CONSULTATION FEES
Blackwood Family Care is a private billing practice. All consultations will be billed at Doctor’s discretion.
At this time children under 16 years of age, Pensioners, Health Care Card holders and Commonwealth Seniors Card holders (over 65) only will be bulk billed.
Skin checks and surgical procedures are assessed and charged with a higher gap and this is assessed by the doctor.
All accounts are payable at the time of your visit. We have Tyro payment system which means you pay your fee in full and immediately receive the rebate from Medicare back in your savings bank account. EFTPOS facilities are available for payment and Visa/Mastercard are accepted.
If you are suffering financial difficulties, please discuss this with the doctor and we will be happy to bulk bill you.
Medicals for insurance, pre-employment and heavy vehicle licences etc. – please note that these visits are not covered by Medicare and payment will be the responsibility of the patient on the day of consultation.
WORKERS COMPENSATION & THIRD PARTY CLAIMS
Unfortunately this practice is currently not taking on any Workcover or third party cases.
SICKNESS CERTIFICATES
If you require a certificate you will need to see the doctor on the same day. Back dated certificates are illegal and will NOT be issued. Certificates will not be issued without consultation.
REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS
A repeat prescription will not be issued without an appointment with the doctor. Before you attend any appointment please check your supply of medication and prescriptions so that any scripts required can be written during the consultation. Medications can have side effects or be ineffective. They therefore require periodic reassessment by the doctor. Government regulations limit the number of repeats available on scripts to ensure that these assessments are carried out.
SPECIALIST REFERRALS
If you require a referral to a specialist it is important that you see the doctor BEFORE making the specialist appointment. No referrals will be written without an appointment. Back dated referrals are illegal and will NOT be issued.
PATHOLOGY / X-RAY RESULTS
Because of patient safety and privacy reasons it is important to make a follow up appointment to discuss all results. Results WILL NOT be given over the telephone by receptionists. Under special circumstances, doctors can discuss results with the patient on the telephone to give advice i.e. INR and warfarin results.
MINOR OPERATIONS / INFECTION CONTROL
Minor procedures such as excision of skin lesions, suturing of wounds, implanon insertion and removal, and many other procedures are performed using sterilized autoclaved instruments in accordance with the Royal Australian College of General Practice guidelines and protocols.
VACCINATIONS
All vaccinations are administered by our doctors.
FLU VAX
Flu vaccinations are available from March/April each year.
Flu vaccines for Over 65 years, Under 5 years and chronic medical conditions are supplied to us from the SA Government and are free of charge.
Other private flu vaccines are available at our cost price of $15.00 each.
COVID VACCINATIONS
Covid vaccinations are currently not available at this practice.
TRAVEL VACCINATIONS
For travel vaccinations you will need an appointment with your doctor at least 6 weeks before you travel, your doctor will advise if your travel destination requires vaccinations, if yes you will receive a prescription for private purchase and you will need to return for the doctor to administer the injection.
EMAIL POLICY
Blackwood Family Care does not email any patient related information.
All health information is highly sensitive and protected by patient privacy laws. There is no cyber security on emailing on the general web.
Doctors, specialists, hospitals, pathology, radiology and other health sectors subscribe to relay documentation and patient health information on securely protected sites only.
REMINDER SYSTEM
This practice uses a “Recall and Reminder” system to provide preventive care for our patients. The recall system involves being contacted when it is time for such things as skin cancer checks, diabetes reviews, Pap smear and childhood immunisations etc.
SMOKING
For occupational health and safety reasons and for the protection and well being of our staff and all our patients, smoking is strictly prohibited in our practice.
TRANSLATING SERVICES
Please let our staff know before your appointment if an interpreter is required.
Our staff will be happy to arrange this for you.