Making Appointments
We operate an appointment system. Please report to the reception staff when you arrive for your appointment. While we endeavour to stay on time, please understand your doctor takes the time to ensure your medical care and may run late. To keep waiting times reduced, ensure you book appropriately.
One issue: Book a 15min appointment
Two issues: Book a 30min appointment
Longer Appointments – If you are a new patient or require a longer appointment to discuss more than one issue or a complex matter, please inform reception at the time of booking. For your convenience, appointments can be made online through either our website or by downloading the Hotdoc app on your phone or tablet. We do not take bookings via email.
General Practitioners
$70.00 Standard Consultation (Medicare Rebate $37.60)
$100.00 Extended Consultation (Medicare Rebate $72.80)
$140.00 Complex Consultation (Medicare Rebate $107.15)
Acupuncture
$70.00 Standard Consultation (Medicare Rebate $37.05)
$90.00 Extended Consultation (Medicare Rebate $71.70)
Naturopath
$120.00 Initial Visit 1 hr
$105.00 Follow up 60 mins
$ 90.00 Follow up 45 mins
$ 75.00 Follow up 30 mins
Osteopaths
$100.00 Initial Treatment….1hr
$ 80.00 Follow up treatment 30 mins
It is crucial that you notify NCMC of your cancellation, at least 24 hours prior to your appointment time, to avoid a $20 cancellation fee.
Billing Policy
North Coast Medical Centre is a Private Practice and full payment of fees is required on the day of your consultation. We accept payment for our fees via cash, cheque, EFTPOS and Credit Card (Amex is not accepted).
We offer bulk billing services to Aged pensioners, Health Care Card holders, children aged 18 and under, and to DVA Gold card holders.
NCMC Psychologists, Dietitian and Exercise Physiologist – Consultation days and fees vary for these practitioners. Please contact them directly to discuss their consultation fees and appointment times.
Combined Consultations
Consultations with the Doctor and Naturopath together are available. Please ask at reception. The Doctors fees are as shown previously and will be bulk billed; the naturopaths fees will require private billing, fees as previously shown.
Prescriptions
It is recommended to make an appointment with your GP to request prescriptions. If your doctor has agreed to write out a script without an appointment, there will be a $10 fee.
Patient Feedback
If you have any feedback or complaints, we would like to hear about it. Feel free to write down your feedback and place it in our suggestion box in the waiting room. If you have a complaint, please talk to your Doctor, or write a letter or email to the practice manager, who will respond to your feedback or complaint. All emails are to be directed to:
info@northcoastmedicalcentre.com.au
If, however, you wish to take the matter further and feel that you need to discuss the matter
outside the practice, you can contact:
Health Care Complaints Commission
Locked Bag 18, Strawberry Hills NSW 2012
Phone: 9219 7444
Thank you to our patients for their valued feedback. We have taken into consideration your input, and endeavour implement any positive changes.
Results
Patients need to book a consultation to discuss results with the doctor to ensure quality care. Results are not given over the phone. If your doctor needs to discuss a specific result with you; you will be informed by text to take an appointment. With the Hotdoc reminder system you will be asked to click through the text to a link and follow the directions. To protect your privacy, you will need to verify with your name and date of birth.
Reminder System
Our practice is committed to preventative care. We will issue you with a reminder text offering you preventative health services appropriate to your care. If you do not wish to be part of this system, please let us know.
Communicating with your Practitioner
Messages can be left with reception staff in person, phone or email. Your message will be conveyed to the Doctor. Your doctor or the NCMC team will respond to your request as soon as possible.
Personal Health Information
Your medical record is a confidential document. It is the policy of this practice to maintain security of all personal health information. A patient can obtain, or view a copy of their health records, by request (a fee may apply). A summary of your health records is also available at MyHealthRecord.gov.au help line: 1800 723 471.
Update Patient records
Please notify reception of any changes in your circumstances. Ensure we have your correct telephone number, address and Medicare Card.
After Hours Care
Emergency: 000
Byron Central Hospital: 02 6639 9400
NCMC: 0432 534 770 (charges apply).
Communication Barrier
Our practice offers a choice of access for language, or communication impairments, such as technology assistance and translator services. Please notify reception.