Here are some frequently asked questions
This practice is a mixed billing practice and fees are charged according to the consulting doctor. Reception staff will be able to give an indication as to what the consulting doctor may charge and the medicare refund if applicable when making your appointment.
Where are you located?
We are located at 37 Scarborough Beach Rd on the corner of Hastings St in Scarborough.
How is the best way to contact your practice?
The best way to contact us is by phone on 9341 8300. If you are looking to book an appointment online, you can use the ‘book now’ option at the top of our website.
How much does it cost to see the Doctor?
A standard consult fee at our practice is $89 with $39.75 rebated by Medicare. After hours, our fee’s change slightly – check with reception when making your appointment of any changes to this cost.
Do you Bulkbill?
We are a mixed billing practice; we do have some Doctors which will bulk-bill with a Medicare card as well as a Healthcare/Pension card. When making your appointment, please let reception know if you need a bulk-billing Doctor.
Do you do Travel Vaccinations?
Yes, we do! You can make an appointment with the Doctor to discuss where you are going, and what vaccinations you will require.
How many Doctors are at your practice?
We have fourteen Doctors which work various days/hours at our practice. Let reception know if you would like to see the same Doctor you have seen previously.
How long will it take to get my test results?
You will receive an sms message when your results are back in and if you need to make follow up appointment with your doctor.
How do I get my test results?
You are able to call reception between 2:00pm and 4:00pm from Monday to Friday to speak with our Practice Nurse for your results. Some results may require you to make a non-urgent appointment with you Doctor. If your results are urgent, you will be contacted by our Practice.
What happens if I miss my appointment?
All appointments at our practice need to be cancelled by a minimum of 1 hour before your appointment time. You will receive a ‘Did Not Attend’ fee of $40 if you do not cancel or do not make your appointment.
What if I only need to get a script from the Doctor?
No problem, book in with one of our Doctors for a standard appointment.
Who do I visit if i need a urgent appointment outside of your opening hours?
We use the medical deputising service, Night Doctor.
Dial a doctor are available outside our opening hours for urgent home visits. Contact 1300 644 483.
How do I order a script from my doctor without seeing them?
If you unable to come into the practice and would like to order a script you can organise a Telehealth appointment. Scarborough Beach Medical are now able to provide E-Scripts, where a GP can send a script token to your phone and you can use it at a pharmacy. Paper scripts are still available if you wish however, if you are unable to collect the script yourself, we require consent from yourself (the patient) authorising the nominated person to collect the script. There are particular types of scripts that will only be provided when seeing the doctor and cannot be ordered without seeing them. It is recommended that you call reception prior to coming in to collect your script to ensure it is ready.
What do I do if I have a complaint or give feedback?
If an unforeseen circumstance arises and you are not happy with the service at Scarborough Beach Medical we would greatly appreciate your feedback so we can improve our service for your benefit. You may call and speak to the Practice Manager, send a letter or email addressed to the Practice Manager or request a client complaint form, which can be completed and returned to the Practice Manager. They will investigate the matter and provide you with feedback. If you wish the matter to be taken further patients may contact the Health and Disability Service Complaints Office on www.hadsco.wa.gov.au. We also have a suggestion box in our main waiting room with suggestion response sheets and pencils available.
How do I get my pathology results?
For any urgent or non-urgent recalls, you need to organise a face-to-face appointment or if you are unavailable to attend the clinic in person due to illness, a telehealth appointment with your GP. If you are after your results but have not received a recall, you will still need to organise an appointment.
How do I transfer my medical records to and from Scarborough Beach Medical?
If you wish to have your records transferred from your previous doctors surgery please see reception to complete a form that will be sent to your previous surgery. Please be aware that some surgeries have a transfer fee and won’t release records until paid. If you wish to have your records transferred to a new surgery from Scarborough Beach Medical, you will need to complete a transfer form at your new surgery. Please note we do charge for release of medical records, please speak with reception.
How do I speak to my GP?
If you wish to speak with your doctor, phone reception who then will ask what the phone call is regarding and see if the doctor is available to take your call. If the doctor is unavailable, you may be able to discuss the matter with one of our nurses. If not, the receptionists can take your details and pass them onto the doctor for them to return your call when available.
Please note: Doctors can be extremely busy throughout the day so they may not call back until the next day. If your call is urgent we recommend booking an appointment to see your doctor instead.
How does the practice appointment reminder system and recalls work?
We offer a free SMS text messaging service, that allows patients who have registered their mobile number with reception to receive a SMS reminder message the day before the next booked appointment.
Recall SMS reminders are sent every day for non-urgent reminders. If you do not have a mobile number registered you will receive a recall/reminder letter for pap smears, diabetes reviews etc. which are posted out by our nurses when the patient is shown to be due to see their doctor for this.
How do I get urgent results?
For all urgent results either a nurse or doctor will call the patient to give them their results over the phone or let them know they need to attend for a follow up appointment. If the patient does not answer or the phone number is incorrect/disconnected then a letter will be sent in the post to the patient’s listed address letting the patient know they need to contact the practice immediately . Messages can only be left when your name is stated on the answering service.
What is the practice privacy policy and confidentiality policy?
The practice privacy policy is available to all patients. When registering as a new patient you must sign that you have read and understood the practice privacy policy. Patients are welcome to take a copy of the privacy policy by asking at reception. SBMC’s privacy policy is a standard policy for Australian Medical surgeries. All staff members of Scarborough Beach Medical are required to sign a confidentiality form on commencing work and may not commence without this. All Australian standards are followed for patient confidentiality.
Please note: Our practice does not prescribe drugs of addiction.