Other Information
We strive for the best
and believe in good communication
The information on this page is designed to help patients know what to expect when you choose Saltwater Medical as your general practice. If you have a question about any aspect of our service not listed here please feel free to talk to our receptionists or our practice manager.
Phoning your doctor
If you need to talk to your doctor please call the practice. Generally, they will be consulting with other patients, so a message will be emailed asking them to return your call. Most calls are reviewed at the end of each consulting session and will be returned as soon as the doctor becomes available.
Repeat prescriptions and referrals
So we can properly monitor your health and meet our ethical and legal responsibilities, a consultation is required for all repeat prescriptions and specialist referrals. This enables your doctor to check your medical condition and prescriptions, and/or provide the specialist with an up-to-date history and other pertinent information about your health. A specialist referral is a legal document that enables you to claim benefits from Medicare. It is important that you obtain your referral before your specialist appointment, as it is illegal to backdate referrals or write one without a having had a consultation.
Results
If your doctor makes a request for pathology tests or imaging, you will need to make a follow up appointment to discuss the results and make a plan for the management of your issue. Results will not be communicated over the phone as our reception staff do not have access to your health records. Follow up appointments to discuss results with your doctor enables us to support you in maintaining and coordinating your long-term health, which is our primary concern. Pap-smear results will be forwarded to patients by mail.
Medical certificates
Patients must see the doctor to obtain a medical certificate and by law, doctors are not permitted to backdate medical certificates in any circumstances. If you require a medical certificate, please ask at the time of your consultation.
Disability facilities
Our practice is designed for easy wheelchair access. We also have a wheelchair available to assist you to access our premises if required. Should you have special needs please discuss them with our reception staff or your doctor.
Drugs of addiction prescribing policy
In order to provide responsible, quality care, the doctors at Saltwater Medical will not prescribe S8 drugs or drugs of addiction to new patients at their first appointment. We appreciate your understanding.
Disability facilities
Our practice is designed for easy wheelchair access. We also have a wheelchair available to assist you to access our premises if required. Should you have special needs please discuss them with our reception staff or your doctor.
Recalls and reminders
We run state-of-the-art computer systems which support an automated patient recall and reminder system. You will be prompted to attend the surgery for an appointment if you meet the criteria in our system or your doctor feels that it is appropriate.
We respect your privacy
If you would like to obtain a copy of our privacy policy please click here. Hard copies are also available upon request at our reception. If have any questions or concerns, please feel free to discuss them with our Practice Manager.
After-hours medical services
If you require after-hours medical services please telephone the National Home Doctor Service on 13 7425.
If you’d like to become a Saltwater Medical patient we’d love to
look after you and your family. Call us on (07) 5301 9828.
