Question 1

How do I book an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Appointments can be booked online using Automed or by calling the practice. If you're unsure which appointment type you need, our reception team can help.

Question 2

I'm a new patient. Can I book online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. New patients are welcome to book online or by phone only with the Doctors taking new patients. You will be sent a link via SMS to fill your registration paperwork online. Alternatively, please arrive a few minutes early to complete your registration if you have not already completed your forms online.

Question 3

What's the difference between a standard and a long appointment?

Accepted Answer

A standard appointment is suitable for one straightforward health concern.

Please book a long appointment if you:

Have multiple concerns to discuss
Need a Mental Health Care Plan
Need a Care Plan or Health Assessment
Require an interpreter
Have complex medical issues
Are attending for a procedure or extensive paperwork

Question 4

Can I request a specific doctor?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You are welcome to request your preferred GP when booking. If they are unavailable, we can help you book with another doctor if your concern is urgent.

Question 5

Can I book an excision or procedure appointment online.

Accepted Answer

To book any excisions or procedure appointments please call our reception team to ensure its booked correctly with the Doctor and the Nurse.

Question 6

What happens if I'm late?

Accepted Answer

If you arrive late, your appointment may need to be shortened or rescheduled to avoid delaying other patients.

Question 7

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

If you cannot attend your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible.

Late cancellations or failure to attend may incur a non-attendance fee.

Question 8

Do you bulk bill?

Accepted Answer

Elder St Practice is a mixed billing practice. Please view our Fees page for a guide of fees.

Question 9

Can I claim my Medicare rebate immediately?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you have a valid Medicare card and your bank details are registered with Medicare, we can process your claim electronically so your rebate is usually deposited into your account within 24 - 48 hours.

Question 10

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept EFTPOS, Visa, Mastercard and cash.

Question 11

How do I receive my test results?

Accepted Answer

For privacy and clinical safety, results are not provided over the phone.

Please book a follow-up appointment with your GP to discuss your results unless your doctor has advised otherwise. You will get a text message from the practice with instructions of whether to book a follow-up or not.

If urgent follow-up is required, our practice will contact you.

Question 12

Can I get a repeat prescription without an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please book an appointment or telephone consult if eligible. Repeat prescriptions may be available at your doctor's discretion.

Question 13

Can I request a referral without seeing my doctor?

Accepted Answer

New referrals require an appointment with your Doctor. For repeat referrals please book an appointment or telephone consult if eligible as some details may have changed and would need to be updated by your Doctor.

Question 14

What services does Elder St Practice provide?

Accepted Answer

Our GPs provide comprehensive family medical care including:

General Practice
Women's Health
Men's Health
Children's Health
Mental Health
Chronic Disease Management
Health Assessments
Immunisations
Skin Checks
Minor Procedures
Care Plans
Travel Health
Iron Infusions
Preventive Health
Workers Compensation and CTP (where accepted)

Question 15

Do you have pathology on site?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Douglas Hanly Moir Pathology operates from our practice for your convenience on Tue, Wed and Thurs 8am to 1pm.

Question 16

Do you have allied health services?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have a range of visiting allied health professionals including psychologist, relationship counselling, physio and other independent practitioners consulting from our practice.

Question 17

What are your opening hours?

Accepted Answer

Monday - Friday: 8:30am to 5:30pm

Saturday: 8:30am to 11:30am.

Closed Sundays and Public Holidays.

Question 18

Do you offer telehealth appointments?

Accepted Answer

Telehealth appointments are available for eligible patients where clinically appropriate and in accordance with Medicare requirements.

Question 19

What if I need medical care after hours?

Accepted Answer

For medical emergencies, always call 000.

For urgent medical advice outside our opening hours, please refer to our After Hours section for the current service available to Elder St Practice patients.

Question 20

Can I speak to my doctor over the phone?

Accepted Answer

Our doctors are usually consulting with patients throughout the day and are generally unable to take phone calls.

If your enquiry requires medical advice, an appointment will usually be required.

Question 21

Can I email my doctor?

Accepted Answer

For privacy and safety reasons, doctors do not provide medical advice via email.

Administrative enquiries can be sent to the practice email reception@elderstractice.com.au

Question 22

How do I transfer my medical records?

Accepted Answer

If you are transferring to or from another practice, simply complete a medical records transfer form.

Question 23

How is my personal information protected?

Accepted Answer

Your medical records are confidential. Elder St Practice complies with the Australian Privacy Principles and maintains strict policies to protect your health information.

Question 24

How can I provide feedback or make a complaint?

Accepted Answer

We welcome feedback to help improve our services.

Please speak with our Practice Manager or submit your feedback in writing to pm@elderstpractice.com.au. If we cannot resolve your concerns, information about the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission can be provided.

Question 25

What is MyMedicare?

Accepted Answer

MyMedicare is a voluntary patient registration program that helps strengthen the relationship between you and your regular GP and practice.

Registration may provide access to additional services and supports over time. Our team can assist you with registering.

Question 26

Should I register with MyMedicare?

Accepted Answer

If Elder St Practice is your regular medical practice, registering with MyMedicare can help support continuity of care and future Medicare initiatives.

Medical Practice : Lambton, Newcastle

FAQ

Appointments

Fees & Medicare

Results & Prescriptions

Services

Practice Information

Medical Records & Privacy

Feedback

MyMedicare

02 4950 9600

After Hours - 02 4926 0500

92 Elder St Lambton
Newcastle NSW, 2299

FAQ