Mixed Billing

From 8th January 2024, Beyond Healthcare Family Practice is a Mixed Billing Practice.

What does this mean?

We have a mix of bulk-billing doctors and private billing doctors.

PRIVATE BILLING

All consultations (see exclusions below) are time-based and attract an out of pocket fee, taking into account the time taken and the degree of complexity in each consultation. Fees are payable at the time of consultation by credit card or EFTPOS.

If you have registered your bank account details with Medicare, we can initiate the Medicare rebate into your nominated bank account.

For all payments using Visa/Mastercard a surcharge of 1.0% will apply, EFTPOS payments a surcharge 0.5% will apply and if paying via telephone (manual transaction) a surcharge of 1.15% will apply.

Please check with reception if you are unsure about any fees or check our Fees section.

BULK-BILLING

All consultations are covered by Medicare and there is no out of pocket fee.

Patients who are eligible for bulk-billing (regardless of which doctor you see) are:

  • Children 16 years or younger

  • Aged and Disability Pension card holders, and Defence Veterans

  • Health care card holders

Patients seeking bulk-billing or concession entitlements will need to present their Medicare card and valid concession cards at their appointment.

For all new born babies who have yet to be registered with Medicare will be privately billed for all consultations with the doctor until Medicare provide the parents with the above requirements.

Please note that we charge a private fee for completion of a GP Mental Health Plan due to the time and complexities required. Please see the fees listed in the Fees section for more information. If you have a Medicare card, you are able to claim back the Medicare rebate with our Tyro system or alternatively, you can claim your rebate through Medicare.

Appointments

Consultations are by appointments at 15 minute intervals. If you require more time, we recommend that you request a Long Appointment. If more than one person in your family wishes to see the doctor, please make separate appointments. You are welcome to see the doctor together if sequential appointments are made.

You can view and book all appointments online using the following link: Beyond Healthcare Family Practice - Book Doctors Online with HotDoc or call our reception team on (02) 9053 8861.

Third Party Services

HotDoc

Our practice uses HotDoc, Australia's largest and most trusted patient engagement platform, as our preferred online booking system.

HotDoc is a free service that allows you to do a variety of the following:

  • Make Online Bookings for yourself and your family with your preferred practitioner.

  • Manage upcoming appointments that have been booked with your HotDoc account.

  • Be reminded by SMS or In App Push Notification about upcoming appointments booked either with HotDoc account or the clinic's reception.

  • Be reminded for recall reasons to visit your clinic.

  • Be notified about clinic information.

  • Fill in patient information for your clinic via a digital form.

  • Provide feedback to your clinic via Google Reviews

BetterConsult

Our practice is using the BetterConsult service to help you get the most out of your doctor appointment, and helps your doctor focus on the right treatment for you. BetterConsult will send an SMS prior to your appointment asking you to complete a pre-consultation questionnaire. This is not mandatory but will assist with your consultation.

How does BetterConsult benefit your appointment with the doctor?

BetterConsult is a pre-consultation questionnaire that asks a number of questions your doctor would usually ask about your reason for visit. By knowing this right away, your doctor can focus on the ideal treatment for your health. BetterConsult also allows you to better consider what you want to discuss with your doctor, and help you think through your symptoms in advance. 

Does BetterConsult protect your medical information? 

Yes. With BetterConsult your medical information is private, confidential and totally secure. The information stays in Australia and is only shared with your doctor or medical professional. HotDoc provides a secure platform to enable medical practitioners to communicate with their patients. In particular, we work with your medical practitioner to find easier and more accessible ways for you to book and manage your appointments.

Telehealth, Video consultations and Home Visits

Telehealth or video consultations are available when your medical condition prevents you from attending our practice. To be eligible, you must have had a face-to-face consultation at our practice at least once in the last 12 months.

Our nurses may also attend a home visit on behalf of a GP if deemed safe and reasonable within a 10 km radius of the surgery.

Cultural background and translation services

Our practice welcomes patients from all cultures and backgrounds. We encourage you to advise us of your cultural background to provide you with any resources that may be available to assist in your care. If language is a barrier, we encourage you to attend with a member of your family or we can organise a translator.

Phone Calls

Our phones are open during the Practice Hours. If your Doctor is unavailable, a message will be taken, and your call returned at the earliest opportunity. If your call is urgent, you may speak with one of our nurses who will triage your call.

Results

Our practice sends a courtesy SMS notifying patients that their test results have been received.

Please allow up to 2-3 days to receive your results.

Your doctor will review your results once received. If your results are determined to be urgent, your doctor will call you directly.

If your doctor determines your results as non-urgent, you will receive an SMS recall, requesting you book a non-urgent follow-up appointment with your doctor. Please book an appointment at your earliest convenience.

If you have not received an SMS after 3 days, we encourage patients to take responsibility for their follow up of results in the event that our courtesy SMS was not received.

If your doctor has not requested a follow-up appointment and you are still experiencing symptoms, please book an appointment with your doctor for further review.

Please note that our reception staff are unable to give your results over the phone or to send them to you via email without express instructions from your doctor.

Reminder System

Our practice is committed to preventative care and prioritises our patients taking a proactive role in their health. Unless you specify otherwise, you will be registered to receive a reminder notice regarding health care services appropriate to your care. These clinical reminders relate to health activities such as immunisations, routine health assessments, further tests or procedures.

Request for Personal Health Information or transfer of medical records

Patients can access their health information by request. If you would like your medical record transferred, simply ask for a request form at reception.

Privacy

Your medical record is a confidential document. It is our policy to maintain the security of your personal health information. Beyond Healthcare Family Practice abides by the Privacy Act 1988 incorporating 13 Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and the relevant health records legislation. Copies of the Privacy Policy are available at reception or click here to download.

Zero tolerance behaviour

Rude language, verbal abuse or aggressive behaviour towards our staff is not acceptable. Practice management reserves the right to refuse service or ask for the person to be removed from our practice. We thank you for your patience and understanding.

After Hours & Emergency Care

In an emergency please ring 000 or present to your nearest emergency department.

When we are closed, there are many After Hours GP Services available below:

Feedback/Complaints

We welcome patient feedback and complaints. Copies of our Complaint Form are available at reception or click here to download. Feedback is confidential and helps us to improve our services. If you feel your feedback/complaint has not been addressed appropriately, you may contact the Health Care Complaints Commission, Level 13, 323 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000. P: (02) 9219 7444 | F: (02) 9281 4585 | Email: hccc@hccc.nsw.gov.au

Practice Information