There is still an extremely limited number of vaccines available.
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.
Patients who have received their first dose, will be contacted by the practice to make an appointment to receive their second dose 5 months after the first.
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 21 March 2024
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From 1st November 2023, the shingles vaccine Shingrix will replace Zostavax on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for eligible people.
The Australian Government has announced that from 1st November 2023, those aged 65 years and over, First Nations Australians aged 50 years and older and immunocompromised people aged 18 years and older* will be eligible to receive the newer Shingrix vaccine for free, as a part of the National Immunisation Program.
The new eligibility criteria means more people have the opportunity to be protected from Shingles, however it is different from the advice we received form the Department of Health and Aged Care in September.
If you have recently received a private Shingrix script from your GP, and would now like to wait until after the 1st November for a free vaccination, do not have this script dispensed.
If you would like to have a Shingles vaccine, or would like more information about your eligibility please make an appointment with your GP or call and speak to our Practice Nurse.
For more information about Shingles, please visit the Health Direct website.
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 strategies we have used to reduce risk of COVID, and flu vaccines add about 50% effectivness in reducing the risk of influenza and serious illness.
A free vaccine is available to people at highest risk of severe illness, including all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over, children from 6 months to less than 5 years of age, people with serious health conditions, pregnant women and those aged 65 years and over.
Note that children are likely to be much more unwell with influenza than they are with COVID. Kids can have a flu vaccine on the same day as their scheduled childhood vaccines.
All other people, aged 5 to 64 years can receive a Private Flu vaccine for the cost of $25.00. Pharmacies also have flu vaccines available.
If you are attending an appointment with your GP, you can ask for them to administer a fluvax during that appointment if time permits. You can also book a flu vaccine appointment with the nurse. If you are eligible for a COVID vaccine (6 months since last vaccine OR last COVID illness) and we have stock it can be administered at the same time.
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 month schedule, and Meningococcal B (Bexsero) is also recommended though not funded. Bexsero can be administered at any time with the regular scheduled newborn vaccines, and requires 2-3 vaccines (depending on age of first dose).
Teenagers
Meningococcal ACWY (Nimenrix) vaccine has been administered to Year 10 students for the past 5 years. If you didn’t attend school on the day it’s possible to have missed out. You can check your records on the Australian Immunisation Register through Medicare or My Health Record. If you have missed a dose, free catch up is available through our Practice Nurse up until age 19. Private cost is about $60-$80.
Meningococcal B vaccine (Bexsero) is also recommended for teenagers. It is not offered in schools or funded by the government. Two vaccines are required – we can provide you a prescription, or vaccines are available for $135. Discuss with your doctor or the Practice Nurse.
Given that meningococcal disease spreads through close contact vaccination is worth considering for younger people living in share accommodation and university colleges, attending music festivals and travel.
People of any age who want to protect themselves against Meningococcal disease with either or both vaccine can make a time to discuss with their doctor. We particularly recommend this for travel.
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 Medicareas 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 your family (unfortunately this cannot be done online).
The threshold is calculated over the calendar year (1 January to 31 December) and resets on the 1st January. You can monitor your out of pocket costs on the Medicare app and see how close you are to the threshold.
If you are registered, once you, your partner and children have spent over the threshold amount, the Medicare rebate for subsequent services will increase, meaning that the Government will give you back more for any consultation, investigation or procedure under the MBS for the remainder of the calendar year.
Thresholds as of January 2024
Category
Threshold
Who is eligible?
What counts?
What do you get back?
Extended Medicare Safety Net (EMSN)- General
$2544.30
Everyone in Medicare
Your out-of-pocket amount for the calendar year.
80% of out-of-pocket costs or the EMSN benefits caps for out of hospital services
Extended Medicare Safety Net (EMSN) – Concessional and Family Tax Benefit Part A
$811.80
Concession cardholders and families eligible for Family Tax Benefit
Your out-of-pocket amount for the calendar year.
80% of out-of-pocket costs or the EMSN benefits caps for out of hospital services
Figures as of 1 January 2024
What does this mean for you and your family?
You see a doctor for a Standard Consultation. Before reaching the threshold, you will pay a private fee of $92.00 and receive a Medicare rebate of $41.40. Your out-of-pocket cost is $50.60.
If you have reached the threshold, you will pay a private fee of $92.00 and receive a Medicare rebate of $41.40 + 80% of the gap – a total of $81.88.
Your total out of pocket cost for that consultation is now only $10.12.
PBS Safety Net thresholds for prescription medication
The PBS Safety Net for medicines is a separate scheme. Once you or your family spend a certain amount on PBS medicine you’ll reach the PBS Safety Net threshold.
The threshold is calculated over the calendar year (1 January to 31 December) and resets on the 1st January.
On 1 January 2024, the PBS Safety Net thresholds were updated to:
$262.80 for concession card holders (about 36 PBS medication scripts)
$1,563.50 for everyone else in Medicare (about 52 PBS medication scripts)
What does this mean for you and your family?
Before you meet the threshold, each medicine will cost up to:
$7.70 for concession card holders
$31.60 for everyone else in Medicare
If a pharmacist offers you a different brand of the same medicine, they may have different prices. If you choose a more different brand it may cost you more than the scheduled PBS price.
Once you reach the threshold, you’ll need to apply for a PBS Safety Net card to get cheaper medicines. Please speak to your pharmacist for more information.
In 2022 children aged 5 to 9 years had the highest rates of influenza of any age group
In 2022 of all influenza admissions to monitored hospitals, 55.9% were children less than 16 years old
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 of one month. Children who have previously had a Flu vaccine, require only one dose.
A free vaccine is available to people at highest risk of severe illness, including all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over, children from 6 months to less than 5 years of age, people with serious health conditions, pregnant women and those aged 65 years and over.
All other people, aged 5 to 64 years can receive a Private Flu vaccine for the cost of $25.00.
Those over the age of 18 years can also receive a COVID booster dose at the same time as a Flu vaccine. If your last COVID vaccination or COVID infection was more than 6 months ago you are eligible for a COVID vaccine booster now. 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.
Appointments can be made via our website or the AMS Connect app. For assistance booking appointments at another time or for large family groups, call reception on 02 9557 2266.
These Flu vaccine appointments are for vaccinations only. If you wish to discuss other medical issues, please book an appointment with a doctor. Your GP can administer a Flu vaccine; however, these appointments will incur a fee for the consultation.
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 fill-in now and then. Polly is on extended leave.
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.
We have variable supply of COVID vaccine and are generally offering it to people who attend for flu vaccines. Check the Vaccine Clinic Finder, to see if your local pharmacy has supply.
If you are eligible, your doctor may offer you a booster vaccine dose (if stock is available) at your next appointment. This can also be done at the same time as a flu vaccine. Do not book a consultation with a doctor for a COVID-19 vaccine only – you can receive a booster dose at any time from a pharmacy.
All people aged 65 years and older and people aged 18 to 64 years who are at highest risk of severe COVID-19 illness are recommended to receive a booster dose in 2023.
Patients aged 18 to 64, who are not at higher risk of severe illness, should consider a booster dose.
More information about the Booster vaccination can be found on the NSW Health website .
Novavax is available at some locations as the primary vaccination (not yet as a booster) for anyone who hasn’t yet been vaccinated. You can use the Vaccine Clinic Finder, to find and book an appointment.
We are required to upload the details of your vaccination to the AIR at the time of administering. If you wish to opt out of the AIR you need to contact them directly.
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 financial concerns about paying the concession consultation fee or really can’t afford any gap at all, please discuss this with your doctor or flag it with reception over the phone. This ensures any discussion is held in a confidential environment.
How to pay and how to claim your rebate
Payments can be made by cash or debit/credit card at the end of your consultation. We submit your claim to Medicare at the same time. If you have a Debit Card, the MBS rebate will be paid instantly into your bank account by Medicare. In practice this means that your out-of-pocket expense will be the total expense incurred. (see also separate post about Medicare Safety Nets)
Service Description
Fee
Medicare Rebate
Out of Pocket
PRIVATE Standard Consultation
$88
$39.70
$48.30
Long Consultation
$138
$76.95
$61.05
Extended Consultation
$185
$113.30
$71.70
CONCESSION Standard Consultation
$65
$39.70
$25.30
Long Consultation
$107
$76.95
$30.05
Extended Consultation
$148
$113.30
$34.70
Please note that the fee for a consultation will depend on the duration and complexity of issues covered and is determined by the Doctor. Other fees will apply for Mental Health Plans, procedures, etc. Your doctor can advise you of these costs and the rebates that apply.
What you can do to manage this change
Ensure that your bank account details are up to date with Medicare. You can do this on the Medicare Express Plus app or ask our staff for the form to send to Medicare.
Let Medicare know about family members who you would like to be counted towards your Extended Medicare Safety Net. Your rebates will increase once your annual out-of-pocket costs reach a certain threshold, reducing your healthcare costs for the rest of the calendar year.
Talk to your doctor about the number of regular appointments you might need and your financial situation.
What is the Medicare rebate?
Medicare rebates are paid to patients by the Government as a subsidy towards their health care. Many healthcare providers charge a private fee which is higher than the Medicare rebate, so that the patient pays the full fee and claims the rebate back from Medicare.
“Bulk-billing” means that the patient assigns their Medicare rebate to the doctor who accepts that amount as full payment for the service.
Why is this change happening?
Since it’s inception, Medicare rebates have not kept pace with any other economic markers, such as the Consumer Price Index. Medicare rebates are usually indexed annually but in 2013 they were frozen for a total or 5 years. In 2019 the freeze was lifted, but the annual indexation since then has been around 1.6-1.8% , which is less than the CPI and Wage Price index over that time. This equates to an annual increase of about 65cents for a standard consultation. The Medicare rebate for general practice consultations is now less than 50% of the AMA recommended rate for health care.
Over the same period, the costs of running a practice have gone up significantly, as for other small businesses. These include staff, rent, IT, utilities, insurances and equipment, all of which have increased by higher rates over the years.
We have absorbed those cost increases for many years. It is not possible to operate a medical practice on Medicare “bulk billing” alone without seeing patients at a much quicker rate , known in the healthcare industry as “6 minute medicine”. Private billing allows us to continue to provide the quality and standard of care we think everyone deserves.
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.
Information for patients diagnosed with COVID 19 – Erskineville Doctors
I’ve tested positive for COVID 19, what do I do now?
If you have severe illness including shortness of breath, fainting, inability to eat and drink or any other severe illness dial 000 and inform the operator you are COVID positive.
Stay home – do not go out. If you have tested positive on a Rapid Antigen Test and have symptoms you should assume this is a true positive result. You do not need to get a formal PCR test.
You should register the positive result with Service NSW. (1800 960 933) as soon as you can, as this will trigger a survey to check about your immune dysfunction, chronic disease, age and vaccine status. as well as your symptoms. This is to ensure that higher risk patients can get the care they need. This might include medications that need to be started within 5 days of your first symptoms. *
Contact us within 5 days if you are in any of these categories: Aged 70+ Aged > 50 with 2 comorbidities; Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander aged >30 or over with 2 comorbidities; Aged > 18 with immunocompromising condition, especially if you have not received 3 COVID vaccines.
Members of your household and anyone who has spent more than 4 hours in your home or in a home like setting are considered close contacts. Please provide them with the following advice Close contacts of COVID-19 – Fact sheets (nsw.gov.au)
You should also notify anyone you have been in contact with for the 48 hours before your symptoms started that you have COVID 19. If you have no symptoms, then the time frame is 48 hours before your positive test. See Information for people exposed to COVID to help those people assess their risk and what they should do.
If you are vaccinated, most cases should be relatively mild, though you might experience muscle aches, sore throat, cough, headache and fatigue, dizziness. Some people have no symptoms at all. There is information about how to manage at home, but please call us for a consultation if you have concerns. Rest and hydration is important, as you can expect ongoing fatigue even after other symptoms have gone.
If you are >65, have chronic health issues, are pregnant, Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander or are unvaccinated, then RPA Virtual will most likely be coordinating your care at home. If you haven’t heard from anyone in the health system , especially if you are concerned about your symptoms, please call us for a telehealth appointment and we can put you in touch with RPAV. Please let reception know you have COVID and are not well and that you are concerned about being high risk.
Anyone else, that is people <65 who are vaccinated, will be deemed “low-risk” and assumed to be able to look after themselves at home. If you feel unwell or are worried/ have medical questions, please phone us and let our receptionists know that you are COVID positive. We will triage you for a telehealth appointment.
Read the following information about what symptoms to look out and when and how to seek urgent care on the RPAH virtual website: GP care (nsw.gov.au)
You must self-isolate for 7 days from the day you were tested. However, you can only leave self-isolation after 7 days if you do not have a sore throat, runny nose, cough or shortness of breath. If you still have symptoms on day 6 or later, please discuss with your GP, RPA Virtual or the NSW Care at Home Support Line 1800 960 933 as you may need to stay in isolation longer. Either way you should avoid spending time with vulnerable people for a further 7 days.
If you have a positive test but do not have any symptoms
Isolate at home and contact people you have seen whilst infectious as above
Monitor for symptoms and call the practice for a telehealth appointment if any concerns
You will receive an SMS from NSW Health after 7 days but you do not have to wait for this SMS to leave self-isolation if it has been 7 days since you were tested. See also Recovery and Release information.
If your employer requires information about whether or not you can attend work, please show them this information from NSW Health. Depending on the work environment your employer could elect to keep you working from home, or do RAT testing. We are not able to provide medical certificates for return to work.
If you have symptoms you are worried about, please ring Erskineville Doctors to organise COVID care
What will COVID care at Erskineville Doctors look like?
An initial assessment with one of the GPs via Telehealth – please book this ASAP via reception and let them know you are COVID positive.
Check ins with the nurse or GP as needed, depending on the severity of your illness
Consultation on day 6 to review and discussion de-isolation. NOTE: NSW health should send a de-isolation SMS to you 7 days after your positive test result. If you have had no symptoms in the previous 24 hours you can leave isolation. We suggest that you take precautions for a further 7 days if going to a high risk environment or visiting someone who is more vulnerable .
Fees – Our usual fees apply for GP consultations.
Nurse only consultations may incur a non rebatable fee
For guidance please refer to the symptom list on the following document by RPA virtual: GP care (nsw.gov.au) and the RACGP guide
