As General Practitioners, we deal with the full range of health needs in our local community. We know that some of you are dealing with chronic conditions like anxiety, asthma or diabetes, others have been up all night with a sick child, a few of you have recently discovered a worrying lump, and some of you simply need a repeat prescription.
In the days before COVID-19, every one of you would simply have booked an appointment and come in to see your doctor. What happens now, though?
Well, ultimately, you’ll still receive the same high-quality medical care that you’d expect from Peregian Family Medical Centre. The appointment process has changed, though, to protect both patients and staff during the pandemic.
Step 1: Maintain Your Health
Push COVID-19 to the back of your mind for a moment, and think about your health. Are you due for a cervical screening test? Does your chronic disease management plan need updating? Does that mole look different? Are your kids’ vaccinations up to date?
COVID-19 has caused or worsened a few health problems like anxiety and stress. But it hasn’t obliterated all the usual health needs of your family.
We strongly encourage you to continue your regular healthcare. If there’s something you would have come to see us about before COVID-19, then we still want you to come now.
Step 2: Telephone Appointments
We are treating some patients over the telephone. It’s the best way of protecting everyone while still addressing your health needs.
These appointments are fully rebated through Medicare until the end of September – there is no out of pocket expense to you providing you have attended the practice in person in the past 12 months. If it has been longer than 12 months since you last visited, then a private fee will apply, and reception will advise you of those details.
If you’ve decided you need to see your GP, then book a telephone consultation by calling 07 5471 2100 or using HotDoc. (Remember, we’re closed on Saturdays until further notice.)
You can use a telephone appointment for some aspects of your healthcare, however a ‘face to face’ appointment may still be necessary after your discussion with your GP.
Step 3: Face-to-Face Appointments
You may be seen in the clinic if:
● Your GP has asked you to come in after a previous phone consultation
● You need care that can’t be provided over the phone such as an important physical examination or in person preventative care, such as a vaccination or a cervical screening test
● You strongly wish to see your doctor in person.
You must tell the receptionist over the phone if you:
● Have visited Victoria, NSW or the ACT or been in contact with anyone who has visited these areas in the last 14 days OR
● Are experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms on the day of your face-to-face appointment.
This means we can decide how to address your health needs while protecting our staff and other patients. This advice is obviously dynamic and the details will change; if in doubt call the Practice for advice if you need to schedule an appointment.
Physical distancing applies in our clinic, meaning we can only have a certain number of people in the waiting room.
If you are coming in for your appointment, please:
● Be willing to wait outside or in your car if asked as this helps us manage our waiting room numbers. We do have chairs, appropriately spaced out the front and back of our clinic.
● Come alone wherever possible
● Download the COVIDSafe app to your smartphone if you have one.
Quality of Service
Whether you have a telephone consultation or a face-to-face appointment, you’re getting the same high-quality care. You’re dealing with qualified, experienced doctors who are listening to you carefully, asking the right questions and advising you on what to do next.
We’re also checking your previous medical history and updating your file prior to, during and after the consultation. Your current concern may need more than one consultation and may need a face to face or mixture of consultations. Your GP will discuss this with you throughout the process.
If you’re unsure about a telephone consultation, please give it a go. Like many other patients, you may be surprised at how effective and convenient it is, while keeping us safe via the use of distance. Being able to consult over the phone is an important part of our National COVID safe strategy.
