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The appointment system is structured to provide
the best chance for patients to see their doctor when they need to be seen. Due
to higher demand for the services of female general practitioners, the booking
rules are slightly different between doctors.
For Dr Richards, selected appointment slots each day are set
aside for patients to book ahead. A booked ahead appointment will be
charged at the practice fee relevant for that service.
If a patient holds a concession card (Pension,
DVA, Health Care, etc) or is a child under 16 years of age, and needs to
be bulk-billed, an appointment needs to be booked on the day of the
appointment to receive the discounted fee. If you have received a
letter from the practice requesting a visit, these patients will also be
eligible for the discounted fee.
Appointments with the other doctors in the practice can be
booked ahead of time and will usually be bulk-billed if the patient is a child
under 16 or holds a concession card.
Any patient is welcome to book an available
appointment on the day, though the practice fee will apply unless the
patient qualifies for the discount through their circumstances.
The phone lines are switched from the answering
machine at 8:15 am.
All Saturday appointments can be booked ahead of
time and will generally attract the practice fee.
Emergency
If a patient with no appointment has a condition such that they need
to be seen urgently, please inform reception and the practice nurse will
determine whether an urgent appointment needs to be arranged.
Prolonged
appointments
Provision has been made for special appointments such as
skin lesion removals and counselling. If you require an extended appointment, please inform the receptionist of your
needs when booking an appointment.
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