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
Most medical issues are best dealt with in a face-to-face consultation with your GP. Because our doctors are usually consulting with patients in scheduled appointments, they are unable to receive or return patient phone calls (or emails). We encourage you to schedule an appointment at a convenient time if you need to discuss issues with your doctor.
Telehealth consultations
A telehealth consult can be arranged, however these need to be booked and will be charged in accordance with our fee schedule (in some, but not all instances, a Medicare rebate may be available).
If you elect to make a telehealth appointment, please be aware that some conditions may still require a subsequent face-to-face visit, which will also be charged in accordance with our published fee schedule.
Prescriptions
A consultation is generally required for prescriptions, as this enables your doctor to properly monitor your health and check the medical condition for which the script is being written.
Repeat scripts without a consultation – online request service
In limited circumstances, for existing patients of the practice, your doctor may be willing to write a repeat prescription without a consultation. There is a $30 fee for this service to cover the administrative costs and the doctor’s time to check your chart and record notes. There is no Medicare rebate available for this service.
Generally speaking, your doctor may be happy to write a repeat prescription if they’ve seen you within the last 3-6 months (depending on the condition) and if the medication has been previously prescribed at our practice.
If you would like to request a repeat prescription without a consult, please visit our website (click on online services) to submit a request. Please allow 48 hours for requests to be processed as they are written in and around the doctor’s consulting sessions.
Please ensure you manage your scripts to ensure you don’t run out at the last minute – it is very difficult to squeeze patients in or turn around requests without at least 48 hours notice.
Drugs of dependence prescribing policy
For your safety, our doctors will not prescribe S8 drugs or drugs of dependence to new patients or via an online repeat prescription request.
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.
Medical certificates
Patients need to have a consultation with a Doctor to obtain a medical certificate. By law we are not permitted to backdate medical certificates. To avoid further fees and/or delays, if you require a medical certificate, please ask at the time of your consultation.
Referrals
So that we can properly monitor your health and meet our ethical and legal responsibilities a consultation is required for all referrals.
Writing a comprehensive referral takes time which is why a consultation is required. The consultation enables your GP to compile an up‑to‑date medical history and other information about your condition which will help you get the most out of your appointment with the specialist.
A referral is a legal document that enables you to claim benefits from Medicare, so it is important that you obtain your referral before your specialist appointment. It is illegal to backdate referrals or to write one without first having had a consultation with the patient. It is also important for you to ensure you have your referral organised well before your specialist appointment as we are generally fully booked each day so it is difficult to facilitate last minute requests.
Recalls
Patients will be recalled for a follow up appointment where clinically indicated by a test, imaging result or other circumstances considered relevant by your doctor (see our detailed results policy in our Patient Information Book).
Reminders
We use a reminder system which prompts you by letter (or an SMS) to schedule an appointment for recurring issues like skin checks, cervical screening and immunisations. To opt out of reminders please advise our staff.
Confirmations
We use an SMS confirmation system and require you to reply to confirm your attendance 24 hours prior. If you do not respond to confirm, or we cannot reach you, your appointment may be cancelled and offered to another patient.
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.
Keeping your information current
Please let us know if any of your information has changed since your last visit and we’ll be happy to update your record. This is especially important if you have changed address or contact details, have received an updated Medicare card, or if custody arrangements or your health status have changed.
Communicating with us
You can contact our practice by phone or fax. You are also welcome to drop in and speak to our reception staff at any time.
Due to security and privacy reasons, we strongly discourage the use of email or social media to transmit your private health information to us. Email is the digital equivalent of sending a postcard and can be easily intercepted.
We will not use email or social media to send your health information to anyone, including yourself.
We will only respond to general enquiries via our social media channels.
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.
