Clinic Policies

This clinic is committed to providing comprehensive care to all patients. Our doctors are trained and experienced in the broad range of problems dealt with in general medical practice.

Management of your personal 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.

From time to time our practice undergoes quality control audits (for accreditation) which include a review of medical records. These reviews are carried out by another qualified doctor (not from this practice), on a small number of randomly selected medical records. If you do not want your notes to be reviewed in this way, please let our receptionist know and we will ensure your notes are not included in any quality control audit.

Emergency/After Hours Service

Seaford Day and Night Clinic is committed to providing after hours/emergency care. The practice is open until 11pm most nights. If you need treatment outside our normal opening hours you can phone the National Home Doctor Service on 13SICK (137 425).

In an emergency the ambulance number is 000.

Waiting Time

It can be difficult to always run to time and delays are sometimes unavoidable. If the doctor is running behind by more than 30 minutes we will try to let you know before your appointment time.

Home Visits

Home visits are available to our regular patients (within a 5km radius) where their condition prevents them from attending the surgery. Please let your doctor know if you require this service. NB Bulk billing does not routinely apply to home visits.

Telephone Calls

Although most problems are best handled via direct consultation, a doctor will always be available during normal surgery hours for emergency advice. Our staff are experienced in helping you decide whether the matter requires an appointment, a return telephone call from your doctor or urgent attention.

Recalls

A recall/reminder system is available to remind you to attend for routine investigations and/or immunisations. If you would like to register for one of our recalls, please let our receptionist know, or discuss it with your doctor. We recommend all females who are sexually active to have a Pap Smear every 2 years (or more often as advised by your doctor).

Results

All patients are asked to return to see their doctor for test results.

Referrals and Sick Certificates

Patients need to make an appointment to see a doctor for the above. This is a legal requirement of the Health Commission.

Prescriptions

It is not always medically safe to issue a prescription without a consultation. Therefore we request that you check your prescription requirements prior to a consultation. When considered medically appropriate, repeat prescriptions may be given without seeing the doctor.

24 hours notice is required for these requests and a fee of $5.00 will apply.

Fees and Accounts

Our clinics bulk bill all patients.

Workcover and insurance consultations must be paid on the day of the consultation. No accounts will be issued.

Billing for minor surgical procedures will incur a procedure fee of $55.

Non attendance fees will apply for all appointments that are not cancelled. Minimum 2 hours notice is required.

Infection Control

Our clinics are fully accredited practices and follow the guidelines recommended by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners regarding infection control and sterilising techniques.

SMS reminders

An SMS reminder will be sent to your mobile phone at least 12 hours prior to your appointment. It is the clinics requirements that a minimum of 2 hours notice is given for cancellation of all appointments. Non attendance fees will apply.

If you do not wish to receive SMS reminders please inform our receptionists.