Patient information
Everything you need to know before, during and after your visit.
Appointments
We work on an appointment system. Call reception on (03) 9722 9888 to book.
A standard appointment is 10 minutes. Please let us know when you book if you need more time, so we can set aside a longer appointment.
Ask for a longer appointment for
- More than one issue to discuss
- Cervical screening
- A mental health care plan
- A procedure
If you have cold, flu or COVID symptoms, please tell reception when you call. You may be able to have a telehealth appointment if you meet Medicare's requirements.
New patients
Currently accepting new patients. To save time on the day, ask reception for the New Patient Form, fill it in at home and bring it with you.
- Medicare card
- Health Care Card
- Pension card
- DVA card
Please bring any of these cards that apply to you.
Fees and billing
Churinga is a private billing practice, and payment is due on the day of your consultation.
- Standard consultation $90
- Long consultation $125
The usual out-of-pocket cost for a standard consultation is about $44.95 after your Medicare rebate. Procedures may involve a higher out-of-pocket cost.
Accounts not paid on the day incur a $10 administration fee. Please ask reception about fees for psychology, social work, physiotherapy and dietetics.
Bulk billing on weekdays
- Children under 16
- Centrelink Pension card holders
- Health Care Card holders
Please bring a valid card, or the consultation will be billed privately. Babies not yet registered with Medicare are billed privately.
Saturday mornings
All patients aged 16 and over are billed privately on Saturdays. Pension and Health Care Cards don't apply.
Prescriptions and referrals
To renew a prescription or referral, please book an appointment with your doctor. This lets your GP check how you're going and keep your care up to date.
Test results
Please book a follow-up appointment to go through your results, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. We usually arrange this at the time of your first visit.
If a result needs prompt attention, we'll add you to our recall list and call you up to three times. If we can't reach you, we'll send a letter to your home address by registered mail. All results are handled in line with our privacy procedures.
Facilities for people with a disability
The clinic has wheelchair access and parking close to the entrance. Please talk to reception or your doctor about any special needs.
After hours care
When the clinic is closed, call Doctor Doctor on 13 26 60 for bulk-billed after-hours home visits and phone support. Details of the visit are sent to us the next day, so your doctor stays in the loop. In an emergency, call 000.
Patient feedback: praise or complaints
We'd like to hear how we're going, good or bad. If you're unhappy with any part of your care, please talk to your doctor, the practice manager or reception. We believe problems are best sorted out within the practice.
If you'd rather take a concern outside the practice, you can contact the Health Complaints Commissioner (Victoria) on 1300 582 113.
Your privacy
Your personal and health information is kept strictly confidential. Read how we collect, use and protect it in our Privacy and Email Policy.