A little preparation. A more comfortable visit.

01 / PATIENT ESSENTIALS

New patients

Before your first visit, contact reception to check new patient availability and how to register.

• Ask which identification and Medicare or concession details to bring, if applicable.
• Have a list of your current medicines and any relevant reports available.
• Ask how to arrange a transfer of records from your previous practice.

02 / PATIENT ESSENTIALS

Fees & billing

Please check fees with reception before your appointment. The cost may depend on the appointment and services involved.

• Ask for the consultation fee and any applicable Medicare rebate.
• Check whether a procedure, vaccination or other service has an additional cost.
• Confirm payment methods and any bulk-billing eligibility directly with the clinic.

03 / PATIENT ESSENTIALS

Appointments & cancellations

Reception can help you choose an appointment suited to your needs. Mention if you have several concerns, need a procedure or require additional assistance.

• Ask whether a longer appointment is appropriate.
• Tell reception if you have a preferred doctor or require communication assistance.
• If your plans change or you are running late, contact reception to discuss your appointment.

04 / PATIENT ESSENTIALS

Repeat prescriptions & referrals

Contact reception about the clinic’s process for prescription and referral requests. A doctor may need to review your request during an appointment.

• Ask whether an appointment is required.
• Check the expected turnaround time and any fee.
• Have the relevant medicine or referral information ready when speaking with the clinic.

05 / PATIENT ESSENTIALS

Test results & follow-up

Ask your doctor how and when your results will be discussed, and whether you should book a follow-up appointment.

• Check who will contact you and how.
• If you have not received the follow-up you expected, contact reception.
• For questions about a result, arrange a conversation with your treating clinician.

06 / PATIENT ESSENTIALS

Patient forms

Reception can advise which forms are needed for your visit and how to obtain them.

• Ask for the correct registration or consent form.
• Check whether you should complete it before your appointment.
• Return personal or medical information only through a method confirmed by the clinic.

07 / PATIENT ESSENTIALS

Feedback & concerns

If you have a question about your experience or would like to provide feedback, contact reception and ask how to speak with the practice manager.

• Explain that you would like to provide feedback or discuss a concern.
• Ask about the clinic’s preferred contact method.
• Request information about the clinic’s complaints process if needed.

08 / WHEN THE CLINIC IS CLOSED

After-hours & emergencies

Check after-hours service and contact arrangements with reception when planning your care.

For general information on finding care outside normal clinic hours, visit healthdirect’s after-hours guide(opens in a new tab).