Fees, Appointments and Policies
Appointments
Consultations by appointment
Faulkner Street Medical runs an appointment system. The duration of a standard consultation is 15 minutes. If you require a longer appointment, particularly if you have multiple issues to discuss, please advise the receptionist when making your appointment so that more time can be allocated.
Booking an Appointment
Book appointments online using the “Book Now” button on the top right of this screen. Or contact us via telephone. Please do not contact the medical service provider via email regarding appointments or your health information as it is not considered secure.
You can assist us by:
- Ringing after 10.30am for non-urgent appointments
- Making follow-up appointments at the time of your last visit
Urgent Appointments
Patients without an appointment who require urgent attention are assessed by the Nursing Sister and will be seen as soon as possible.
Telehealth
If you are a regular patient and you’re unable to travel to the medical centre or need to see an eligible specialist, consultant physician or psychiatrist, telehealth services may be available. If you feel this would be beneficial to your health care and would like more information regarding this service, please discuss with your doctor. For your children, in person appointments are preferred.
Nursing Homes
Telephone Calls
As interruptions during the course of a consultation can be very distracting for both doctor and patient, most queries are best dealt with by consultation, but if appropriate, your doctor will discuss a telephone query with you. If the doctor concerned is consulting, your call will be returned as soon as the doctor is free. Emergency situations are an exception.
If you feel your problem requires immediate attention, please inform the receptionist that it is an emergency. One of the Nursing Sisters will speak with you and convey your situation to the doctor.
Waiting Times
Sometimes GPs are delayed by patients with urgent or complex issues. As much as we try to maintain appointment times, it is not always possible. We ask for your patience and understanding.
Children
We ask that parents supervise their children whilst in the building, and, if possible, do not leave them unattended.
Translator Services
Telephone translation 131 450
Auslan interpreter 1300 287 526
Home Visits
Home visits may be arranged for our regular patients whose condition prevents them from attending the premises during normal opening hours.
You will be transferred to our Sisters who will liaise with you and the treating Doctor to arrange the time of the home visit. A fee is charged for visits rendered.
After Hours
Call the after hours GP helpline on 1800 022 222 Contact local Armidale Hospital for care.
Or go direct to the Emergency Department at the Armidal Rural referral Hospital, 226 Rusden Street Armidale. Phone number 6776 9675.
Emergencies
Call Triple Zero (000) or go to your nearest hospital.
The closest hospital to the centre is;
Armidale Rural Referral Hospital
226 Rusden Street, Armidale
(02) 6771 400
Repeat Scripts and Referrals
If you are on prescribed medication, it is important that you are reviewed regularly; therefore, an appointment will be necessary. Please ensure that an appointment is made with your regular doctor prior to your medication running out.
You can request repeat scripts and referrals through our online booking portal. Please make sure you read the eligibility requirements prior to submitting your request.
Medical Certificates
Medical Certificates should be obtained at the time of consultation.
If you require a further certificate, telephone the receptionist with the information needed and allow 24 hours for the doctor to prepare your medical certificate, if appropriate.
Obtaining Results
Patients are required to phone the surgery for results. Doctors will advise patients at time of consultation.
When enquiring about your test results, please phone after 2pm, at which time you will be transferred to our Sister.
Fees
Faulkner Street Medical is a private billing service provider. Fees are set by each individual Medical Practitioner and may differ to other Medical Practitioners consulting from our rooms at Faulkner Street Medical.
Routine visits for Children under 6 years of age are Bulk Billed. For other patients, as well as after-hours services, a private fee will be charged.
Doctors practicing out of our consulting rooms will generally only offer Bulk Billed consultations for patients who:
– Hold a Department of Veteran Affairs Gold or White Concession Card,
– Are under 2 years of age
– Are receiving an immunisation / vaccination under the National Influenza or National Immunisation Program.
Patients who hold a Commonwealth Pension Concession, Senior’s Card or HealthCare Card, or patients aged 2-18 years of age may be offered a discounted fee.
Repeat Scripts Fee: A fee applies to all requested prescriptions that are written without an appointment with a GP. This fee is payable by all patients and includes scripts which are sent to the pharmacy directly.
Our booking system, HotDoc will bill you when you submit your request. If the doctor is unable to complete your request, the funds will be returned to you by HotDoc within 3-5 business days.
There is no Medicare rebate for this fee and t is expected that the fee is paid at the time the script is collected.
Repeat Referrals Fee: To be confirmed.
Payments
Making Payments: Payment is required on the day of the consultation and can be made by cash, EFTPOS or Credit Card.
Workers Compensation and Motor Vehicle Accident s: All workers compensation and motor vehicle accident patients are required to pay their accounts at the time of consultation until a letter of liability is produced from their insurance company.
Surgery Visit: Payment on the day of consultation is expected. Accounts are not issued. Credit Card and EFTPOS payment facilities are available. If you have difficulty with payment, please discuss this matter with your doctor or the practice manager at the time of your consultation.
Hospital Fees: Private Hospital patients will be issued with an account upon discharge from hospital. Your earliest payment of this account would be appreciated.
Medicare Claims: If you have registered your banking details with Medicare, we are able to process your Medicare claim at the time of your payment.
Management of your personal health information
Your medical record is a confidential document. It is the policy of this medical service provider to maintain the security of your personal health information at all times and to ensure that this information is only available to authorised members of staff.
If you would like access to your patient record, please discuss this with reception staff.
Patient Feedback
Feedback and Suggestions: Faulkner Street Medical welcomes your suggestions regarding the services we provide. If you would like to make a comment or recommendation about any aspect of care you have received from this medical service provider you may either use the “suggestion box” located in the front foyer area or discuss the matter with your Doctor or Practice Manager. You can also leave us feedback via Practice Hub by clicking This Link.
Changes made following your feedback include painting the practice building throughout, changes to the notice board, and ensuring that appropriate appointment lengths are provided.
Health Care Complaints Commission: If you feel you have a complaint with this medical service provider and it has not been dealt with to your satisfaction you may contact the Health Care Complaints Commission, Locked Bag 18, Strawberry Hills NSW 2012, regarding this.