WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR VISIT
Practice Policies & Patient Information
Atherton Clinic is committed to providing safe, respectful, and high-quality healthcare.
This page outlines key policies and answers common questions to help you prepare for your appointment and understand how the clinic operates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I miss an appointment?
If you do not attend your appointment without prior notice, a non-attendance fee may apply.
How do I check my test results?
Call the clinic after 10am. If results require further discussion, a follow-up appointment with your doctor will be necessary.
Can I get repeat prescriptions or referrals without an appointment?
Generally, no. These services usually require a consultation. Prescriptions may be given in limited emergency situations if you have seen the doctor for that condition in the past 6 months.
What should I do if I need care after hours?
For after-hours care, please phone 0418 184 070 to speak with the rostered doctor on call. In a medical emergency, call 000 immediately.
How do I book a longer consultation?
If you need to discuss more than one issue or have forms that require completion, please inform reception when booking so appropriate time can be allocated.
ATHERTON PRACTICE POLICIES
Helpful Tips for Atherton Appointments
Every patient is encouraged to familiarise themselves with our current practice policies. This helps ensure your visit runs smoothly and aligns with clinic guidelines.
COVID19 POLICY & PROCEDURE
Anyone experiencing cold & flu-like symptoms is encouraged to perform a Rapid Antigen Test prior to presenting for your appointment. If positive, we offer telephone appointments.
Patients with cold and flu-like symptoms are encouraged not to enter the reception/waiting area, to please phone reception for advice in regard to appointments.
Patients will be asked to present to the undercover car park area at the rear of the building at their allocated appointment time.
APPOINTMENTS
Atherton Clinic operates on an appointment basis. A standard consultation is for a single matter. You require a longer consultation for more than one issue – please advise reception staff if you have more than one issue to discuss so the appropriate consultation time can be booked. We have “On the Day” appointments (15 mins) for if you are unwell on any given day – please note these are limited (for Atherton Clinic patients only).
Appointment reminders are sent via SMS the day prior to your appointment if you have consented to this. If you cannot attend your appointment, please inform reception staff as soon as possible.
PLEASE NOTE IF YOU FAIL TO ATTEND YOUR APPOINTMENT, THEN A DNA FEE MAY BE CHARGED.
FEES
Payment is required at the time of consultation by cash, EFTPOS or Credit Card. Atherton Clinic does not issue accounts without prior approval.
Discounted fees for aged pensioners and healthcare cardholders are offered.
Because of the many services we provide, it is not possible to display all relevant fees. If you need further information about our fees please ask our receptionists.
TRANSLATOR SERVICES
For patients with language difficulties a telephone translator service can be arranged on 131 450. For patients with hearing difficulties an Australian interpreter can be arranged on 1300 287 5266. Please notify reception if you think this might be needed.
Please see our Services Page for further detailed information.
TELEPHONE CALLS
Doctors cannot take calls while consulting with patients, except for emergencies, specialists, pharmacists etc. Reception will take a message and the doctor/nurse or receptionists will return your call when available.
EMAILS
Using an email to communicate with your doctor is NOT recommended as your privacy & confidentiality may be compromised. Emails are not locked or encrypted and may be accessed by unknown persons.
TELEHEALTH
If you are a regular patient, telehealth services may be available. Telehealth services are at the discretion of your GP. Please contact the practice for more information.
TEST RESULTS
Please call after 10am to check on results. If you would like to discuss your results, please make a follow up appointment with your preferred doctor.
HOUSE CALLS
The doctors will make home visits to our palliative patients of the practice by prior arrangement only.
AFTER HOURS
For After-hours care please phone mobile No 0418 184 070. You will be answered by the rostered private doctor on call.