Practice Information & Fees
Armstrong Heath is a mixed billing clinic. Pensioners and Children under 16 years old attract a discount. We bulkbill individuals 85 years and older. All patients will need to finalise their accounts at the time of consultation. Payments can be accepted in the form of cash, EFTPOS, MasterCard or Visa. Medicare rebates can be claimed from Medicare instantly into the patient’s bank account if they provide an EFTPOS card at the time of payment or via online patient claiming.
Mental health consultations and medical reports attract different fees. Some procedures, dressings, vaccines and other items may also incur a separate fee. Please ask at reception for a full explanation in relation to our fees if required.
Patients attending for Work Cover and Transport Accident Claims are charged a private fee. A receipt will be issued so that the patient can claim reimbursement from the employer or the TAC.
Medical examinations such as for insurance, pre-employment, taxi driver’s licenses, truck driver’s licenses and superannuation purposes do not attract a Medicare rebate and must be paid for at the time of the consultation.
The following is provided as a basic guide to common fees based on the Medicare rebates for consultations with one of our general practitioners as of May 2017.
Armstrong Health Fees
| Appointment | Standard Fees | HCC/Pension/ Kids | Medicare Rebate | Saturday Fees | HCC/Pension/ Kids | Medicare Rebate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $78 | $68 | $38.75 | $82 | $72 | $38.75 |
| Long (20-30 min) | $124 | $114 | $75.05 | $128 | $118 | $75.05 |
| Prolonged(>40 min) | $160 | $150 | $110.50 | $170 | $160 | $110.50 |
| Skin Check | $130 | $130 | $75.05 | $130 | $130 | $75.05 |
| Mirena Insertion | $280.65 | $280.65 | $130.65 | Not done | Not done | Not applicable |
| Telehealth | $65 | Bulk-billed | $38.75 | $65 | Bulk-billed | $38.75 |
Telehealth Consultations
Telehealth consultations have become an integral part of patient care since the COVID19. Telehealth policy might be changed according to the latest government legislation. You will be informed about the updated telehealth policy on our website, official facebook page, online booking system and on calling the reception. Callers ringing with medical inquiries may be asked to make an appointment to see a doctor.
Results
It is appreciated if patients telephone for test results 1-2 days after your investigations. For anything other than straightforward test results, it may be best for you to make an appointment to see your doctor to discuss them thoroughly. When the results are reviewed and an abnormality is found, we will attempt to contact you. Please ensure that we have your current contact phone numbers and address.
Please be aware that when you are referred by your doctor for pathology tests, imaging or if you are referred to see a specialist you may incur Out of Pocket Expenses. It is not common practice for items to be Bulk – Billed.
It is advised to enquire regarding these costs when making an appointment with the appropriate health provider.
Repeat Prescriptions and Referral Policy
Requests for repeat prescriptions are left to the doctor’s discretion. We require 48 hours notice for requests. Staff cannot guarantee that the doctor will provide all prescriptions that are requested. Patients are asked to call prior to collection to make certain that the doctor does not require a consultation. A prescription fee of $15.00 will be levied for repeat prescriptions. This does not attract a Medicare rebate.
If you have an appointment with a specialist you will require a letter of referral from your treating doctor. As this letter is valid for a specific period, please ensure that your referral is current prior to your next visit to the specialist.
It is a legal requirement under the Medicare Act that a referral to a specialist can only be given after “due consideration by the treating physician”. Therefore, it is necessary that you are seen by your doctor. For exceptional circumstances, a referral may be done without consultation. A fee of $20.00 will be levied for such repeat referrals. This does not attract a Medicare rebate.
After Hours Arrangements
Armstrong Health Medical Clinic’s after hours coverage is provided by The National Home Visiting Doctor Service.
They provide home visits Monday – Friday 6pm – 8am, Saturday 12pm – 8am Monday and all Public Holidays. Their number is 13SICK or 137425
This service is for established patients of this practice and a fee may be charged.
If you are unable to contact The Home Visiting Doctor Service, and require urgent medical attention please call an ambulance on 000.
Disabled Access
Arrmstrong Health is disables access friendly with a ramp leading to our front door, and a designated disabled parking spot. If you need extra assistance in entering or exiting the clinic, please let our reception staff know and they will be glad to assist you.
Reminder System
Our practice is committed to preventative care. We may issue you with a reminder notice from time to time offering you preventative health services appropriate to your care. If you do not wish to be a part of this system please let us know at reception.
Management of your Health Information
Your medical record is a confidential document. It is the policy of this practice to maintain security of personal health information at all times and to ensure that this information is only available to authorised members of staff.
A full copy of our privacy policy can be found in the privacy policy section or is available at reception.
Translating and Auslan Services
All practitioners have access to the Translating & Interpreting Service National by phoning 131 450.
Patients with hearing difficulties are encouraged to utilise the National Auslan Booking & Payment service by phoning 1800 246 945.
Patient Feedback
To assist with ongoing quality and improvement patient feedback is appreciated. Our suggestion box can be found in our waiting room.
If you are happy with the service we provide we would be grateful to hear from you.
If you are unhappy with the service then we feel it is even more important to hear for you so we can take steps to rectify the problem.
We feel that problems are best dealt with within the practice and would encourage you to speak to your Doctor or Practice Manager.
If you feel the matter can not be discussed you may prefer to contact:
Victorian Health Services Commissioner
Level 30 – 570 Bourke Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000
PH: 03 8601 5222
Our practice is proudly accredited by QPA.
QPA accreditation reassures you that our practice is committed to providing you with high quality health care.
Our practice team is proud of this achievement and as part of this process we continuously strive to make quality improvements.
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