Patient Information
Information At Your Fingertips
If you are a new patient to our clinic, please arrive at least five minutes before your consultation or fill out a new patient form here and bring the following to your consultation:
- Photo ID
- A valid Medicare card
- Valid OSHC/OVC membership detail
- Workcover patients will need to inform their employer and bring their employer’s contact details for verification to arrange payment.
Fees
Salamander Bay Doctors BULK BILLS ALL PATIENTS
Salamander Bay Doctors continues to BULK BILLING for all consultations for patients who hold a current Medicare number.
Any procedures (including IUD insertion and removal) and skin excisions will be charged at a private rate with the Medicare rebate claimed back for the patient on the same day.
Mental health care plans (other than reviews) will be charged privately for those not on a concession/pension card or patients aged 16 years and older, not on a concession -rebate claimed on same day.
Medical reports including Commercial driver’s licences and alcohol interlock program forms, incur a private fee without a rebate.
Please phone reception to discuss any fees, BEFORE booking these appointments.
We welcome all NEW PATIENTS!
Appointments
New Patients Welcome
Appointments may be booked in person or by calling (02) 4008 4400, Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm. Regular appointment times are 10 – 15 minutes. If you feel you need a longer appointment, please discuss this with the receptionist at the time of booking.
Practice Policies
Results
A follow-up appointment is usually required to receive results. Telephone advice will only be given if authorised by your doctor. Liverpool Family Doctors will attempt to contact you regarding any urgent results.
Telephone Enquiries
Interpretation Service
Patients from non-English speaking backgrounds are able to contact TIS (Translator Interpreter Services) 1800 555 660 or 131450 to book an interpreter. (Private fee may apply)
Additional Information
Every staff member is bound by the signed privacy clause in the employment agreement. All information received during a consultation between a doctor and the patient is considered personal and private health information. Medical information includes past medical and social history, current health issues and future medical care. Doctors, staff and contractors maintain the privacy of personal information. Medical records are the property of the practice. Only written requests for access to medical records are accepted.
Confidentiality
All members of Liverpool Family Doctors understand the importance of respecting confidentiality with the information they receive during their employment. Medical details will only be shared with fellow professionals outside the Practice Team with the patient’s informed consent.
Afterhours Consultations
If you need urgent medical care and Salamander Bay Doctors is closed, 13SICK booking lines are open from 6:00 pm on weekdays, 12:00 pm on Saturdays, all day on Sundays and public holidays. Please call an ambulance on 000 if your situation is an emergency or contact the Tomaree Community Hospital on 49 840 700 (Trevally ST Nelson Bay).
Correspondence
Electronic medical information is transmitted via encrypted format using secure messaging software. Printed medical information is mailed through the secure post (i.e., with a tracking number). Patient diagnostic correspondence and results, whether in electronic or hard copy format, are always forwarded to the relevant doctor. The word “Confidential” is written on the correspondence. Patient information is only sent via email if it is securely encrypted. We do not accept patient enquiries or requests via email. We also do not send patient information to personal email addresses.
Facsimile / Emails
Facsimiles, printers and other electronic communication devices are only accessible to doctors and other authorised staff. All faxes containing confidential information are only faxed to numbers after checking the details are correct.
Computerised Records
Specific systems have been put in place to protect the privacy, security and integrity of our patient records. All staff members are trained in computer security. IT Support oversees the maintenance and security of our computers.
Communication Assistance
Please notify our reception team upon arrival if you require assistance with communication (e.g., a translator). A phone interpreter may be available. If you require an Auslan sign language interpreter during your appointment, book online at: http://www.nabs.org.au/ or by phoning 1800 246 945.
Smoking Policy
This practice has a strict no smoking policy.
Compliments and Complaints
We constantly strive to give patients the best possible care and attention, but if you are dissatisfied with any element of our service, please bring this to our attention so we can do better next time.
If this does not resolve your problem, we welcome receiving your complaint in writing. We will acknowledge your complaint in writing or contact you to discuss the way forward. Your complaint will be investigated, and you will be advised of the outcome.
However, if you are still unsatisfied, you can write to The Health Care Complaints Commission by clicking here. The HCCC protects public health and safety by resolving, investigating and prosecuting complaints about healthcare. It is an independent body that was established under the Health Care Complaints Act 1993. The organisation has a central role in maintaining the integrity of the NSW health system, with the overarching aim of protecting the health and safety of individuals and the community.
Useful Resources
Children’s Health
Contraception / Sexual Health
Immunisation
Men’s Health
Travel
Planning Ahead
(Advance Care Planning, Wills, Power of Attorney, Enduring Guardian)
Chronic Disease
Mental Health
Preventative Health & Lifestyle
Women’s Health
MyMedicare
MyMedicare
We invite all existing and new patients who consider us to be your preferred practice, to register for MyMedicare. To complete a registration, scan the QR code or register using the link provided on this page. If you have any questions, please contact our team.
What is MyMedicare?
The Australian Government has introduced a new voluntary patient registration model called MyMedicare to drive improvements in primary health care for all Australians and deliver new funding packages to primary care providers. MyMedicare will strengthen the relationship between patients and their health care teams by allowing patients to register with their regular general practice and select their preferred GP and providers within the practice. This registration aims to strengthen the relationship between you, your GP, and the team at Salamander Bay Doctors. For more information, please see the Registering in MyMedicare Factsheet for Patients.
What are the benefits of MyMedicare for our patients?
The key benefits to you include better access, better continuity of care, and better planning. Registration in MyMedicare is not compulsory, however it is recommended to improve continuity of care for patients. You can also change your mind and leave the program at any time. It does not affect your Medicare rights or benefits. Please reach out to our team if you have any questions.
FAQ
Is Salamander Bay Doctors a Bulk Billing Practice?
Salamander Bay Doctors is a mixed billing practice.
We Bulk bill patients 16 and under DVA card holders, Concession and Pensioner card holders.
What if I don't have a Medicare card?
If you do not have a Medicare card, you will incur a fee payable at the time of the consult I which can be claimed back through your Private Insurance.
How do I book an appointment?
Please use the online booking button on this page or call the practice on (02) 4008 4400 to make an appointment.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring:
- Photo ID
- Medicare card
- Any concession cards
Do you offer telehealth consultations?
Telehealth is offered under some circumstances, please check with the practice via telephone if this is available to you (02) 4008 4400.