Burra Medical Centre
Policies
Burra Medical Centre is committed to protecting the privacy of patient information and to handling your personal information in a responsible manner.
The privacy policy (available from reception) explains how we collect, use and disclose your personal information, how you may access that information and how you may seek the correction of information. It also explains how you may make a complaint about a breach of privacy legislation.
The Privacy Policy is current from January 01, 2020 and is reviewed annually. From time to time we may make changes to our policy, processes and systems in relation to how we handle your personal information. We will update the Privacy Policy to reflect any changes and will be available in the practice upon request.
Practice Policy
Your Health is in Good Hands
FEES POLICY:
Pre-Employment Medicals and Heavy Vehicle Licences MUST BE paid in full on the day of consultation. These specific appointments are not covered by Medicare under the Bulk Billing Scheme.
An expired Medicare or Concession Card will result in full payment being required on the day of appointment
Patients MUST present their Medicare AND Concession Cards to reception staff at EVERY appointment. There are no exceptions to this policy, and must be adhered to by EVERY patient.
CANCELLATION AND FAILURE TO ATTEND POLICY:
If a Patient misses an appointment or cancels an appointment with less than 24 hours’ notice on more than 3 occasions a letter will be sent advising that payment for all future bookings will be required. While we understand that there are extenuating circumstances that are completely unavoidable, it will be up to the Doctors discretion whether a note is left on the patient file stating a Failure to Attend.
RESULTS POLICY:
Patients, at times, may call the practice and ask the reception staff for test results. It is our Practice Policy that no results are given out over the phone by our reception staff. There are no exceptions to this. All patients are required to book an appointment with the Doctor to discuss the results and make any follow up appointments.
PATIENT FORMS:
All new patients – and from time to time our regular patients – will be asked to complete our Patient Information form. This form collects important information such as:
Who to contact in an Emergency?
Personal medical history, including allergies, adverse reactions and any current medications
Your consent for our staff telephoning or writing you regarding follow ups, recalls and reminders
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MAKING AN APPOINTMENT:
If you are making an appointment for someone else, please ensure the reception staff is aware exactly whom the appointment is for, so the correct information can be collected.
You may be asked some questions about your appointment to try to get the best-timed appointment for you. While we understand you may not want to inform the reception staff your private appointment requirements, however if you have more than one thing to discuss or have something complex then a double appointment should be booked.
SPECIALIST REFERRALS:
Specialist Referrals need a Doctors’ appointment. This can not be done over the phone. This also requires a Double Appointment to be booked.
PRESCRIPTIONS:
All prescriptions need a Doctor’s appointment. This can not be done over the phone.
WAITING TIMES:
We try our best to run as close to time as possible, however, some patients may be more unwell then they thought on booking their appointment and my need more time with the doctor.
Occasionally our Doctor may be called by the hospital or another doctor to help with an Emergency. When we are running considerably late, we will do our best to contact you before you attend the surgery to arrange a later time or to rebook your appointment.