Appointments [top]
Please call 9878 9191 to make an appointment. In an effort to provide efficient service our receptionists would like you to have your medicare card at every visit.

Standard appointment times are for 10-15 minutes. For multiple smaller problems or a complicated issue longer appointments are available, but please let the receptionist know when making your appointment. Consultations for completing medical reports and travel vaccinations and information also require long appointments. Please note that consultations for medical reports and travel vaccinations may not be covered by Medicare.

Urgent medical problems will always be dealt with as a matter of priority. Our staff are experienced in helping you decide the most appropriate action for your needs. Click here for details on after hours consultations.

Home visits [top]
Home visits are available for patients on our register who are unable to come to the clinic. Please arrange these as early in the day as possible. Our doctors also regularly visit patients in hostels and nursing homes in the area. For more information please call the clinic.

Phone calls [top]
Our doctors will take or return phone calls from patients when appropriate. Please tell the receptionist if the matter is urgent. 

Recalls and Results [top]
This practice operates a computer based recall system for sending reminders for follow up in some situations. This does not cover all or even most situations where your doctor has advised review but is used to aid follow up for some common checks such as smear tests, and some pathology results and examination reviews. Therefore please note that although every effort is made to send reminder letters, it is your responsibility to return for follow-up and check-ups. If you do not wish to be a part of this system, please advise your doctor. However, please remember that these activities are designed to enhance the ability of your doctor to provide the highest quality of care to you.

Obtaining results
Generally patients are required to return for an appointment to discuss test results, although in some cases results can be obtained over the telephone from the nurse. However, please note that the nurse will be unable to give results where the doctor has indicated a return appointment is necessary.

In accordance with the privacy legislation we are unable to give results to anyone but the patient who had the test. In most cases this includes children of 15 years of age and over who are able to understand the nature of the test and the implications of a result. A patient may, however, provide written authorization for another person to receive results on their behalf. Over the telephone it may not be possible to know if the caller is the patient and in general it is advised that patients return for receipt and discussion of results.

Pregnancy Tests [top]
Please ask the doctor during your consultation. You will need to buy the test from us, which will usually cost $8.70.

Counselling [top]
You may see any of the doctors here for counselling, but please ask the receptionist for a long appointment when booking in. 

Diabetes education and support [top]
Our general practice nurse Jane participates in diabetes management. Most appointments with the nurse will need to be 30 minutes long and booked on a day when your own doctor is consulting if possible.

Medicals [top]
All of our doctors are able to do general medical checks. It is preferable for you to make these appointments with your usual doctor since they will be the most familiar with your history. Please let the receptionist know you would like a medical when making your appointment so that a longer time can be allocated to you.

Shared Ante-natal Care [top]
Expecting mothers are encouraged to make a shared care appointment with Dr Ross, who specialises in this area, to arrange an obstetrician. An extended appointment time is not necessary. 

Pap smears [top]
For most women Australian authorities recommend Pap smear screening every two years, although in some situations a shorter period is recommended. We have a recall system in place which will send you a reminder letter when it is time for your next pap smear, however responsibility does lie with the patient so you are advised keep your own records and not rely completely on our reminder system. If you have had a Pap smear elsewhere we would appreciate you letting our practice nurse know, so that we can maintain an up to date medical record for you.

All of our doctors are happy to do Pap smears, please let the receptionist know if you would prefer a female doctor. The results of Pap tests and HPV tests taken in this clinic are routinely forwarded to the Pap test Registry - please speak to your doctor if you have any problems with this policy. 

Minor Surgery [top]
We are able to perform minor surgical operations here at the clinic, such as suturing, removing moles, skin cancers etc. Please let the receptionist know when making your appointment, as you will generally need an extended appointment time and we will also need to book the treatment room for you.

Liquid Nitrogen "freezing" therapy [top]
Liquid nitrogen is often used to "freeze" off sunsports and warts - please ask your doctor if you have any concerns.

Clinical psychologist [top]
We have a clinical psychologist, Rosemary Starr, who regularly consults here at the clinic. To make an appointment please contact her Oakleigh rooms on 9571 3117. Also see her profile on depressioNet for more information.