Below are a range of common questions and policies that we keep. If you have any other questions please feel free to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What To Bring to Your Appointment
- Your Medicare card or Veteran Affairs card
- Any Centrelink card (pension card, health care card, etc)
- Any relevant paperwork required
- Your medications, or a list of them.
- Your Health Care Plan if you have one.
- Your child’s immunisation booklet, if relevant
Arriving Late
If you arrive late for your appointment you may not be seen. Patients who arrive on time will be seen as close to their scheduled time as possible.
Cancelling Appointments
At least 2 hours notice is required to cancel your appointment. If you cancel your appointment less than 2 hours a $40 fee may be charged.
Missed Appointments
If you miss your appointment without cancelling, a missed appointment fee of $40 must be paid prior to your next appointment.
Appointment Reminders
At Harding Street we send SMS appointment reminders. You may be phoned if you have booked a longer appointment.
Preventative Health and Care Plan reminders
Our practice is committed to preventative health care and quality care for those with chronic conditions. We may issue you with reminder notice from time to time offering you services appropriate to your care. If you do not wish to be part of this system please advise reception.
To improve continuity of care we endeavour to send reminders for Cervical Screening and some other procedures and investigations. However we stress that it is your responsibility to return for further assessments /investigations /results, or attend specialists, if your doctor has indicated this is necessary.
Results
Test Results
Your doctor will generally request that you make an appointment for discussion of test results. Results of medical tests are usually available 3-4 days after the test has been done. It is your responsibility to ensure you follow up results.
Depending on the nature of the test the doctor may sometimes suggest you can phone for the results. If your Doctor has instructed you to contact the nurse to discuss results she will be available to take calls between 12.30pm-1.30pm Monday to Friday. SMS results are also available when considered appropriate by your doctor. At times our nurses will advise you to book an appointment to further discuss a result.
Reception staff do not have access to specific details of results.
Cervical Screening Results
Results of your cervical screen will be forwarded to you by mail about 3-6 weeks after the test is performed.
Results are routinely forward to the Victorian Cytology Service registry (unless otherwise requested).
You will receive a reminder when your next Cervical Screening is due (unless otherwise requested).
Telephone Calls
Messages can be left with reception. Your doctor will review your message and respond as they determine most appropriate. This may be by calling you, sending you an sms or requesting the receptionist or nurse to call you back.
Specialist Referrals
A referral is needed for you to get a Medicare refund for the fees charged by a specialist. Medicare requires that referrals are issued in advance of your consultation with a specialist. For these reasons, referrals are not available without consultation, and cannot be backdated.
We do not use our email for patient correspondance. However, during the Pandemic emailing of patient information can be done in exceptional circumstances and at the Doctor's discretion.
Problems and Concerns
We constantly strive to improve our service to you and your feedback is very important to us. Please forward any feedback or complaints in writing to the Practice Manager at 16 Harding St Coburg. We will provide prompt and confidential attention to your suggestions, problems and concerns.
Alternativley you may wish to contact the Health Service Commissioner
30th Floor
570 Bourke st
Melbourne
1300 582 113
Medical Records
Transfer or sharing of medical records
If you are moving and wish to transfer or share your medical record with another medical clinic a signed request form that clinic must be forwarded to Harding Street. A fee may be payable depending on the size and complexity of your medical record.
Medical reports and forms
A fee applies to all medical reports and the completion of forms. This involves considerable time from the doctor in reviewing your file to write the report for solicitors or insurance companies. Privacy regulations require that you have signed a consent form for any reports to third parties. Payment is required from you or the solicitor or insurance company prior to release of the report.
We appreciate your feedback.
If you have any concerns simply Contact us
Our Practice Manager will address any concerns.
Or you may contact the
Office of the Health Services Commissioner
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PATIENT FEEDBACK
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©2021 Harding Street Medical Clinic
8:00am-8:30pm
8:00am-6:00pm
9:00am-1.00pm
9:00am-11:30am
9:00am-11:30am
OPENING HOURS
Monday to Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Sunday:
Public Holiday:
General Practice
16 Harding Street,
Coburg, VIC, 3058
Phone: 03-9384-1321
Fax: 03-9384-1431