APPOINTMENTS
You will generally be required to make an appointment to ensure that patients do not wait too long. Doctor’s will attempt to see patients on time, however sometimes this is not possible as the time to give a medical assessment will vary or there may be an emergency. Appointments are not necessary if it is an emergency i.e.: deep cut, burns, suspected fracture, asthma, chest pain etc. but please phone reception to let them know you are coming, if at all possible. Walk-ins will be allocated to the first available doctor. They may experience longer waiting times depending on our how busy the practice is.
When making appointments please tell the receptionist if you are here for:
• Employment Certificate/Medical Reports
• Any driver ‘ s license/fitness certificate
• Work related injury treatment etc. These are not covered by Medicare.
If you need a longer appointment (eg for a procedure, for multiple family members, for a report or medical etc) please inform Reception staff when booking to allow more time.
CHOOSING YOUR DOCTOR
We have 6 Doctors (incl. 2 female) at Tarneit West Medical Centre. We encourage you to try and see a regular doctor. This improves patient care and enables you to establish a long-term relationship with your doctor. We understand that this cannot always be possible, and in these circumstances other doctors in this practice do have access to your files. Our regular team of GP’s are: Dr Fargina Hossain, Dr Sanwar Sawdagar, Dr AKM Khan, Dr Firoz Khan, Dr Sharif Ahmed and Dr Papia Chowdhury.
HOME VISITS
Our doctors offer home visits with a private fee. A mandatory risk assessment is performed beforehand, and a home visit will take place after operating hours. This service is currently suspended due to COVID-19 safety concerns.
IMMUNISATIONS
All Childhood immunisations are performed free of charge at Sunshine Marketplace Medical Centre. Please bring your child’s immunisation book and Medicare card with you. Please let the reception desk know when making an appointment that your child is coming for an immunisation.
FEES AND BILLING ARRANGEMENTS
Medicare eligible patients will be fully bulk billed for their consultations. For private patients fees are payable at the time of consultation. For more information about fees please ask reception for our full pricing list.
WORKCOVER PATIENTS
Initial Workcover consults must be paid at the time of consultation as these are not covered by Medicare. You will then be given a receipt to claim from your employer. If you already have a claim number and insurer the invoices will be sent directly to them.
TAC PATIENTS
Initial TAC accounts must be paid at the time of consultation as these are not covered by Medicare. You will then be given a receipt to claim.
PATHOLOGY RESULTS
Your doctor will advise you when to return for your results. To maintain confidentiality, results will not be given over the phone. A normal pathology result may require further investigation, examination and discussion between the patient and the doctor. This cannot be done by the receptionist.
RECALL & REMINDER SERVICE
The Clinic’s patient database allows for patient reminders.
If you wish to be placed on this system, please speak to your doctor. A letter will be sent at the time of the reminder.
INTERPRETER SERVICE
The Australian Govt. offers an Interpreter service for doctors to communicate with patients who do not speak English. This service is available via a phone call 24 hours a day in 100 languages. There is also an interpreting service available for AUSLAN Please speak to Reception if you require these services when making an appointment.
OUT OF HOURS ARRANGEMENTS
For non-urgent medical attention out of the clinic’s opening hours, home visits and free medical phone advice can be obtained by calling the after hours service on 137425.
PHONE CALLS
Doctors are unable to take phone calls from patients while consulting unless the matter is urgent. Reception staff will take a message and the call will be returned during the Doctor’s next available break.
PRIVACY
Personal information is collected only when necessary to provide patients with a quality health service and as required by HIC, Australia. Personal information will only be disclosed to other parties (eg. Other health professionals) with permission of the patient. Patients have a right to request access to their medical file as required. If you would like to see our full privacy policy, please see reception.
PHARMACY
Tarneit West Medical West offers a fully equipped pharmacy attached to the medical centre and is independently operated.
COMPLAINTS
If you have any concerns about any aspect of the service provided, please address a written complaint to the practice manager and appropriate steps will be taken to resolve the problem immediately or you can contact Health Complaints Agency on 1800 136 066. For Feedback or comments we also offer a suggestion box at reception.