How do I book an appointment?

To minimise our patients' wait times, we offer appointments. While every attempt will be made, it might not always be possible to accommodate your desired time or doctor. An appointment typically lasts for fifteen minutes, hence if you need more time, or if more than one person will be visiting the doctor, please let our receptionist know. Separate appointments will need to be booked for each family member or person wishing to see the doctor. 

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Appointments can be made by calling the practice on 1300 300 065/ 02-7226 5899, or alternatively by using the online booking system HotDoc . 

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Appointments that may require more time and therefore will not be available for booking online include:

• Childhood immunisations 

• Pap Smears

• Forms/Paperwork - e.g. Centrelink, etc

• Procedures

• Excisions 

• Cryotherapy 

• Implanon insertions or removal

• any Work Cover related issues - e.g. certificates, case conferences, etc

• Insurance Medical

• Pre-employment Medical

• Health Assessments​

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There is an option to book for a long appointment (30 minutes) which can be chosen when booking an online appointment, or requested when calling the practice.

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Due to urgent or complicated cases, or because earlier patients have arrived late, our doctors may be running behind schedule. We thank you for waiting and apologise in advance.

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Do I have to pay for my appointment?

Appointments with Dr Thomas will be charged a fee, unless you are under the age of 16, or in possession of a pension card, concession card, health care card, or DVA card. 

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The amount that will be charged for each appointment will vary on the length and complexity of the appointment. 

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In general, the schedule of fees that will be followed can be found here. 

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How do I book a telehealth consult? Will I be billed?

Telehealth appointments can only be made by contacting the practice by phone. Payment will be taken at the end of the consultation and Medicare rebates can be processed over the phone using the Medicare card details into your nominated account.

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A telehealth appointment is only available if you have attended the practice for a face to face appointment within 12 months. 

 

If you need to cancel your telehealth appointment, please contact the practice on 1300 300 065.

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Children who are 16 years or younger, as well as patients with a pension card, health care card or DVA, will be bulk billed.

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Am I able to walk in without an appointment?

ALL walk-in appointments for Dr Thomas will be privately billed according to our schedule of fees. We strongly recommend booking an appointment in advance. All patients, including children under 16 years, pension, DVA, concession or health care card holders without an appointment, will be charged according to the fees listed above. 

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Will I need an appointment to get a script or referral letter, and will I need to pay for this service?

All script requests must be arranged via an in-person or telehealth appointment. We encourage you to monitor your scripts and ensure that an appointment is made prior to them running out. 

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All referral requests must be arranged via an in-person or telehealth appointment. We strongly suggest keeping track of your referral expiry dates and arranging an appointment for a new referral well in advance.

 

Please note that referral letters cannot be back-dated.

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What if I need to get a medical certificate for today?

If the medical certificate relates to an appointment that you’ve had with Dr Thomas recently (e.g. within the last couple of days), this certificate can be bulk-billed.

 

However, if you have not seen Dr Thomas recently regarding this condition, your medical certificate must be arranged via an in-person or a telehealth appointment and this will be privately billed.

 

Please note that medical certificates cannot be back-dated.

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What happens if I am late for my appointment?

If you are unable to attend your appointment please make sure you cancel it either online or by phone. This will ensure that we are able to offer this appointment to other patients. 

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If you are running late for your appointment please call and let us know! We appreciate being aware of these situations so that we can ensure that other appointments won't be delayed.

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What if I want to transfer my medical records from another practice?

If you would like to have your medical records transferred to us from another medical practice, please speak to the receptionist and ask if this can be organised. You will be required to complete a form which needs the details of the practice you wish to have the records taken from. Please be aware that most medical centres charge a fee to transfer medical records and this will be organised by the medical practice in which you wish to transfer the medical records from. 

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At Thomas Family Medical Medical Practice we do not have a fee to transfer your medical records to another centre, however we do require photo ID to verify identity and signature.