Patient Information
Salamander Bay Doctors is bound by the Privacy Act 1988 and complies with the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 No 71. All patient information is private and confidential, and disclosure to family, friends, staff or others without the patient’s approval or as legally directed is prohibited.
First appointment
If you are a new patient, please bring the following to your first consultation:
- New patient form (If not completed online)
- A valid Medicare card
- Valid OSHC/OVC membership details
- Workcover patients will need to inform their employer and bring your employer’s contact details for verification to arrange payment
Help us eliminate waiting times by arriving at least 5 minutes before your consultation.
Fees
Salamander Bay Doctors BULK BILLS ALL PATIENTS
Procedures may be charged privately. Please confirm with reception at the time of booking your procedure.
We welcome all NEW PATIENTS!
Policies
Booking Appointments
Appointments may be booked in person or by calling (02) 4008-4400, Monday to Friday 08:30 am – 05:30 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.
Communication Assistance
Correspondence
Electronic medical information is transmitted via encrypted format using secure messaging software. Printed medical information is mailed through 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
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.
Results
A follow-up appointment is usually required to receive results. Telephone advice will only be given if authorised by your doctor. Salamander Bay Doctors will contact you regarding any urgent results.
Telephone Enquiries
We value our patients’ concerns, so please discuss clearly with the reception staff and your doctor will be advised of your call. Please do not leave a message on the phone.
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.
Smoking Policy
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.
Confidentiality
All members of Salamander Bay 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).
