Appointment Policy

Effective: March 2024
Last updated: September 2024

We are committed to providing comprehensive and personalised care to all our patients. Our Appointment Policy is designed to ensure that every patient receives the attention and clinical evaluation necessary for their health needs. Whether you are referred by a GP, specialist, or choose to self-refer, we strive to make the appointment process as smooth and efficient as possible.

Initial Consultation Requirement

To ensure the highest standard of care and accountability, all new patients must undergo an initial consultation in our clinic before any diagnostic tests or scans are ordered. This policy is in place to ensure that the responsibility for any follow-up of diagnostic tests remains with the clinician who has personally evaluated the patient.

Clinical Queries and Urgent Concerns

Please note that we do not provide clinical support via email or phone before or after scheduled consultations. To maintain a high standard of care and to ensure all patient queries are adequately addressed, we require booking an initial consultation, or a follow-up appointment, for all questions or discussions regarding medical care.

If a patient has acute concerns, it is expected that they will contact their GP, after-hours services, or the emergency department and not rely on communications from this practice to address these issues. Dr Aggie Them does not provide acute / on-demand medical services or advice.

Booking Methods

Patients may schedule appointments through a referral from a General Practitioner (GP), a Specialist, or via self-referral.

Appointments can be arranged by contacting our clinic directly:

Payment

We accept payment at the end of your consultation via EFTPOS or credit card.

If you have a Southern Cross Health Insurance policy that covers specialist consultation fees, as an Affiliated Provider, we submit clinic fee claims on your behalf. Per your individual policy, you may owe a Member Contribution, which is payable at the end of your consultation.

If you have health insurance via a different provider, we accept payment at the end of your consultation, and we will provide an invoice that you can claim with your provider for reimbursement.

Virtual Appointments

In addition to in-person consultations, our clinic offers telephone-based virtual consultations for addressing clinical concerns that do not necessitate a physical examination in the first instance.

Follow-Up Appointments

Discussions regarding results from tests or scans, as well as any further medical advice or consultation, will be conducted during scheduled follow-up appointments. This ensures that each patient receives dedicated time to discuss their treatment plan and next steps in their care pathway.

Appointment Reminders

You will receive reminders in the days prior to your upcoming appointment via text message and email to your nominated mobile number and email address.

Late Arrivals

To ensure our clinics avoid delays and run as efficiently as possible, a late arrival to an agreed appointment time may result in your appointment being cancelled and rebooked.

Non-Attendance Fee

A cancellation within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment or non-attendance of the appointment will result in a fee of $250.

Privacy and Data Protection

For information on how we manage your personal information, please review our privacy policy.