NEWSLETTER Dec 2016

CRAFTER MEDICAL CENTRE

140 Belair Road, Hawthorn, South Australia. 5062

Telephone: (08) 8272 5533 - 24 hours

Facsimile: (08) 8373 4419

Website:

Welcome to our Practice

This newsletter is our way of keeping in touch.

Fee Increase:

As the current government has chosen to freeze the Medicare rebate until 2020, we need to make some fee changes to ensure we can still provide consistently goodservice to our patients.

  • From the 1st of January children aged 10 and under will continue to be bulk billed. Children 11-16 years of age will be charged the usual CMC fee. Doctors may consider reduced fees in special circumstances. Please ensure you discuss this with your doctor.
  • Commonwealth senior’s card holders will continue to be charged the usual CMC fee.
  • Individual doctors may choose to charge the CMC fee when consulting on Saturday mornings regardless of any concession cards held.
  • A fee for professional service with no attendance will now apply for all tasks including prescriptions, referrals and form completion. These services will not be Medicare rebateable.
  • Procedures performed in this practice such as skin surgery, Implanon and Mirena insertions, iron infusions,ECG,Spirometry, vaccinations, 24 Hour Blood Pressure Monitoring, Doppler ultrasound, suturing and plastering etc… attract separate fees with gap payments ranging from $20 to $100.

Medicare Safety Net:

2016 Medicare Safety Net thresholds

Threshold amount / Who it is for / How it is calculated / What the benefit is
Original / $447.40 / All Medicare cardholders / Based on gap amount / 100% of schedule fee for out of hospital services
Extended Concessional and
FTB Part A / $647.90 / Concession cardholders and families eligible for FTB Part A / Out of pocket costs / 80% of out of pocket costs or the EMSN benefit cap for out of hospital services
Extended general / $2,030.00 / All Medicare cardholders / Out of pocket costs / 80% of out of pocket costs or the EMSN benefit cap for out of hospital services

Out of pocket costsis the difference between the Medicare benefit and what your doctor charges you.

Schedule feeis a fee for service set by the Australian Government.

Gap amountis the difference between the Medicare benefit and the schedule fee.

EMSNis the Extended Medicare Safety Net.

We ask all of our patients to inform your doctor or reception staff when you reach the safety net.

Staff changes: We bid a fond farewell to Dr. Lagiseti and Dr. Shute and wish them well in their new endeavors. Please welcome back Dr. Matthew Del Fante who has joined our principal doctor team and Dr. Vanessa Hughes who has re-joined our team as an associate. Vanessa was a registrar with us in2014. We would also like to welcome Sandy to our reception team, taking over from Bronte who has decided to retire. Our new Enhanced primary care nurse is Angela, who has taken over the role as Martin has decided to move on. Angela was already a regular part of our nursing team.

Transfer of Patient records:We understand that from time to time you will require to have your records transferred to another practice. We are happy to do this for you, however, this may incur a fee of $10.00 (concession) or $15.00 to cover administration costs.

SMS Messaging: We will shortly be adopting the practice of SMS messaging for confirmation of extended appointment times. Please update your mobile telephone number at the front desk when you check in or when you depart. Due to some technical glitch with the software we expect this to start in the New Year.

New patients:Now we have a full contingent of doctors to care for you, we welcome new patients to the practice. We would be happy for you to recommend our practice to your friends or relatives who live in the local vicinity and any new residents that you may know that have just moved into the area.

Immunisation:The Zostavax (Shingles) immunisation program began on the 1st of November for 70year olds. A catch up program will be offered to 71-79 year olds will be offered to our patients for 5

years. Please speak to your doctor to see if you are eligible for this program.

Student Doctors: We will also continue with 3rd year student doctors from the OCEP Program. We will have one doctor for the first half of the year and another for the second half of the year. They will be in the surgery on Tuesdays and will work with the doctors and nurses to gain hands-on experience. We will continue to also provide valuable experience to the third year medical students from Flinders University on Friday afternoons. You will be asked if you are comfortable to have these students present at the time of your consultation, but you can decline at any time. Crafter Medical Centre is dedicated to inspiring young Doctors to consider General Practice as a career to ensure the community is well taken care of in the future.

Tax Time:Please keep your statement of claim and benefit payment slips that we give you when you pay your accounts. This is your record to retain for taxation purposes.

Signage: For your convenience we have placed signage in the foyer of 140 Belair Road and on the front door at 130 Belair Road, advising which doctors are consulting on that day, and where they are consulting. You can also phone in advance and our friendly reception staff will advise you as to where your doctor is consulting on the day of your appointment.

Updating information: While we appear to constantly ask for updated information each time you visit our practice, this detail does reduce errors and inaccuracies that may hinder payment/reimbursement of accounts by Medicare. Incorrect contact details also create a problem if we need to contact you at any time.


WE ASK THAT YOU TURN OFF YOUR MOBILE TELEPHONE WHILE ATTENDING THIS PRACTICE

THANK YOU

Historically, there has been a medical practice at this address for over 100 years, and during this time 24 hours a day, 7 days per week cover has always been provided.

The present practice’s aim is to provide total primary care for our regular patients, this includes preventative medicine. Various members of our team also provide care in special areas.

The services we offer include after-hours care, either by consultation at the Clinic or by a home visit. These can be arranged by telephoning the practice on 8272 5533.

In an attempt to provide continuity of care the Clinic is organised into four units, each comprising two doctors. One member of each unit, or a covering doctor, is always available during office hours.

The four units are: 1. Dr. Dianne Walker and Dr. Linda Lamb

2. Dr. Sam Smart and Dr. Johanna Kilmartin

3. Dr. Wendy Murchland and Dr. Matthew Del Fante

  1. Dr. Kerry Vlahos and Dr. Geoff Stranks

We have two Associate doctors: Dr. Sophie Walenczykiewicz and Dr. Vanessa Hugheswho havejoined our team of health care professionals. They willassist with all units and are a valuable addition to our team.

GP Services:

The doctors of Crafter Medical Centre provide a full range of primary medical care services.

Services include:

  • General Medical Care
  • Obstetric Share Care
  • Women’s Health
  • Men’s Health
  • Paediatric Care
  • Adolescent Health
  • Aged Care
  • Palliative Care
  • Skin Care / Full Skin Checks
  • Surgical Excision & Cryotherapy for Skin Lesions
  • Travel Medicine
  • Immunisation for children / adults / travel
  • Chronic Disease Management
  • Preventative Health Care
  • Mental Health Care and Counselling
  • Acute Care for Minor Lacerations and Fractures
  • Home Visits especially for Aged Care & Nursing Home Care
  • Iron Infusions
  • Implanon Insertion
  • Mirena Insertion

The practice is supported by a team of experienced receptionists and registered nursing sisters.

OFFICE HOURS:

Monday – Friday / 8.10 am – 6.00pm
Saturday / 8.10 am – 12 noon

AFTER HOURS CONSULTATIONS:

After Hours consultations are for urgent matters only and are for regular patients to the Crafter Medical Centre. This service is provided by our after hours locum service who are able to offer home visits. Access to this service is via our telephone number - 8272 5533 after office hours. There has been some recent advertising for the National Home Doctor Service, this service is our locum provider, and if you telephone our number, you will be connected to them.

APPOINTMENTS:

The time allotted for a standard appointment is 15 minutes. If more time is required
e.g. Multiple issuesPLEASE BOOK A DOUBLE APPOINTMENT (30 MINUTES) to avoid delays to other patients.

CANCELLATION OF APPOINTMENTS:

Please notify the Crafter Medical Centre as early as possible so that your cancelled appointment can be offered to others. If an appointment is not cancelled a fee may be charged.

HOUSE CALLS / HOME VISITS:

House calls are provided for patients who are too sick or frail to attend the Crafter Medical Centre. An early booking and an indication of the urgency is appreciated so that the day can be planned and delays are kept to a minimum. .

TELEPHONE ACCESS:

Doctors in the practice may be contacted during normal surgery hours. If the doctor is with a patient, a message will be taken and you will be advised by the reception team when it is likely that the doctor will return your call. In an emergency your call will always be directed to the doctor or practice nurse. Telephone contact with the doctor may attract a fee.

INTERPRETER AND OTHER COMMUNICATION SERVICES:

Our practice provides for the communication needs of patients who are not proficient in the primary language of our clinical team/and or who have a communication impairment. Our practice has a list of contact details for interpreter and other communication services including the Translating and Interpreter Service. If you require any of these services please ask our friendly reception team.

REFERRALS:

It is a requirement of the Medical Health Act that an assessment of the patient by the referring doctor take place prior to specialist rebate rates being paid. Retrospective referrals can only be written if the referral has previously been discussed with the Clinic doctor. Professional service provided with no patient contact will attract a fee. Patients are advised that gap payments may apply on specialist, x-ray and pathology services. Information regarding this may be sought from the relevant specialist. Please be aware that Private Hospital Emergency Departments charge a facility fee. Ambulance transport fees are the responsibility of the patient.

PRESCRIPTIONS:

In the interests of better health care, repeat prescriptions will generally not be issued unless a patient/doctor contact is made. All patients are encouraged to request repeat prescriptions (for long term use of specific medication) at the time of their consultation, thereby avoiding the need for an additional consultation. Professional service provided with no patient contact will attract a fee.

PENSIONER, REPATRIATION AND HEALTH CARE CARD HOLDERS:

All holders of the above cards are requested to present their cards to the receptionist at the time of the consultation, along with the Medicare card to check if details are up to date. Co-operation in this area is very much appreciated.

TEST RESULTS:

Please telephone between 10am and 3pm. This avoids congestion with the telephones, both early in the morning and late in the day.

CONFIDENTIALITY:

All consultations and medical records are held in strict confidence and no information is released without patient written consent. At times clinic doctors are involved with clinical audits with the National Prescriber Service. This involves your own doctor reviewing case notes. No patient identifying material is released. If you do not wish to have your notes reviewed for audit purposes please let the reception team know and your wishes will be noted.

PAP SMEAR TESTS, COLONOSCOPY, MAMMOGRAPHY:

A reminder system is available for the above health care checks. Please discuss this with the doctor.

PATIENTS IN DISTRESS:

On occasion, due to physical or emotional distress, you mayfeel the need for extra privacy prior to your appointment. Please feel free to use the garden waiting area located off of the general waiting area, or ask to use one of our treatment rooms. While these are not always available for general use, your request will be accommodated where possible.

CAR PARKING

Parking in George Street, close to the practice is time restricted by the Mitcham Council. Please ensure you park within the guidelines set down by the Council to avoid car parking fines. Please alsobe mindful of people’s driveways when parking your vehicle. On occasion driveways have been blocked, causing access difficulties for residents in this street.

PATIENT FEEDBACK / SUGGESTIONS / COMPLAINTS

Patient feedback and suggestionsare encouraged and welcome. Patients have a right to be heard, and provide feedback about your health service.

The Practice Manager, Kate Ricardo or any one of the doctors would be interested to hear from you at any time. A suggestion is to write a note or contact us via the telephone.

If you have a complaint about some aspect of the care you receive from the practice, we encourage you to deal with the matter here, within the practice as suggested above. However, should you have a problem you wish to deal with outside the practice; For a complaint against a specific doctor, this can be done through the Australian health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Call 1300 419 495 Mon–Fri 9am- 5pm For a complaint against the practice contact the Department of Health and Ageing (SA Health) 8226 6000

PRACTICE SURVEYS

Practice surveytake place from time to time as part of re-accreditation of this health care practice. Surveys are aimed at collecting your views on the practice so we can continually improve our services. All data collected is confidential.

DOCTOR – REGISTERED NURSE WAITING TIMES

As you are aware there are often times that your Doctor is running late for your appointment. There are many reasons for this ranging from an emergency that requires the immediate attention of the Doctor and/or Nurse, calls from Nursing Homes requiring an immediate telephone response to computer glitches that can often create delays in printing of prescriptions, referrals and most importantly, access to patient clinical information.

How can you assist?

  • By being aware that all routine appointments are scheduled for 15 minutes.
  • If you require a longer appointment, please ask. We are happy to make these available. Longer appointments may be required for insurance examinations; detailed medical check up; smear tests when another medical problem requires review; excisions; personal issues that require additional time.
  • by refraining from requesting that another member of your family, along with your appointment, be seen – this obviously takes additional time and creates time delays
  • By being aware that if you are unable to attend your appointment that you provide us with adequate notice, thereby providing this appointment for another person.

DETAILS OF THE CRAFTER MEDICAL CENTRE TEAM –

Principals: Dr. Geoff Stranks M.B.B.S., Dip. Obs., R.A.C.O.G., F.R.A.C.G.P.

Dr. Kerry Vlahos B.M.B.S., F.R.A.C.G.P. Post Grad Dip Musc Med

Dr. Matthew Del FanteM.B.B.S., F.R.A.C.G.P.

Dr. Dianne Walker M.B.B.S., FPA Cert., I.B.C.L.C.

Dr. Sam Smart M.B.B.S., F.R.A.C.G.P.

Dr. Johanna Kilmartin B.M.B.S., F.R.A.C.G.P., D.F.F.P. (R.C.O.G.), GCCE

Dr. Linda Lamb M.B.Ch.B., Dip. Obs., R.A.N.Z.C.O.G.

Dr. Wendy Murchland M.B.B.S., D.R.A.N.Z.C.O.G.

Associates: Dr. Vanessa Hughes M.B.B.S.,F.R.A.C.G.P, DCH

Dr. Sophie WalenczykiewiczM.B.B.S.,F.R.A.C.G.P

Registrar:Dr.David McFarlaneB.M.B.S.

Registered Nurses:AngelaRN Annie RN

Ruth RN Karen RN

Nicki RN

Practice Manager:Kate

Finance Manager:Wendy

Receptionists:Terry, Lee-Anne,Amanda,Pam,Jeanette,Sandy,Sandra and Lisa

FEES:

Our fees are adjusted annually in line with the CPI Index.

Explanation of Fee Structure

Consultation / Fee / Medicare Rebate / Gap Payment
Short / $35.00 / $16.95 / $18.05
Standard / $76.00 / $37.05 / $38.95
Long / $129.50 / $71.70 / $57.80
Extended / $192.00 / $105.55 / $87.45

Prescriptions:

Collected / Posted
$10.00 / $13.00
$7.00 (Concession) / $10.00 (Concession)

i)Fees charged can vary in keeping with the length and complexity of a consultation and with the discretion of the individual doctor.

ii) Each Doctor is able to discount their fee in special circumstances. If such circumstances exist, they should be discussed with the doctor.

iv)Procedures performed in this practice such as ECG, Spirometry, Vaccinations, 24 Hour Blood Pressure Monitor, Doppler Ultrasound and stitches (suturing) etc attract separate fees.

v)Payment at the time of consultation is required. The reception team will assist in processing and submitting Medicare refund claims online directly to Medicare. If you provide your savings bank account details to Medicare the refund will be put in your bank account with approximately 48 hours. This reduces the waiting time considerably for a refund of your rebate from Medicare by cheque.

vi)This practice accepts payment by cash, EFTPOS, credit card or cheque. Payment by credit card over the telephone is also accepted, our team will happily post a receipt of this transaction.

vii)Gap payments for general practitioner (GP), specialist, radiology and pathology services can be counted towards the Medicare Safety Net.

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