP smears, etc. All patient files have been flagged for this service. If you do not wish to receive reminder notices, please inform our staff.

Updating Details
In order for us to provide the very best of care, it is important for you to keep us informed of any changes to your details. If you have moved house or changed your home or mobile numbers recently, please inform reception.

Long Appointments

Should you require a long appointment with your doctor, please advise reception at the time of making the appointment. A long consultation will be required if you wish to discuss multiple or complex health problems, completion of forms for Insurance or Medicals etc. If you are unsure, please ask Reception.

Repeat Prescriptions and Referrals

Repeat prescriptions and referrals forms require a consultation with the doctor. Please check what scripts/referrals you require prior to your consultation. Requests for scripts/referrals outside of your consultation will be refused, unless you have made prior arrangements. Should the doctor provide a referral, a replacement/lost script OR consent to a script over the phone – a charge of $25 will be requested. Please note that referrals cannot be back dated.

Travel Vaccinations and Immunisations

Please schedule an appointment with your doctor at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip. We stock most standard vaccines that can be purchased. This is to ensure the vaccines remain viable due to cold-chain requirements to keep the vaccines at between 2-8 degrees. If you are bringing a vaccine with you, please collect the vaccine/s from the Pharmacy on the way to your doctor’s appointment and proceed to the practice without delay. On arrival at the practice, let the Receptionist know immediately that you have a vaccine requiring refrigeration.

Care Plan and EPC Referrals

Patients who suffer from chronic illness are often commenced on a Care Plan that enables them to attend limited sessions with allied health providers and dentists. Often we get calls from patients who have been told by these providers to get a Care Plan from their GP. Sometimes this can be misleading to our patients. These Care Plans must be at the doctor’s discretion and the patient be diagnosed with a chronic disease to qualify. If in doubt, please ask your GP at your next visit. A separate appointment is required with the Registered Nurse to complete the Care Plan, please advise Reception when making an appointment.

Workers Compensation

Please advise reception should you require a Workers Compensation consultation. All of our doctors are able to see their patients for workers compensation claims. However, please be aware the patient will personally be responsible for all costs incurred. These costs are to be paid at time of consultation. If you have any questions, please discuss with the Receptionist.

Privacy of Patient Health Information

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Management of Patient Health Information

Medical Records
Should you wish to have your medical records sent to another practice, we can provide a brief Health summary free of charge. However, should you require a complete medical history, you will need to obtain a “Transfer or Medical Records Form” from the new practice you are attending. They will fax/email us the request and we will save/export this to a CD or USB Drive. Payment will need to be made prior to your file being sent. You can either call in and pay at the practice, or pay over the phone. Your health information is encrypted and safe and can only be seen using a medical software programme. The cost for the supply of the information on the CD or USB is $40.

My health record

Is a secure, electronic record of your medical history, stored and shared in a network of connected systems, e.g Hospitals, GP’s, etc. My Health Record will bring key health information from a number of different systems together and present it in a single view.

You can register online at myhealthrecord.gov.au or Phone 1800 723 471.

Feedback and Complaints

We encourage and welcome patient feedback, so we can continue improving our services. If you would care to complete an anonymous patient feedback survey form, you will find them on the Reception Desk on a clipboard with a pen.

It is hoped you are happy with the care you receive at Providence Medical and Dental Belmont. If you have a complaint, it is advisable to speak directly to the Practice Manager, or the doctor, thereby ensuring prompt attention to the problem. Should your problem remain unresolved, you may contact the Health Care Complaints Commission on 9219 7444

Follow Up of Test Results

We ask that all patients make a follow up appointment with the doctor for reviewing test results. You may ring to find out if your results are back but no results will be given over the phone unless previously organised with your doctor. To protect the rights of patient confidentiality the reception staff will ask a series of questions in order to confirm the identity of the person to whom they are speaking with.