Appointments & Fees
Appointments
Appointments are by consultation only. We are committed to continuity of care and therefore we encourage you to see the same doctor, and will make every effort to achieve this for you. If it is not possible, the receptionist will recommend alternatives. Urgent consultations can usually be accommodated because of our flexible appointment system.
It is a practice policy that no child will be refused a same day appointment.
Longer Appointments
Some consultations—for example insurance medicals, pre-employment medicals, female health checks (including Pap. Tests), men’s health checks, surgical procedures, travel health, mental health care plans - require a longer consultation. Please inform the receptionist when you are making an appointment for these so enough time can be allocated. This also reduces waiting times for other patients.
Fees
Advocate Medical Centres are private billing clinics. However, as a service to the community, we bulk bill pensioners, health care card holders and children under 16.
Please be aware that some consultations and procedures are not covered by Medicare and will not attract a Medicare rebate. These include:
- Insurance forms
- Legal forms
- Employment medicals
- Work Cover
Billings for these items will be time-based and extended appointments are usually required.
Procedures performed in our well-equipped theatre will incur an extra charge to cover the cost of medical supplies and cleaning. Concession patients will be charged a reduced fee, which will leave a gap.
Missed Appointment fee: A fee may be charged for patients who repeatedly fail to attend their appointment, and do not cancel within a reasonable time.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, please speak to your doctor who may review his/her fees. The fee your doctor charges is at his/her discretion.