Our Practice

Appointments

Please make an appointment by calling 8588 2040.
Each patient that is seen will require a separate appointment. This is a policy of the practice to ensure that our doctors are able to give each patient the attention that they deserve.
All forms which need to be filled out by a doctor will require an appointment. Simple forms may be done during a standard consult of 15 minutes however larger forms may require a longer consult.
If you have an unusual, complex or multiple issues and require a longer appointment please discuss with the receptionist when booking your appointment.
Our practice offers an SMS reminder service for upcoming appointments.
Please bring your Medicare & Pension card with you.

Cancellations

If you are unable to keep your appointment please contact us as soon as possible.
Failure to notify us of cancellation may attract a fee of $35 if your appointment can not be filled by another patient. A cancellation fee is not claimable from Medicare.

Opening hours

Weekdays
8:30am - 5:30pm
Any consulting after this time is not routine and will be at the discretion of the on-call doctor.

Weekends & Public Holidays
Closed

For Urgent Medical attention please call 000

After Hours

We have a GP available for emergency after hours calls Monday - Friday evenings between 5.30pm & 11.00pm . Please phone the practice on 08 8588 2040 to speak with the after hours GP. Your call will be diverted to the After Hours GP mobile phone should the practice be unattended. Please hold as this may take approx 5-10 seconds. The GP will triage your call and advise you of the best course of action and if necessary may arrange to see you at the Barmera District Hospital or refer you to the Riverland General Hospital at Berri. If the GP is unavailable you will hear a message with instructions to call 000 if urgent attention is required or to Phone: River Doc's ED at the Riverland General Hospital Berri on 08 8580 2642.
River Docs ED is a 24hr /7 day Emergency Department (located at the Riverland General Hospital, in Berri SA) who also operate an After Hours GP Clinic from: if River Doc's ED on 08 8580 2642
Monday to Friday: 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Saturdays: 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Sundays and PH 10:00am to 12:00pm AND 6:00pm to 10:00pm Charges do apply, please enquire or for further information please contact River Docs ED Phone 08 8580 2642
If you require non life threatening medical advice outside of our normal opening hours please contact Health Direct After Hours GP Helpline Phone 1800 022 222. A nurse or GP may give you advice and information so you can treat the condition at home or until you can see your regular GP. They may also advise you about after hours services in your local area or assess whether you need to go to the nearest emergency department.
In an Emergency ring 000
To find an after hours GP outside of these times visit the RDGP after hours page.
To find a health specialist or after hours doctor visit the CSSAML health services finder.

Billing Policy

The Barmera Medical Clinic is a privately owned medical practice. We are not a bulk billing practice. Fees are payable in full immediately following the consultation by Cash, Cheque, EFTPOS or Credit Card. Additional fees may apply if the following occur or if the GP determines an additional fee is warranted:
· A higher co-payment (GAP) will be charged if you are unable to pay the account in full on the day.
· Please ensure you forward to our Practice any Medicare Cheque that is made payable to your consulting GP as soon as you receive it. Failure to do so will result in an outstanding debt on your account and you being asked to pay the account in full along with any administration charges.
· The Practice reserves the right to charge your account a statement issuing fee of not less than $10(plus GST) if any of your accounts remain outstanding for more than 30 days. This can result in your account being sent to our Debt Collection Agency and further costs will be incurred.
· A higher co-payment (GAP) is charged if you require an emergency consult.
· Consultations that involve procedures or medical supplies may incur additional charges. Please discuss this with your GP.
· Patients who do not hold a current Medicare Card will be required to make a payment before your consultation commences. For further information and our Practice Policy please discuss with our Administration Staff.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties and unable to pay the full fee on the day please enquire about alternative payment options such as CentrePay Deductions or discuss with the Practice Manager.
The Medicare Rebate Only for consultations is generally charged for children aged 15 & under and Department of Veteran Affairs Gold Card Holders.
Our practice is able to process your claim to Medicare on your behalf. If you have lodged your bank account details with Medicare your rebate will be paid into your nominated account within 3 working days.
Claiming Your Medicare Rebate
If you have lodged your bank account details with Medicare we can send your claim electronically and your rebate will be paid into your nominated account within 3 working days otherwise a Medicare Rebate Cheque will be posted to your address held by Medicare.
You can update or register your bank details at anytime by one of the following methods:
· phoning Medicare on 132 011
· Online Services www.medicareaustralia.gov.au
· In person at any Medicare office

Fees

On the Day (Standard On Call Level B)                     $72.60             ($37.60 rebate available from Medicare)
On the Day (Long On Call Level C)                             $107.60           ($72.80 rebate available from Medicare)
Standard Consultation (Prebooked Level B)            $62.60            $37.60 rebate available from Medicare)
Long Consultation (Prebooked Level C)                    $97.80            ($72.80 rebate available from Medicare)
Complex Appointment (Prebooked Level D)           $132.15         ($107.15 rebate available from Medicare)
Skin Check                                                                     $112.80           ($72.60 rebate available from Medicare)
24 Hr Blood Pressure Monitor                                    $25.00             (GAP only is charged on the day)

**Additional charge of $10.00 will apply if account is not settled in full on the day and GAP payment is made only.

Children aged 15 and under, Department of Veteran Affairs Gold Card holders are bulk billed for all consultations.

Chronic Disease Management Plans, Mental Health Management Plans, Age Specific Health Checks and general nurse appointments for wound dressings, blood tests, INR’s, are bulk billed for all patients*.

*Except for additional material charges, for example; Fibreglass Plaster, waterproof dressings

Patients should also be made aware of any consultations that do not attract a government subsidy/rebate. Such as:

Heavy vehicle driver’s license (commercial)
Medical Examinations
Insurance Medicals
Workcover claims (accounts will be issues to the patient until your claim is accepted by insurance company/workcover).
Non Medicare card holder consultations and procedures
Medical Supplies (such as fiberglass plaster/waterproof materials, Respiratory Spacers)
Fax, photocopy and mail costs
Did Not Attend Fee – charge for a missed/not cancelled appointment

Repeat Prescriptions

Repeat prescriptions without a consultation are only provided under limited conditions.

Health Assessments

Health assessment appointments are available for a wide range of chronic (long -term) medical conditions such as asthma and diabetes.
People over the age of 75 and Aboriginal people over the age of 55 are encouraged to undertake regular health assessments.
These appointments are generally longer than a regular appointment so please inform us when making your appointment.
We offer a patient reminder facility to help you maintain your health. Speak to your doctor for more information.

Home visits

Home visits can be arranged but only if deemed necessary and will be at the discretion of your doctor.
In general, our doctors prefer not to treat patients at home since the full range of facilities available at the practice cannot be accessed if needed.

Medical Certificates

Please consider whether you will require a medical certificate and notify your doctor during your appointment.

X-rays

X-rays need to be arranged by referral. Films or disks may take several days to arrive at the practice. After you have had a result from the doctor or nurse, we request that you collect your films from the practice and store them at home. They are best stored flat and away from light.

Results

It is your responsibility, as the patient to follow up your test results by contacting the clinic within 4-7 days of completing the required test. Patients may prefer and are encouraged to make a follow-up appointment with your doctor to discuss your results. If you do not hear form the clinic regarding your results, please do not assume the result was normal. Please contact the clinic for follow up with the appropriate pathology/service provider/doctor. Notification of results will only be given to the patient unless consent to disclose has been completed. This applies to all patients 15 yrs. & over.

Referrals to Specialists

For new referrals you will need to arrange an appointment with your doctor or another doctor at this practice to obtain the referral to a specialist. You should allow sufficient time prior to you specialist appointment to ensure the referral is available in time.
If you have previously seen a specialist for the same condition please check with your specialist rooms when booking your appointment that you have a current referral in place or whether you will need an updated referral from your GP.
Please note that if your referral is not current or you do not have a referral you will most likely be charged the full fee by the specialist and will not be eligible for a Medicare rebate. Our GPs are unable to back date referrals. We ask our patients to confirm & follow up their own appointments with specialists/allied health providers. Please enquire with the relevant specialist about their fees & charges.

Blood Tests

Blood tests with the nurse will need to be booked ahead as some tests require special instructions before they can be taken.

Workcover and Insurance Claims

It is important that you inform your doctor at the time of your consultation if your visit concerns a work related injury or vehicle accident. This will ensure that the correct paperwork is completed out.
All accounts will be issued in the patients name until the claim is accepted.

Communication Policy

Our preferred option of communication is for patients to contact us via the telephone, especially urgent communication. To provide quality patient care, it is best to discuss issues with your doctor during a consultation. When this is not practical, patients of our practice are able to obtain advice or information related to their clinical care by telephone and other electronic means, such as email and fax.
The clinical team needs to consider the quality and safety of care they can provide to patients via telephone or electronic means. If a doctor is not able to speak to you at the time of your call, you will be advised the appropriate time to call or we will email the GP your request.
Only non-urgent matters should be communicated by email or fax, as opposed to telephone. Any requests via email or fax should be followed up by the patient if they have not been contacted by the practice.

Interpreter Service or Special Needs

If an interpreter is required, or a patient has a special need please advise our receptionists at the time of booking as this may require a longer consultation. Our practice can provide you with information in regards to Interpreter Services (TIS National), the National Relay Service and any other services that maybe required.

Complaints and Feedback

The Barmera Medical Clinic is receptive to feedback and will always endeavour to resolve any complaints directly. Our practice has a suggestion box located at the front reception counter for any ideas or improvements that you would like to inform us of.
Initial complaints are to be addressed to the Practice Manager in writing or in person, but where a matter cannot be resolved, the relevant Health Complaints Commissioner can be contacted 1800 232 007.