Patient-Rego-2023

Esperance Family Practice is a private medical practice but we do offer bulk billing to certain groups of patients.  Please see detailed list below.  Payment is required at the time of consultation.

There are full EFTPOS facilities available and we can refund the Medicare rebate directly into your bank account.

From November 1st 2022 there will be an increase in Private Billing fees and the Medicare Rebate.

For current fees, please see below:

This list does not include billing for more complex medical consults. Please ask at reception on (08) 9071 3100 if you would like to clarify any charges. However if other charges are likely to apply, your doctor will discuss this with you.

Bulk billing (no cost to the patient) applies to patients:

• Under 16 years of age
• Over 75 years of age; or
• Aged 16 to 75 years, and holding a current Centrelink Pension or Healthcare Card

Non-Medicare consultations will be billed accordingly. 

We also take on work that is independent of Medicare – ie. Work medicals, Worker’s Compensation, Travel medicine, some Health Assessments.

Appointments can be made online or by phone (08 9071 3100) after 9am each day. 

For more information about our fast and easy online booking system, visit our how to make an online appointment page or dive straight in and make and appointment now.

Each day there are appointments available for ‘Urgent’ bookings. Patients can present to the Practice to book in person or phone after 9am. 

For sick children (<10years old) these can be accessed by ringing the surgery on 08 9071 3100, as soon as possible during opening hours.

We would love 24 hours’ notice if you wish to cancel an appointment prior to midday or minimum of 2 hours’ notice for afternoon appointments but we understand that this is not always possible. Sufficient notice, prior to the appointment would enable us to reschedule  for other patients.

You can reply No to your courtesy SMS reminder or call the Practice on 90713100 to cancel or reschedule your appointment. 

If you do not attend your appointment, regardless of whether you hold a Healthcare or Pension Card you will incur a fee of $20.

This fee will need to be paid PRIOR to your next GP/Physio appointment.

If you fail to attend 3 consecutive appointments, you will be contacted in writing regarding your future medical care. 

Public Holidays – Closed.

Parking

Esperance Family Practice practice is conveniently located with free parking.

Disabled Access

Our practice is situated on the ground floor and is easily accessible for wheelchair users. Our reception desk has an area specially designed for wheelchair users.

If you have an emergency, please  present to the Emergency Department at Esperance Health Campus, Hicks Street Esperance, (08) 9079 8000 or ring 000 . Alternatively  telephone us on (08) 9071 3100 to make an appointment.

Of Course. Comprehensive health assessments are available for all ages including children, 40-49 years, indigenous patients and patients aged 75+ years.

Emergency Telephone Numbers:

AMBULANCE / POLICE / FIRE BRIGADE – 000
Poisons Information Centre – 13 11 26

After Hours Services:

Esperance Hospital – (08) 9079 8000
Health Direct – 1800 022 222
Esperance Hospital Accident and Emergency – (08) 9079 8000

If your results are abnormal the practice will notify you and an appointment will often be requested.

If you are not contacted by the practice or if the Doctor has not prearranged for you to return to discuss the results, then we encourage you to ring (08) 9071 3100, between 3.30 and 4..30, Mon-Fri, regarding your test results.

If you are unwell, worried or not improving, you should make another appointment to see the doctor even if your results are normal.

Our Doctors encourage you to have a review when requiring a repeat prescription. However, if your doctor thinks it is appropriate, they may be happy to do a repeat script of a regular medication that they have prescribed for you in the past. If you have not been seen by a GP within 12 months you will require an appointment. 

Scripts will cost $10.00 for most patients, or $5.00 (Pension/HealthCareCard) per patient request.  They may take 24-48 hours.

Medical certificates are available and can be requested at the time of consultation with your doctor.

A medical certificate is a legal document. They will be issued for medical conditions where time off is required. Certificates cannot be backdated. The doctor may be able to issue you with a Letter of Support for a previous day off work provided that you are still sick on the day that you visit. Extensions over the phone are not permitted for legal reasons.

Call (08) 9071 3100 to make an appointment or use our quick and easy online booking system.

Your Doctor will help you to determine the most appropriate specialist to look after your health care needs. The doctors encourage you to make an appointment for referrals. Referrals last 12 months and cannot be backdated. If you need ongoing specialist care, referrals can be updated every 12 months by asking your doctor (at an appointment) to provide an updated annual Care Plan. 

Esperance Family Practice complies with Australian Government Legislation, ensuring that the privacy of our patients is maintained. A copy of our privacy policy is available at reception. View our online Privacy Policy (for website).

Further information is available from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner on 1300 363 992.

Esperance Family Practice is fully accredited with AGPAL.  For more information on what this means and benefits you, visit the AGPAL

Esperance Family Practice acknowledges that patient complaints are an important source of customer feedback. Under the Health Services Act 2005 people with complaints should try to resolve them directly with the health service provider.

If a satisfactory outcome is not achieved, then complaint can be directed to the Health Services Commissioner for action by calling (02) 6205 2222.