Frequently Asked Questions
We encourage you to make an appointment with the Doctor for repeat prescriptions and referrals.
After Hours
Home visiting is an important part of a community medical service and is available for regular patients whose medical condition prevents them from attending the clinic. If you require a home visit please ring as early as possible in the morning to enable the doctor to plan his or her day.
If you are unable to attend the clinic during opening hours, please contact the clinic on 9790 0222. If necessary, one of our GPs will come to your house.
After hours medical attention is also available by contacting our deputising service (NHDS) on 13 SICK (13 7425). This service is BULK BILLED. However, if the matter is urgent you should attend your local hospital emergency department or call an ambulance immediately
Privacy Policy
This practice is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of your personal health information. We will not release information about you or your care to anyone without your written approval unless required by law. A copy of our privacy policy can be obtained from our reception.
Feedback and Complaints
We welcome any suggestions you may have to improve our services that we provide to you. Periodically we will conduct patient surveys, but if you would like to make a suggestion at any time please take advantage of our suggestion box. Please feel free to discuss any problems with your doctor. Alternatively, you can email reception@bellbirdmedicalcentre.com.au.
If you have a complaint you may wish to take further write to:
Health Complaints Commissioner Complaints and Information
30th Floor 570 Bourke Street, Melbourne. 3000 Victoria, Australia Toll Free: 1800 136 066 Fax No.: (61 3) 8601 5219 TTY No. 1300 550 275 E-mail: hsc@dhs.vic.gov.au
Recalls and Reminders
Our practice is committed to preventative care. A recall & reminder system is offered, please let our reception staff know if you do not wish to be on our recall/reminder system. All patient information is treated with strict confidentiality.
We are proud AGPAL accredited practice - what does this mean?
Achievement of AGPAL accreditation reassures you that our doctors and practice team are committed to providing you with high quality health care in a safe environment.
Next time you visit our practice be sure to look out for the AGPAL Accredited General Practice Symbol (below) or our accreditation certificate. Our practice team is proud of this achievement and as part of this process we continuously strive to make quality improvements to better your patient experience.
Appointments
Appointments are strongly encouraged, however walk-ins are most welcome.
Appointments can be booked by calling us on 9790 0222 or online
Please inform our reception staff if you require a longer appointment. A separate appointment is required for each patient seen. Remember to arrive 5 minutes before your appointment. You will have a much better chance of being seen on time. We endeavour to run on time, however due to emergency situations we may not be able to. Seriously ill patients are always seen urgently.
Please cancel any appointment you no longer require at least 2 hours prior to the appointment.
Fees
From 15th May 2023, we are BULK-BILLING children under 16 years of age (with valid medicare card).
Our fees are $33.50 for a consultation less than 5 minutes (OOP $14.65) and $72.50 for a consultation less than 20 minutes (OOP $31.30). A consultation longer than 20 min will incur a $139.00 (OOP $59.30) and any procedures performed will incur an additional charge. Discounted fees are charged to pensioners and health care care holders.
Payment in full at the time of consultation is required. Payment may be by cash, EFTPOS or cheque. We can lodge your medicare claim electronically. If you have a debit card, the rebate will be credited to your savings or cheque account immediately.
Visits solely for routine childhood immunisations as well as flu and COVID vaccines are bulk-billed.
Please feel free to discuss these fees with the Doctor if you feel that they will present a problem. Further details are available from the office staff upon request.
Results
It is your responsibility to follow up on your test results.
At Shalimar House, our primary concern is your health and well being. If you’re having tests done, your doctor will advise when they expect your results to arrive at the practice, so that you can make a review appointment to discuss the findings. Usually results are available three days after the test. Please note that you are responsible for the following up your results.
If your test results are ABNORMAL and/or require follow up, you will be asked to make a follow up appointment with your doctor.
Prescriptions and Referrals
Vaccinations
We provide all childhood and government funded vaccinations. Make sure you are up to date with all your vaccinations. We offer a full range of travel vaccinations and can provide vaccination advice specific to your travel itinerary.
Access and Parking
For our patients’convenience we have on-site parking and there is street parking and a large, free council car park opposite the Brady Road shops. There is disabled access at the front door. We have a wheelchair for patient use if required.