Assigning your benefit for Telehealth consultations

Assigning your benefit for Telehealth consultations From Monday 13th November, if your doctor elects to bulk bill your Telehealth consultation, you will be required to accept the doctors billing by assigning your benefit via secure SMS. This acts as a record that you have provided consent for your Medicare rebate (e.g., $41.40) to be paid directly to your doctor. This is a Medicare requirement. At the end of your Telehealth consultation, your doctor will ask for your verbal consent to bulk bill and record this in the consultation notes – they may also check your mobile number. Once the billing …

Shingles vaccination

Shingles vaccination We do not have stock of the government funded Shingrix vaccine. There is an extremely limited number of vaccines during the initial weeks and months of the revised Shingles vaccination program. As such, we will be prioritising the vaccination of patients who are at highest risk of illness (e.g. immunocompromised patients undergoing cancer treatment) and have not previously had any dose of a Shingles vaccine before. If you would like more information about your eligibility for free Shingles vaccine, please make an appointment with your GP or call and speak to our Practice Nurse. Last updated 15th November …

It’s not too late for a flu vaccine!

It’s not too late to get a flu vaccine for 2023. Cases are increasing the moment and have not yet peaked. Notifications are highest amongst children, as reported in the media. As school goes back next week this is time when kids will be more at risk of acquiring influenza. Anyone aged 6 months and over can receive an influenza vaccine, that offers some protection against four strains of Flu. Influenza is a serious illness that can lead to hospitalisation, and in many people will result in at least a full week unwell at home. Prevention includes all of the …

Meningococcal vaccination

So far this year, there have been 19 cases of meningococcal disease reported in NSW. The majority of cases have been due to the Meningococcal B strain of the infection. Meningococci can cause meningitis and other invasive disease (sepsis) – these are rare but life-threatening. Meningococci are carried in the throat,and transmitted through close contact and respiratory droplets. The most at risk groups are children under 2, and 15-19 year olds, but people at any age can be affected. Young children Parents of young children will be familiar with the recommendations – Meningococcal ACWY (Nimenrix) is administered in the 12 …

Medicare Safety Nets explained

A reminder (or a lesson!) about a couple of ways you are able to make some savings on your annual healthcare costs. The Extended Medicare Safety Net can help to lower your out-of-pocket medical costs for out of hospital services. We recommended that all patients register with Medicare as a family or couple so that your out-of-pocket costs are counted together towards the Extended Medicare Safety Net thresholds and the PBS Safety Net thresholds. You don’t have to be on the same card, but you do need to phone Medicare or fill out a form to advise them who is in …

Family Flu vaccination

Did you know? Influenza is highly contagious illness that can lead to hospitalisation, and in many people will result in at least, a full week unwell at home. Children are likely to be much more unwell with Influenza than they are with COVID. A Flu vaccine is the best way to protect your child from serious illness. The 2023 Flu vaccine provides about a 50% effectiveness in reducing the risk against the four dominate strains of Flu. Children under nine years of age, receiving an influenza vaccination for the first time, require two doses of vaccine, spaced by a minimum …

Staff and doctor changes

Doctors Dr Jinny Gill is taking leave from 9 June as she is due to give birth. We wish her all the best. Jinny will hand over any regular patients to other doctors while she is on leave. Dr Cara is on a long holiday, but back in June. We also welcome Dr Michael who is seeing patients on Mondays and Wednesdays. Reception The current reception team consists of Mia , Alex, Patricia, and Dean, with Meg as Practice Manager. Nurses We welcome Jacinta to the practice, she is working 4 days per week. Ping and Jackie will do some …

COVID-19 vaccinations – latest update

Updated 26 March 2023 COVID-19 booster vaccinations at Erskineville Doctors If your last COVID vaccination or COVID infection was more than 6 months ago you are eligible for a COVID vaccine booster now (as long as you are over 18). This is particularly recommended for people aged 65+ or any of the high-risk categories previously identified. Many of you will be come close to 12 months since your last vaccine, and efficacy is likely to be waning. ______________________________________________________________________________________ How do I make an appointment for a booster dose? We have variable supply of COVID vaccine and are generally offering it …

Fees update

As of 1 July 2022, the doctors will no longer be automatically bulk billing patients with a healthcare or pension card. We are introducing a concession rate to allow us to continue providing the best possible healthcare while also recognising that there are those in our community that are experiencing financial hardship. We are aware that some patients have the need for frequent medical consultations, and that there is a wide range of people who are holders of healthcare cards. We want to keep looking after all our patients and do not want to discourage your attendance. If you have …

Doctors availability

We welcome Dr Naomi and Dr Laavanya who will both be offering appointments at the practice from April. Please click on the links to read about them. Appointments can be booked on line. Dr Cara and Dr Joe are both away during May. If you are wondering where your usual doctor is there are a few on extended leave at the moment – Dr Nicolette, Dr Shereena, and Dr Anna have all had a baby in recent months and will be back at the practice later this year.