At Prestons Family Doctors, we provide our patients with access to state-of-the-art facilities along with the most experienced and dedicated healthcare professionals.
Practice Information
BULK BILLING
If you hold a valid Medicare card, we offer bulk billing for eligible procedures. That means no out-of-pocket costs for most general visits.
For patients without Medicare, our fees are:
Mon-Fri – $70 for a standard consultation and $100 for a long consultation
Sat-Sun – $75 for a standard consultation and $110 for a long consultation
FULL PRACTICE FEES
If you are unable to provide your Medicare card or the information on it, you will be charged a practice fee. However, you can receive a rebate from a Medicare office if you are eligible.
We also charge practice fees on your consultation day for overseas visitors, work injury patients, CTP claims and expired Medicare cardholders.
TELEPHONE CALLS TO YOUR DOCTOR
Our doctors are normally very busy with patients and cannot return phone calls. If the matter is urgent, please call 000 or head to the nearest emergency room. Otherwise, please come in and see your doctor at your next convenience. The practice does not accept requests over the telephone for prescriptions, referrals and pathology results. You are required to return to the Practice to consult your Doctor to receive these.
TEST RESULTS
It is preferred that patients return to discuss test results with the doctor face to face to protect patient confidentiality and to ensure that the results are explained properly.
OFFER FEEDBACK OR FILE A COMPLAINT
Please offer us suggestion or feedback through our suggestion box located at the reception’s counter. Please ask the receptionist for further help if you would like to write a letter of complaint.
PRIVACY
We take your privacy seriously. It is our policy to ensure your confidentiality is safeguarded according to the national Privacy Act.
APPOINTMENTS
The Prestons Family Doctors operates on an appointment based system and a standard appointment is 10-15 minutes. Patients with appointments will have preference except in emergencies. An appointment for a standard consultation will be made with your preferred doctor or the next available doctor. Please ensure you advise our receptionist if you prefer a particular doctor or require prompt attention for matters such as chest pain, burns, eye injury etc.
If you feel your consultation will take longer than a standard appointment time (e.g. pap smear, excision, medical, multiple issues requiring a longer appointment time) , please advise the receptionist so that the correct time can be allocated.
We endeavour to make running to time a high priority, however we appreciate your understanding that emergencies do happen and appointments may run over time on occasion. Please phone the Centre before your appointment to check whether your doctor is running on time. For continuity of care it is recommended to see your usual Doctor, however if they are unavailable you are welcome to see one of the other doctors in the practice.
You will need to make an appointment for the following:
Specialist Referrals
A consultation must precede a referral to a specialist. Doctors are unable to back date referrals. Please check with your Specialist’s receptionist before attending if a new referral is required for the visit. Please allow adequate time to get the referral prior to the specialist appointment.
Repeat prescriptions
Your doctor has given you enough medication to last until he needs to see you again for review. Our doctors do not issue prescriptions without consulting with the patient unless prior arrangement has been made with your doctor. A fee may apply if a script is requested without consultation.
Cancellation of Appointments
If you need to cancel your appointment please call us as soon as possible, to enable us to reschedule the day for other patients.
REFERRALS
A consultation must precede a referral to a specialist. Doctors are unable to back date referrals. Please check with your Specialist’s receptionist before attending if a new referral is required for the visit. Please allow adequate time to get the referral prior to the specialist appointment.
RESULTS
Your doctor may request for you to phone for your test results. The doctor will leave a confidential message in our computer system for the staff to convey to you. This is the only information available to the staff member. If you need further information we suggest that a follow up appointment be made with your doctor.
Persons 16 years or over, must call for their own test results. Due to privacy laws we are unable to give information to other persons without your permission. Please speak to the receptionist if you would like to discuss this further.
PRIVACY POLICY
Please click here to view the privacy statement.
Practice Fees
GP Consultation Fees
Bulk-billing (Mon-Fri) for all patients with a valid Concession health care card, children under 16, and nurse appointments.
Weekend Fee Schedule ( From 01/09/2023)
| MBS Item No | Description | Fee Payable | Medicare Rebate | Gap (Out Of Pocket) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | Level B Standard Consult | $70 | $41.20 | $28.8 |
| 36 | Level C Standard Consult | $110 | $79.70 | $30.30 |
| 44 | Level D Standard Consult | $150 | $117.40 | $32.60 |
| Laceration Procedure surcharge No rebate |
$50 |
PRIVATE (NON-MEDICARE) GP CONSULTATION FEES
For patients without Medicare, our fees are:
Mon-Fri – $70 for a standard consultation and $100 for a long consultation
Sat-Sun – $75 for a standard consultation and $110 for a long consultation