What to Bring

Please bring the following to your first appointment:

• A valid Medicare card

• Pension or Concession Cards (e.g., DVA, Health Care Card)

• List of your current medications, including dosages

• Any relevant medical records, reports, or scans

Bulk Billing

Summervale Medical is a bulk billing clinic for eligible Medicare-card holders.

For bulk-billed consultations:

• the clinic bills Medicare directly for the consultation

• there is no out-of-pocket cost for eligible services covered by Medicare

Some procedures, medical reports or non-Medicare services may attract a fee. Where this applies, patients will be informed prior to the service being provided.

Telehealth Services

Summervale Medical offers telephone consultations for eligible existing patients, in accordance with Medicare guidelines.

Telehealth appointments are generally available only for patients who:

• are existing patients of Summervale Medical, and

• have attended the clinic for a face-to-face consultation within the past 3 months.

Following a telehealth consultation:

• Referrals and imaging requests can be sent electronically to your nominated provider

• Prescriptions may be issued as electronic scripts (eScripts) sent to your smartphone or nominated pharmacy

• Please note that some medical issues require a face-to-face examination, and your doctor may request an in-person appointment where clinically appropriate.

Skin Cancer Checks

Our doctors provide comprehensive skin cancer checks and management.

A full skin check usually takes 10–15 minutes, depending on your individual skin type and risk factors.

During a skin check:

• the doctor will examine sun-exposed areas of skin

• patients may be asked to undress to their underwear to allow a thorough examination

When booking, please specify that you require a full skin check, as this service is only offered by selected doctors.

For optimal assessment, patients are asked not to wear makeup or moisturiser on the day of the appointment.

If any suspicious lesions are identified, treatment options may include:

• cryotherapy (freezing treatment)

• dermoscopic monitoring

• biopsy or excision

• curettage and cautery

• topical treatments where appropriate

Where procedures are required, your doctor will discuss the appropriate treatment options.

Test Results and Reminder System

For clinical safety and quality care:

• test results, prescriptions and referrals generally require a doctor’s appointment

• reception staff are not permitted to provide medical results

Summervale Medical follows a structured system for reviewing investigation results.

We will contact you if:

• your results require follow-up

• further discussion or treatment is required

If you have not been contacted within approximately one week of testing, your results are often normal or stable. However, if you wish to discuss your results or have concerns, please contact the clinic to arrange an appointment.

If your usual doctor is unavailable, another doctor in the practice may assist

We also may contact you regarding:

• preventative health checks

• vaccinations

• chronic disease reviews

If you prefer not to receive reminders, please inform reception.

Accessibility

Summervale Medical aims to provide accessible healthcare for all patients.

Our clinic includes wheelchair access and accessible facilities. If you have specific accessibility needs, please inform reception so we can assist you.

MyMedicare

MyMedicare is a voluntary patient registration initiative introduced by the Australian Government to strengthen the relationship between patients, their GP and primary care team.

Patients who register with Summervale Medical may benefit from:

• improved continuity of care

• longer telehealth consultations with their usual GP

• improved chronic disease management support

To be eligible to register, patients must generally:

• have a Medicare or DVA card, and

• have attended the practice two or more times in the previous 24 months

Registration can be completed:

• through your Medicare online account

• via the Express Plus Medicare mobile app

• in person at our practice

My Health Record

My Health Record is a secure online summary of your key health information.

Summervale Medical may upload relevant clinical information to your My Health Record where appropriate.

For more information visit:

www.myhealthrecord.gov.au

Telephone Policy

To maintain confidentiality and minimise interruptions during consultations, doctors are generally unable to take phone calls during appointments.

If you wish to contact your doctor:

• reception staff will take a message

• a nurse or doctor may return your call if appropriate

For urgent medical matters, reception staff may transfer your call to clinical staff where necessary.

In most situations, medical advice requires a scheduled consultation.

Access to Medical Records

Patients have the right to request access to the medical information held by Summervale Medical.

How to Request Records

Requests for access to medical records must be made in writing.

For privacy and security reasons, identification may be required before records are released.

Timeframe

The practice will respond to requests for access to medical records within 30 days, in accordance with Australian privacy legislation.

Medical Summary

Where a patient transfers to another GP, a medical summary may be provided free of charge to support continuity of care.

Full Medical Records

Requests for full copies of medical records may incur a reasonable administrative fee to cover the costs associated with locating, reviewing, and preparing the records.

Release of Information

Medical information will only be released:

• With patient consent, or

• Where required or authorised by law

All patient information is handled in accordance with:

• the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)

• the Australian Privacy Principles

See our Privacy Policy