FAQs
Frequently asked questions
EPC - Care Plans
Care Plans and Team Care arrangements are conducted at Pound Road Medical Centre for all patients with a chronic illness.
Our doctors and nurses manage patients with a range of chronic conditions including but not limited to Osteoarthritis, Asthma, Coronary Heart Disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease, Obesity, Diabetes and renal impairment and lung disease. We also has a range of allied health professionals on site that can assist you to maximise your health and an excellent network of specialists and allied health professionals.
Reviews of these care plans will be done 3-6 monthly depending on the chronic illness and the goals to be achieved. A reminder will be sent via SMS or Letter when you are due for the review or a New care Plan.
It is the patients responsibility to ensure that Medicare has approved the care plan before you make appointments with the Allied Health Professionals. We advice you to call us 2-3 days after your visit to ensure that Medicare has approved it.
Results
Results are not discussed over the phone. All patients are required to make a follow up appointment with the Doctor to discuss any results.
Patients who have urgent results will be contacted by the practice nurse to come in and see the Doctor on the day.
Patients with abnormal results will receive a call from the nurse and an SMS requesting patient to book an appointment with the Doctor. If your results are in the normal range you do not receive a reminder but if you require a copy, an appointment is required.
Scripts, Referrals and Requests or Any Other Documents issued by the Doctor
SCRIPTS
An appointment with the GP is essential. No requests for these will be taken over the phone. Appointments can usually be found within 1-2 days. Please make sure you make an appointment before your medication finishes. For lost scripts a fee of $20.00 is charged which is non-rebatable by Medicare.
REFERRALS
Patients consulting Specialist Practitioners require referrals yearly. The GP cannot re issue a referral without a consultation. Please ensure the appointment is made in advance as the GP cannot back date them. For lost referrals a fee of $20.00 is charged which is non-rebatable by Medicare.
REQUESTS-PATHOLOGY AND RADIOLOGY
Patients must ensure the have the referral before making appointments at the Pathology for Blood tests or Radiology.
Please ask about the fees when you are making the appointment as not all Radiology Providers bulk bill.
Medicare constantly changes the rebates for Pathology tests. Please ask the provider before doing the test regards fees and out of pocket costs.
For lost requests a fee of $20.00 is charged which is non-rebatable by Medicare.
Any lost Documents eg: EPC, Mental Health Plans, Medical Certificates a fee of $20.00 will be charged which is non-rebatable by Medicare.
Privacy Policy
Pound Road Medical Centre takes your privacy seriously. Privacy protection and confidentiality of health information is essential for quality health care and we are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of the information we handle about you.
What should I do if I have a privacy complaint?
If you have a complaint regarding the way your personal information has been handled by our Practice, please put it in writing and address it to the practice manager (insert details). We will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 14 days, and endeavour to provide a full response within 30 days of receipt.
Should you be dissatisfied with our response, you may lodge your written complaint with the Victorian Privacy Commissioner at https://www.privacy.vic.gov.au and/or the Victorian Health Services Commissioner at http://www.health.vic.gov.au.
If you have a query regarding our Practice’s privacy policy, please contact our practice manager who will be happy to discuss the matter with you.
Forms - Passport, Citizenship Centrelink
KINDLY NOTE, FOR CENTRELINK , CITIZENSHIP & PASSPORT FORMS WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE TO MEET YOUR DEADLINES. DOCTORS REQUIRE 2-3 DAYS TO COMPLETE THE FORMS IF THERE IS NO APPOINTMENT BOOKED.
For passport/citizenship forms the doctor can sign only if they have known you for 12months. The forms must be left at the reception desk and you will be contacted to pick up the forms once they are signed.
- If an appointment is made for filling in forms for any of the following the consult will be charged privately and this is not rebatable by Medicare.
- Passport / Citizen forms
- Taxi forms
- Health insurance form
- Centrelink Forms - An appointment is required for any Centrelink form. All information should be filled in by you except the sections to be filled in by the GP.
Workcover / TAC
Our practice provides treatment to work cover and TAC patients.
The initial visits must be paid by the patient until a valid claim number is provided to us.
Workcover and TAC patients must ensure their claim is approved before consulting any allied health professionals.
Case conference appointment requests must be send in writing by your employer, attached with your consent form and must be pre-approved by our GP - A long appointment is essential.
Walk-ins
Patient without an appointment are considered walk-ins.
Please inform reception staff if it's a medical emergency with details on arrival.
As you do not have a scheduled appointment booked with the doctor, we can only allow a short consultation.
The doctors' booked appointments take priority.
If you feel you need more time with the doctor we suggest you see the reception staff to book a scheduled appointment time.
? LONGER APPOINTMENTS
YES. Our clinic offers LONGER APPOINTMENTS FOR:
- New Patients
- two or more complex Medical Problems
- Mental Health Care Plans
- Medical & Insurance FOrms
- Minor surgical procedures
- Other prolonged checks
PLEASE INFORM THE RECEPTION STAFF THE REASON FOR THE LONG APPOINTMENT(IF POSSIBLE) SO THE DOCTOR CAN BE PRE-INFORMED.