North West Medical Practice

Please be aware that our receptionists cannot provide advice on Bulk Billing for consultations. The decision to Bulk Bill is made solely by the doctor, as receptionists are not equipped to advise on this matter. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to discuss any billing concerns directly with your doctor.

• Bulk Billing will remain for Children under 16 years, Age, Pension, Concession Health Care Card and DVA card Holders. Health Assessments, Care Plans, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health, and Covid Vaccinations will all remain Bulk Billed also.
• Fees may apply for stock that is required to be purchased from the Practice.
• Patients without a current Medicare card are requested to pay at the time of consultation. Information on the current private fees charged is available at reception.
• Medical Reports, some Forms and consultations concerning established Workers Compensation and Third-Party claims will be charged in accordance with the AMA Fee List.
• We pass on transaction fees for card and digital payments: 2.0% for American Express and Diners Club, 1.5% for Visa and Mastercard (credit), and 0.7% for Visa and Mastercard (debit), with no surcharge for EFTPOS or cash payments. We do this in line with the RBA rules.
• From the 1st of January 2025 some private consultations may increase due to new payroll tax obligations on NSW medical practices that engage general practitioners.

We ask that patients make a booking ONLINE when possible, though every effort will be made to fit patients in when possible.

Our standard appointment types have specific time allowances, so please book a longer consultation if required to be fair to other patients. This approach helps us maintain our commitment to providing each patient with the attention they deserve. Additionally, we appreciate your punctuality for appointments. Please note late arrivals may not be seen during busy periods.

We do standard 15-minute appointments. Some services like pap smears, health assessments, skin checks, or if you have a number of complex concerns to discuss with your GP, may need longer appointments.

Test results are only given to the patient concerned by a doctor. However, you will generally be asked to make an appointment with your doctor to follow up.

Medical Certificates can be provided by your doctor following a consultation, unfortunately they cannot be backdated. Please try to present early in your illness should you require this service.

If you have visited our practice in the past twelve months, you can book a telehealth consultation. Please do so ONLINE. New patients must have a face to face consult with one of our GP’s in the first instance.

The practitioners adhere to the AMA code of Ethics regarding Privacy and Confidentiality, please be assured that your medical records and consultations are kept in the strictest confidence.

Please ask the reception team for a ‘transfer of medical records’ request. This can then be provided to your previous practice / doctor.

All pathology tests require a referral from your GP. We encourage you to have this ready when appearing at the pathology collection centre for your pathology test. Some pathology tests, such as pregnancy glucose tolerance testing, require you to book with pathology.

Work cover patients will be treated the same as regular patients. Please notify your employer before your first consultation so they may provide you with a claim number related to your current case.

Specialists typically require a referral letter from a GP. Please make an appointment with a GP first to ask about a referral letter; your GP will advise you accordingly. Please note, specialist referrals cannot be backdated, and you will need to discuss with your specialist any charges with them directly.

Our communications Policy details how and when we receive and return telephone calls and electronic communication.

We will not disturb a doctor during a consultation. We will let the doctor know if a patient has contacted the practice for them and will respond appropriately.

Please note emails are there for administrative purposes. We will not disclose personal information over email and will not use this method to book or cancel appointments.

We may get in touch with you via SMS or email to update you with general information about our practice or health services for your information. Any generic email communication to you is done using only a name and email, for the purposes of these communications, please be advised that no further information is stored.

If you are unsatisfied with any aspect of our practice or your consultation, complaints can be made by completing a ‘feedback form’ available in the waiting room, completing a formal ‘complaints’ form available at the reception desk, discussing your concerns directly with the Practice Manager, ‘LEAVE FEEDBACK’ in the contact form below or contact the NSW Health Services Commissioner on (02) 9219 7444.