Balgowlah Village Medical Practice

Welcome to our Practice

We would like to acknowledge the Jilling people who are the Traditional Custodians of this Land. We pay our respect to the Elders both past, present and emerging. We celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and their ongoing cultures and connections to the lands and waters of NSW.

Thank you for visiting Balgowlah Village Medical Practice. Our practice, formerly Fairlight Family Practice, was established in 1999 based on a philosophy of providing high quality personal and medical care. We have now extended our services to you, the patient, by modernising our practice in this new, central location. With purpose built facilities and the involvement of full-time nursing staff, we hope you feel comfortable here.

Call now to make an appointment: (02) 9948 5557

Our General Practitioners

Services Offered

Usual GP services are offered as well as:

• Asthma and Diabetes assessment.
• Skin Cancer assessment and treatment, removal of moles and cryotherapy.
• Baby, Childhood Health and Asthma.
• Family Planning, Pregnancy Tests.
• Breast and Pap Screening.
• Menopause and HRT.
• Executive Check-ups and ECGs.
• Childhood Vaccinations.
• Men’s Health and Prostate Screening.
• Preventative Health Recall Program.
• Travel Advice and Vaccination.
• Mental Health Care and Counselling – including management of anxiety, stress and depression.
• Registered nurses are available for wound management, vaccinations and adult health checks.

Appointments

Consultation with your preferred GP is available by appointment. A standard consultation takes about 15 minutes. If you feel more time may be necessary, such as for travel advice or a pap smear, please advise our receptionist at the time of booking. If your medical problem is urgent, or your condition is not improving as expected, please advise us so that we can review your situation as soon as possible.

Fee Structure

Standard Consultation (one issue 10-15mins): $ 85.00
Long Consultation (multiple issues over 20 mins): $140.00
Prolonged Consultation (40 mins): $180.00
‘No Shows’ and late cancellations: $20.00
Repeat/lost scripts or referrals: $ 25.00
(Without an appointment)

Please note – longer consultations attract a higher Medicare rebate.

Bulk-Billing

Bulk-billing is only available for children up to 18 months of age (with the exception of services on a Saturday).

Payment of Fees

We request payment of fees at the time of consultation. An additional $10 will be charged when accounts are not settled at that time. A cancellation fee may be charged if 24 hours notice is not given.

Saturday Appointments

We provide a limited service on Saturdays for existing patients with acute conditions only. Appointments can be made by calling on the day, priorities will be given to acutely unwell people particularly children, (Bulk billing is not available on weekend, private fees apply for all ages).

After Hours Service

After hours medical service is provided by Home Doctor Service. Telephone No: 13 74 25
In cases of extreme emergency call an ambulance. Dial 000, or alternatively go to Northern Beaches Hospital or Royal North Shore Hospital casualty departments.

Telephoning the doctor

A doctor will be available for telephone calls in emergency situations. For all other requests, including obtaining test results, you will need to make an appointment to see the doctor in a consultation. This is important for improved communication, medico-legal reasons and appropriate health care.

Repeat Prescriptions and Referrals

We believe it is in the best interest of your health to see you personally for scripts and referrals. A short consultation will avoid communication errors and inappropriate health management. However if this service is carried out by your Doctor there will be a small fee payable.

Management of your health information

Your medical record is a confidential document. It is the policy of this practice to maintain security of personal health information at all times and to ensure that this information is only available to authorised members of staff. Access to your personal health information is available on request.

Your Suggestions

We constantly strive to give you the best possible care and attention. Please tell us if you have any suggestions or ideas as to how we may improve any aspect of our service. We take your concerns, complaints and suggestions seriously. However, if you wish to take the matter further you can contact the Health Care Complaints Commission at: Locked Bag 18, Strawberry Hills NSW 2012.

Doctor of choice

You are encouraged to see the doctor of your choice. We endeavour to ensure continuity of care with appointments with the same doctor, whenever possible.

Test results

All tests are reviewed by the referring doctor. However you are advised to come in if you wish to discuss your results. You will be contacted if the doctor requires you to have follow up appointment. Patients should be seen by the doctor who ordered the test to ensure continuity of care.

Phone calls

Regarding phone calls from patients, If the doctor is unavailable at the time of your call a message will be taken and relayed.

Reminders and Recalls

Patients are offered this service for various follow up appointments e.g. Pap Smears. Immunisations, etc. If you do not want to be on a recall system, please advise the receptionist or Nurse.

Computerised Medical Records

The Clinic uses Medical Director for paperless computerised medical records and will be moving to utilise the PCEHR – personal national electronic health record system.

Privacy

In line with Australian Privacy Principles 2014, your medical record is a confidential document. It is the policy of this practice to maintain security of personal health information at all times and to ensure that this information is only available to authorised members of staff.