Covid-19 Update

**Masks required inside our medical centre **
We are here to provide medical care, but Covid has meant a change to our approach.

Our private business condition of entry is:

• Mask required on entry. 12 and over. No exceptions
• No entry with even minor cold, flu or gastro symptoms (even if you think it’s asthma, allergy etc)
• No entry if you have had a Covid test in the previous 7 days.

Mask wearing helps protect staff and other patients if someone with a respiratory illness comes in (Covid or not). We have babies and immune-compromised patients in the practice and a sick provider directed to quarantine affects many people seeking health care.

If you arrive without a mask – ring from outside and we will bring you one. $1 each (card accepted).

If you cannot or do not wish to wear a mask
Ring from outside and your consultation will be conducted by Telehealth. If you are not eligible for Telehealth (no medicare or no face to face in previous 12 months) the fee may be $80 with no rebate. If a physical examination is required you may be sent to a respiratory clinic for examination.

Anyone refusing to wear a mask will be asked to leave. A decision to not wear a mask does not override our obligation to provide a safe workplace and environment for staff and other patients. If we see any behaviour we consider inmidating, bullying or upsetting to our staff - security or Police will be called and you will be terminated from both our practices.
Our patient code of conduct is clearly situated at the door of each practice.

Unwell on the day of your appointment?
If you have even minor respiratory symptoms on the day of your appointment (or someone coming with you) book a Telehealth first and your GP will let you know if you can come to the practice.
Symptoms can be: Temperature, sore or blocked ears, sore throat, sniffle, cough, wheezing Gastro (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea)

It is important you are truthful about symptoms.
Do not put the doctor, staff or other patients at risk by informing us on arrival or in the room.
We take this very seriously.

Telehealth appointment requirements:
We have the option of phone or video.
The patient must be present if the Telehealth call is about them. Otherwise the fee is $80 payable straight after and Medicare do not provide a rebate

Even if patient is present, the call needs to be medically necessary to obtain a Medicare rebate If do not hold a concession card there may be a fee for your Telehealth call, payable straight after.
(If booking online read the notes carefully. If booking through Reception they will let you know).
You must have seen a GP at our practice, face to face, in the previous 12 months
This is not applicable if you are at home with Covid and can show us your dated results.

When is Telehealth suitable?
If you suspect you may be unwell or for simple appointment reasons.
More complex issues should be booked through Reception eg Medicals, Insurance, WorkCover or paperwork type services . WHY? Not all GPs do these services, we may need to quote fees, a nurse appointment might be required or a longer booking. Check with Reception if you are unsure as we may invoice you for lost GP time you if you book inappropriately.

Covid-19 Vaccinations
Our practice is offering Pfizer only for adults and at times paediatrics.
These can sometimes be done without an appointment.
A 15 minute wait is required after your vaccination