Appointments

Please call 8842 4499 for appointments. Patients will be given an appointment of your choice. Please inform the receptionist at the time of making your appointment whether a long consultation is required and whether more than one person is to be seen. If you or a family member requires an interpreter service, we can organise this for you. Please let us know in advance when you make an appointment. The Doctor’s at Belgrave Hallam Road Medical Centre are happy to accommodate patients who present to the clinic without an appointment, though there may be a waiting time unless deemed urgent. Should you have any enquiries, please ask our friendly staff. For selected doctors, you can book an appointment via the Healthengine on-line site (https://healthengine.com.au). Please note that this facility is not available for all the doctors.

Alternative modes of communication are available for our patients with a disability.The National Relay Service (NRS) for patients that are deaf or the translation and Interpreter service (TIS) and the Doctors Priority Line (1300 131 450) for patients from a not English speaking background.

Standard Appointment - 15 minutes, 1 or 2 basic issues. If it takes more than 15 minutes, you may be requested to make another appointment for further discussion. 

Long Appointment -  To discuss complex issues such as Mental Health issue, chronic health problems, care planning, or multiple issues to be discussed, a long appointment is to be made. Our reception staff will assist you to determine the type of appointment required. 

Not attending or last minute cancellation of appointments result in the appointment not being available to other patients. Therefore, BHRMC has re-introduced a policy regarding cancellation or not attending appointments in order to encourage patients to do the correct thing. A standard appointment can be cancelled at least 3 hours prior to the appointment time. If you do so, there will not be any fees charged. However, if you cancel it within 3 hours, a cancellation fee of $20 will be applied. If you do not cancel and do not showup for the appointment, a $25 non-attendance fee will be charged from you. Please note that for appointments to do procedures, a nurse has to be scheduled. Therefore, such appointment can be cancelled at least one day prior to the appointment time.

It is important to attend the appointments on time. Late attendance may cause you a long waiting time or rescheduling the appointment depending on doctors diary. 

Waiting Times

We make every effort to see you on time and understand your time is valuable to you. We do our best to prevent delays but they may occur due to unforseen circumstances. If necessary, you will be offered an alternative appointment and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. We urge you to contact our practice staff prior to your appointment time to check whether your doctor is running on time.

Fees and billing arrangements

Services of Belgrave Hallam Road Medical Centre (BHRMC) are mostly BULK BILLED. However, if your Medicare card has expired or you fail to produce a valid card, you will be required to pay on the day.

Some procedures may require a fee to be paid up front and an out of pocket expense incurred after claiming from Medicare. Please ask our receptionists for fee information.

Please note that some procedures may require a treatment room fee (about $5 ~ $30) to be paid as an out of pocket expense. Please ask our receptionists for fee information. 

Cancellation/No-Show up fee:

If the cancellation is done more than 3 hrs prior to appointment: no fee
If the cancellation is done less than 3 hrs prior to appointment: $20
If a patient does not show-up without cancellation appointment: $25

Private fees:

Weekdays and Saturdays until 01:00PM:
(Standard Consultation): $50 (Long Consultation): $80 (Over 45 min): $120

Saturdays after 01:00PM and Sundays:
(Standard Consultation): $55  (Long Consultation): $90

Work cover fees: Private: $60.00.

Home visits: Bulk billed with current Medicare card. Private: $50.00.

After hours: Bulk billed with a current Medicare card. Private: $70.00 (6.30am-8am)

PAYMENT OPTIONS:
 
Private patients will be able to pay by: 
    Cash 
    EFTPOS/Debit cards 
    Credit cards 
    Bank transfer  

What is MyMedicare?

MyMedicare is a new voluntary patient registration model aimed at strengthening the relationship between patients, their general practice, general practitioners, and primary healthcare teams. 

Patients register with MyMedicare and select their general practice, for instance Belgrave-Hallam Road Medical Centre, and at the same time they can also nominate their preferred GP from our practice. 

This registration will inform Belgrave-Hallam Road Medical Centre that you have chosen them as your primary healthcare provider, enabling them to offer more seamless and ongoing healthcare services.

Benefits for MyMedicare Patients

MyMedicare patients will have an enhanced consistency in their care through their designated practice, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes. Additionally, residents of aged care facilities will experience increased frequency of visits by general practitioners and improved care planning. Patients who frequently require hospital services will also be better linked to suitable care within general practice

 Registering with Belgrave-Hallam Road Medical Centre will simplify the process of accessing tailored services that cater to your unique patient need.

MyMedicare patients will have an enhanced consistency in their care through their designated practice, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes. Additionally, residents of aged care facilities will experience increased frequency of visits by general practitioners and improved care planning. Patients who frequently require hospital services will also be better linked to suitable care within general practice

Registering with Belgrave-Hallam Road Medical Centre will simplify the process of accessing tailored services that cater to your unique patient need.

Are you eligible for MyMedicare?

To qualify for MyMedicare, you must have had 2 face-to-face appointments at Belgrave-Hallam Road Medical Centre within the last 24 months. You should also possess either a Medicare card or a Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) Veteran Card.

People experiencing hardship, such as those facing domestic and family violence and/or homelessness, will be granted exemptions from all eligibility criteria. A trusted GP from Belgrave-Hallam Road Medical Centre can assist with direct registration in MyMedicare.

How to Register

Patients can register for MyMedicare from 1 October 2023. 

Register by logging into your Medicare online services - Medicare Online Account via MyGov or through the ‘Express Plus Medicare’ mobile app.

Click the following link to get instructions:

https://bhrmc.com.au/images/How_to_Register_for_MyMedicare.pdf

Home Visits/Telephone access/Electronic Communication

Home visits are available on request for regular patients whose condition prevents them from attending the surgery. Home visits are bulk billed by our Doctors if a current Medicare card is provided. Doctors do not take telephone calls whilst seeing patients. Our receptionist staff will take a message, inform the Doctor and your call will be returned by the Doctor at the earliest possible time. Patients can send enquiries or contact us via fax on 03 8842 4490 or by emailing info@bhrmc.com.au. Please note that only appropriate non-clinical matters are dealt with via emails.Our clinic is also e-health compliant. Should you have any further enquiries please ask our friendly staff.

Our Doctors are multilingual and speak English, Sinhalese, Cantonese or Arabic.

After hours care

After consultation hours, for urgent medical attention and free telephone advice please call the Home Visiting Doctor Service 13 74 25 (bulk billed).

Recalls and Reminders

Should patients have abnormal results, our clinic has a recall system where staff will call to arrange an appointment. Recalls are made daily to ensure the best follow up care for you. 

Our practice uses SMS messaging to remind patients of their upcoming appointments and to contact the practice for results and recalls. If we are unable to successfully contact you via SMS, our staff may attempt to contact you via telephone. Recalls are made twice weeklt to ensure the best follow up care for you.

We are committed to preventative care therefore from time to time, we will contact you about check-ups and preventative health services appropriate to you. If you do not wish to be included in this system, please speak with your Doctor.

Test Results

It is the practice policy to have all patients to return for a consultation to obtain and discuss abnormal test results

Iron Infusion

Key Details:

• Takes 45 Minutes to 2 Hours
• Medicare Rebate
• $150 out of pocket
• GP Referral required

Iron infusion is a procedure in which iron is delivered to your body intravenously, meaning into a vein through a needle. This method of delivering medication or supplementation is also known as an intravenous (IV) infusion.

Iron infusions are usually prescribed by doctors to treat iron deficiency anaemia. Iron deficiency anaemia is typically treated with dietary changes and iron supplements that you take in pill form. In some cases, though, doctors may recommend iron infusions instead.

Some people have lower supplies of iron in their blood than others. These groups include:

• Those who have experienced significant blood loss from cancers, ulcers, and heavy periods, for example.
• Those who eat a diet that is very low in iron.
• Those who take medicines that affect the body’s ability to use iron to make haemoglobin. These include aspirin, heparin, and Coumadin.
• Those who have a condition that uses up more iron, such as kidney failure or pregnancy.
  You may require an IV infusion if you:

• can’t take iron by mouth
• can’t absorb iron adequately through the gut
• can’t absorb enough iron due to blood loss
• need to increase iron levels fast to avoid medical complications or a blood transfusion

How to prepare for an iron infusion

Your doctor will give you specific instructions for preparing for your first iron infusion treatment. Some basic things you can do to prepare on the day of your infusion include:

• eat your breakfast and lunch, as there is no need to fast for an iron infusion
• take your regular medications
• be prepared to have a small IV drip put in your arm or hand
• know how to call for help during your infusion in case you have an adverse reaction

You may feel nervous about your iron infusion. You can help reduce any anxieties by talking about the procedure with your doctor first. They can recommend ways to help you stay comfortable and relaxed during the procedure.

Tips for comfort

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
• Have drinking water available.
• Listen to music.
• Watch a film or TV show on a tablet or smartphone.
• Read a book or magazine.

What happens during an iron infusion?

An iron infusion usually takes place at a hospital or a medical centre that supports Iron Infusion. A doctor or other healthcare provider, such as a nurse, will use a needle to insert a small tube into a vein. This small tube is known as a catheter. It’s usually put into a vein in your arm or hand. Then, the healthcare provider will remove the needle, leaving the catheter in your vein.

The catheter is attached to a long tube, which is connected to an IV bag of the iron. The iron has been diluted with a saline solution. This solution is either pumped into your vein or uses gravity to slowly drip down the tube and into your vein.

You may feel a slight pinch in your skin where the IV needle is inserted. There may also be some pressure at the insertion site during the procedure.

The doctor performing the procedure will give you a test dose first to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions from the iron. If you do, they will stop the procedure.

How long does an iron infusion take?

 It can take between 45 minutes to 2 hours.

Iron infusion benefits

An iron infusion is a way to increase the body’s iron levels quickly. It’s a more immediate treatment than supplements or dietary changes. This can be very helpful in situations where anaemia is severe.

The physical benefits of an iron infusion include increased energy and easier breathing. You should start feeling these benefits a few weeks after your final infusion treatment. How long these benefits last depends on the cause of your iron deficiency anaemia and whether or not you’re using any other therapies to increase your iron levels.

For example, regular blood loss, such as through menstruation, may lead to a chronic drop in iron levels. Depending on your situation, the benefits of an iron infusion may last anywhere from several months to a few years.

Your doctor may recommend additional iron-increasing therapies, such as supplementation and dietary changes, which can prolong the benefits.

Side effects and complications

After the infusion, you can return to your normal activities straight away. Most people are able to drive themselves home. You can even go back to work after your infusion if you feel up to it.

You may have some side effects right after the procedure. Most of them are mild. These include:

• Constipation
• loose bowel movements
• headaches
• dizziness
• nausea and vomiting
• muscle and joint pain
• shortness of breath
• itchiness and rash
• increased or decreased blood pressure or heart rate
• burning sensation or swelling at the site of the injection

Serious side effects

A rare but serious complication from iron infusions is iron toxicity. The symptoms of iron toxicity may come on quickly, which can cause anaphylactic shock*1. Or they may come on slowly over time. Iron toxicity that develops over time leads to too much iron in the body’s tissues.

The test dose and the slow infusion rate are both done to prevent this complication. The test dose is also important if you have a history of multiple drug allergies. Your doctor will use the test dose to monitor you for any reactions. These reactions can include:

• anaphylaxis
• shock
• severe hypotension (low blood pressure)
• collapse
• loss of consciousness

* Anaphylactic shock: Anaphylactic shock results from a severe allergic reaction. It causes blood pressure to drop and narrows your airway, making breathing difficult. Without immediate treatment, it is life threatening. For some people with severe allergies, when they’re exposed to something they’re allergic to, they may experience a potentially life threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. As a result, their immune system releases chemicals that flood the body. This can lead to a dangerous condition called anaphylactic shock.

Iron infusions during pregnancy

A pregnant woman’s need for iron increases as her fetus develops. As the fetus absorbs iron from her body, the mother’s iron levels may drop, resulting in anaemia. For that reason, doctors sometimes order iron infusions for pregnant women.

Infusions are often preferred over oral iron supplements because taking it by mouth can cause gastrointestinal side effects. However, iron infusions are usually reserved for the second or third trimester of pregnancy. It’s not yet known if it is safe to administer iron infusions during the first trimester.

Iron infusion vs. iron injection

Iron infusions involve delivering a dose of iron through the vein with an IV drip. Iron injections involve injecting iron into a muscle with a needle. The injection is usually done into the buttocks. Iron infusions may take up to several hours, whereas iron injections deliver a whole dose immediately.

Iron infusions tend to be less painful than iron injections. Injections can also cause intramuscular bleeding and orange discoloration. Because of these possible complications, doctors often favour iron infusions over iron injections as treatment for iron deficiency anaemia.

Disease registers

This practice submits patient data to various disease registers (cervical, breast and bowel screening etc) for preventative health. Please let us know if you do not wish to participate.

Code of conduct

It is the role of this practice to provide a caring environment that is safe, welcoming and peaceful for all patients. We respect the rights of individuals, and will attempt at all times to treat patients promptly and courteously.In turn, Belgrave Hallam Road Medical Centre requests that patients treat staff and other patients with respect, refraining from shouting, swearing or engaging in other inappropriate behaviour which may cause harm or distress to themselves or others.

OUR PRIVACY POLICY

We recognise the importance of protecting the privacy and the rights of individuals in relation to their personal information. This document is our privacy policy and it tells you how we collect and manage your personal information. We respect your rights to privacy and have a legal obligation to abide by the provisions of the Privacy act 1988 (Cth) (the Act).  The rules that our organisation must follow under the Act are known as the Australian Privacy Principles and cover areas including the collection, use, disclosure, quality, and security of personal information. Our Clinic is also governed by a number of State-specific privacy laws.

 What is your personal information?

When used in this privacy policy, the term “personal information” has the meaning given to it in the Act. In general terms, it is any information that can be used to personally identify you. This may include your name, address, telephone number, email address and profession or occupation. If the information we collect personally identifies you, or you are reasonably identifiable from it, the information will be considered personal information. Our privacy policy covers all people who use our services or otherwise provide their personal information to us. For the purpose of this privacy policy, no distinction has been made between the handling of personal information and sensitive information (as that term is defined in the Act): therefore, all information will be referred to as “personal information” throughout this document.

What personal information do we collect and hold?

We may collect the following types of personal information: Your name, address, telephone number, Your age/date of birth, your Medicare number, veteran’s affairs number, healthcare card number, health fund details or pension number, Current drugs or treatments used by you, Information relevant to your medical care, including but not, limited to your previous and current medical history and your family medical history (where clinically relevant), your ethnic background, your profession/occupation or job title, the name of any health service provider or medical specialist to whom you are referred, copies of any letters of referrals and copies of any reports, any additional information relating to you that you provide to us directly through our representatives, medical or allied health professionals providing services at or from our Centre or otherwise. We may also collect some information that is not personal information because it does not identify you or anyone else.  For example, we may collect anonymous answers to surveys or aggregated information about how patients view our services via patient feedback surveys.

How do we collect your personal information?

We collect your personal information directly from you unless it is unreasonable or impractical to do so.  When collecting personal information from you, we may collect it in various ways including: by you completing our patient registration form and through you disclosing information during the course of a consultation, We may also collect personal information from third parties including:
Information provided on your behalf with your consent from a health service provider who refers you to medical practitioners or allied health professionals providing services at our Clinic, from health service providers to whom you are referred, From your employer or prospective employer, from third party bodies such as law enforcement agencies and other government entities, from a patient’s guardian/responsible person (where practicable or necessary).

What happens if we can’t collect your personal information?

If you do not provide us with the personal information described above, some or all of the following may happen: We may not be able to provide the requested services to you, either to the same standard or at all. Your diagnosis and treatment may be inaccurate or incomplete.

For what purpose to we collect, hold, use and disclose your personal information?
We collect personal information about you so that we can perform our business activities/function and to provide the best possible quality purposes, to provide medical services and treatment to you and to enable you to be attended by medical practitioners or other allied health professionals at our Clinic, for administrative & billing purposes, to update our records and keep your contact details up to date, to process & respond to any complaints made by you, to comply with any law, rule, regulation, lawful and binding determination, decision or direction of a regulator, or in co-operation with any governmental authority of any country; for the purpose of data research and analysis including conducting clinical trials and proactive screenings and for the purpose of sending you direct marketing communication in relation to these; for inclusion in a recall register to be advised of follow up visits and medical updates; for the purpose of reporting back to your employer or prospective employer, their authorized representatives and their insurer in the case of a work-related consultation or service, to answer enquiries and provide information/ advice about existing and new products/services and all matters relevant to the services we provide to you, to conduct business processing functions including providing personal information to our related bodies corporate, contractors, service providers or other third parties; for the administrative, marketing (including direct marketing), planning, product or service development, quality control and research purposes of Belgrave-Hallam Rd Medical Centre, it’s contractors or service providers, to meet obligations of notification to our medical defense organizations or insurers. Your personal information will not be shared, sold, rented or disclosed other than as described in this Privacy Policy or as permitted under the Act .

To whom may we disclose your information?

We may disclose your personal information to: our employees, our medical professionals and allied health practitioners who provide medical services to you at our Centre, related bodies, corporate, contractors or service providers for the purpose of operation of our business,   fulfilling requests by you, and to otherwise provide products and services to you including, without limitation, web hosting providers, IT systems administrators, mailing houses, couriers, payment processors, data entry service providers, electronic network administrators, debt collectors, and professional advisors such as accountants, solicitors, business advisors and consultants; suppliers and other third parties with whom we have commercial relationships, for business, marketing, and related purposes; your employer or prospective employer, their authorized representatives and their insurer in the case of a work related consultation or service; and any organization or person for any authorized purpose with your consent. We may combine or share any information that we collect from you with information collected by any of our related bodies corporate (within Australia).

Direct Marketing materials

We may send you direct marketing communications and information about our products and services that we consider may be of interest to you.  These communications may be sent in various forms including email, SMS, fax and mail, in accordance with all applicable marketing laws, such as the Spam Act 2003 (Cth).  If in your dealings with us you indicate a preference for a method of communication, we will endeavor to use that method whenever practical to do so.  In addition, at any time you may opt-out of receiving marketing communications from us by contacting us or by using opt-out facilities provided in our marketing communications and we will then ensure that your name is removed from our mailing list.

How can you access and correct your personal information?

You may request access to any personal information we hold about you at any time by contacting us.  Where we hold information that you are entitled to access, we will try to provide you with suitable means of accessing it (for example by mailing it to you).  We may charge you a fee to cover our administrative and other reasonable costs in providing the information to you and, if so, the fees will be as advised from time to time.  We will not charge for simply making the request and will not charge for making any corrections to your personal information. There may be instances where we cannot grant you access to the personal information we hold; however, we will only do so in accordance with our rights and obligations under the Act.  For example, we may need to refuse access if granting access would interfere with the privacy of others or if it would result in a breach of confidentiality.  If that happens, we will give you written reasons for any refusal. If you believe that personal information we hold about you is incorrect, incomplete or inaccurate, then you may send us a written request to us to amend it, including the basis on which you are requesting the amendment.  We will consider if the information requires amendment.  If we do not agree that there are grounds for amendment, then we will add a note to the personal information stating that you disagree with it.

 What is the process for complaining about a breach of privacy?

If you believe that your privacy has been breached, please contact us in accordance with the arrangements set out below and provide details of the incident so that we can investigate it. Our procedure for investigating and dealing with privacy breaches is for the incident or complaint to be dealt with in the first instance by the Clinic.  If the issue cannot be resolved at this level, it will be escalated to the relevant area or Manager for review and resolution.

Do we disclose your personal information to anyone outside Australia?

In relation to medicals and consultations procured or requested by our overseas clients, we may disclose your personal information to these clients in their countries of operation.  We do not otherwise disclose your personal information to overseas recipients.  In the event that we would like or are required to do so, we will obtain your consent.

Security

We take reasonable steps to ensure your personal information is protected from misuse and loss and from unauthorized access, modification or disclosure.  We may hold your information in either electronic or hard copy form.  Personal information is destroyed or de-identified when no longer needed. Any personal information or other information which you transmit to us online is transmitted at your own risk.

COMPLAINTS AND FEEDBACK

If you have a problem we would like to hear about it.  Please feel free to talk to the Doctor or our receptionist. We take concerns,
suggestions, and complaints seriously.  We have developed and documented a privacy policy according to the current privacy laws.  If you would like information about this policy or if you need to access your health record, please ask your doctor or reception staff.

Alternatively, if you are still dissatisfied, please contact The Health Care Complaints Commission, Level 30, 570 Bourke Street, Melbourne Vic.  3000. Ph: 03 8601 5222 Regional Free Call: 1800 136 066. http://www.health.vic.gov.au/hsc/complaint.htmL 

National Privacy Commissioner hotline on 1300363992 GPO Box 5218 Sydney NSW 2001 http://www.privacy.gov.au/complaints. 

Members of the public may make a notification to AHPRA about the conduct, health, or performance of a practitioner or the health of a student. Practitioners, employers, and education providers are all mandated by law to report notifiable conduct relating to a registered practitioner or student to AHPRA. Australian Health practitioner regulation agency (AHPRA) http://www.ahpra.gov.au/

Patient Record Transfer has to be done manually which involves admin time and data to be copied to a CD. Therefore, we will charge $25 for a Patient Record Transfer.