Patient Information
Information At Your Fingertips
If you are a new patient to our clinic, please arrive at least five minutes before your consultation or fill out a new patient form here and bring the following to your consultation:
- Photo ID
- A valid Medicare card
- Workcover patients will need to inform their employer and bring their employer’s contact details for verification to arrange payment.
Fees
Wollongong Doctors is a bulk billing practice. Most consultations are time-based and will incur private fees for patients who are not eligible under the bulk-billing criteria. Fees are payable at consultation by cash, credit card or EFTPOS.
BULK BILLING IS AVAILABLE to eligible patient groups for most of the consultation types:
- New patient form
- A valid Medicare cards
- Valid OSHC/OVC membership details
- Health Care Card holders
- Pensioner Concession Card holders
Accepting New Patients
Yes, we are accepting new patients. Bring a valid Medicare card for Medicare rebate and a Photo ID to verify your identity. Medicare card and a photo ID are mandatory for every consultation. Same day appointments are available on most days. We recommend you to book an appointment in advance where possible. Walk -acceptable for medical emergencies
Face to Face Consultations
Mask is mandatory to enter the premises. We have introduced the below guidelines to protect patients from catching COVID virus and hospitalising. So, please wear a MASK before entering the premises and while you are inside.
Patients with COVID Symptoms
All our existing patients are requested to book a telehealth appointment if you have a cough, cold, sore throat or fever. This condition of entry applies to fully vaccinated residents also. Book a telehealth appointment if you have tested POSITIVE to COVID 19 in the past 7 days. (Wollongong Doctors is a high risk setting with immunosuppressed, elderly and babies).
Practice Policies
Wollongong Doctors is bound by the Privacy Act 1988 and complies with the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 No 71 . All patient information is private and confidential, and disclosure to family, friends, staff or others without the patient’s approval or as legally directed is prohibited.
Communication Assistance
Please notify our reception team upon arrival if you require assistance with communication (e.g., a translator). A phone interpreter may be available. If you require an Auslan sign language interpreter during your appointment, book online at: http://www.nabs.org.au/ or by phoning 1800 246 945
Correspondence
Electronic medical information is transmitted via encrypted format using secure messaging software. Printed medical information is mailed through the secure post (i.e., with a tracking number). Patient diagnostic correspondence and results, whether in electronic or hard copy format, are always forwarded to the relevant doctor. The word “Confidential” is written on the correspondence.
Patient information is only sent via email if it is securely encrypted. We do not accept patient enquiries or requests via email. We also do not send patient information to personal email addresses.
Facsimile
Computerised Records
Specific systems have been put in place to protect the privacy, security and integrity of our patient records. All staff members are trained in computer security. IT Support oversees the maintenance and security of our computers.
Email Policy
We have recently adopted secure messaging via our clinical software. This software programs sends an secure email with a pincode. We request you down breaches. Wollongong Doctors take no responsibility for cyber security breaches.
Verbal consents are taken at the time of consultation or new patient registration form. For all communications outside the software program which may contain sensitive data, we prefer not to communicate via emails. If you request a copy of medical information, you will be asked for a fax number, postal address (for registered mail) or to pick up from the Wollongong Doctors.
Booking Appointments
Appointments may be booked in person or by calling (02) 4217 6000, Monday to Friday 09:00 am – 05:00 pm. Regular appointment times are 10 minutes. If you feel you need a longer appointment, please discuss this with the receptionist at the time of booking.
Results
A follow-up appointment is usually required to receive results. Telephone advice will only be given if authorised by your doctor. Wollongong Doctors will attempt to contact you regarding any urgent results.
Telephone Enquiries
Complaints
We constantly strive to give patients the best possible care and attention, but if you are dissatisfied with any element of our service, please bring this to our attention so we can do better next time.
If this does not resolve your problem, we welcome receiving your complaint in writing. We will acknowledge your complaint in writing or contact you to discuss the way forward. Your complaint will be investigated, and you will be advised of the outcome.
However, if you are still unsatisfied, you can write to The Health Care Complaints Commission by clicking here. The HCCC protects public health and safety by resolving, investigating and prosecuting complaints about healthcare. It is an independent body that was established under the Health Care Complaints Act 1993. The organisation has a central role in maintaining the integrity of the NSW health system, with the overarching aim of protecting the health and safety of individuals and the community.
Confidentiality
All members of Wollongong Doctors understand the importance of respecting confidentiality with the information they receive during their employment. Medical details will only be shared with fellow professionals outside the Practice Team with the patient’s informed consent.
Smoking Policy
Intellectual Disability Information
The National Relay Service (NRS) can help you if you’re deaf or find it hard to hear, speak or hear people on the phone.
Additional Information
Interpretation Service
Afterhours Consultations
If you need medical care and Wollongong is closed, please visit your local emergency department or visit Radio Doctor Illawarra – (02) 4228 5522.
Non-attendance Policy
We want to inform you that starting 01/08/2024, a $20 no-show fee will be applied if you miss an appointment without prior notice. Please remember to let us know at least 4 hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule.
Useful Resources
Children’s Health
Contraception / Sexual Health
Immunisation
Men’s Health
Travel
Planning Ahead
(Advance Care Planning, Wills, Power of Attorney, Enduring Guardian)
Chronic Disease
Mental Health
Preventative Health & Lifestyle
Women’s Health
MyMedicare
MyMedicare
We invite all existing and new patients who consider us to be your preferred practice, to register for MyMedicare. To complete a registration, scan the QR code or register using the link provided on this page. If you have any questions, please contact our team.
What is MyMedicare?
What are the benefits of MyMedicare for our patients?
The key benefits to you include better access, better continuity of care, and better planning. Registration in MyMedicare is not compulsory, however it is recommended to improve continuity of care for patients. You can also change your mind and leave the program at any time. It does not affect your Medicare rights or benefits. Please reach out to our team if you have any questions.
FAQ
Is Wollongong Doctors a Bulk Billing Practice?
What if I don't have a Medicare card?
How do I book an appointment?
What should I bring to my appointment?
- Photo ID
- Medicare card
- Any concession cards
