PATIENT INFORMATION

Results

Our doctors at Nelson Plaza Clinic do not give results over the phone. An appointment is required with your regular doctor to receive your results.

Repeat Prescriptions, Referrals & Medical Certificates

These are not generally provided outside of a consultation.
Please make an appointment if you require repeat prescriptions, referrals or certificates. Our doctors have a duty of care to ensure that repeat medication or a referral remains appropriate, and a short consultation is required to check on this. These appointments can generally be accommodated same-day if deemed urgent.

If you are unable to attend a specialist appointment or test that your doctor has referred you for, please return to see your doctor to discuss alternative arrangements.

Fees

Nelson Plaza Clinic offer’s bulk billing services Monday to Friday only for the following patients:

  • All Port Stephens residents as identified by your Driver’s License or ID Card.
  • All identified Aboriginal/Torres Straight Islanders
  • All children 16 years old and younger
  • Concession Card Holders
  • DVA Card Holders
  • Health Care Card Holders

If you are from outside the Port Stephens area or do not fit the above criteria, the charges will be as follows:

  • Level A (Short Appointment)         $50.00
  • Level B (Standard Appointment)   $70.00
  • Level C (Long)                              $105.00
  • Level D (Extended)                       $140.00

If Medicare have your bank details your rebate will be deposited into your bank account within a few days of your consultation.

Appointments

Appointments with doctors are made at 10 – 15 minute intervals. Longer appointments are available. Please advise reception staff if you require a longer appointment time or have transport or mobility difficulties. Some appointments are kept available for patients to book on the day.

First appointment:
A first appointment requires substantial paperwork. It is requested that patients attend the Clinic 10 minutes prior to their first appointment. Often your history will need to be obtained from other doctors and you will be asked to return once this has been obtained.

Waiting:
Nobody likes to be kept waiting and we are all aware of this and try to adhere to appointment schedules. However, the unpredictable nature of a medical practice means that doctors sometimes run behind time.  This is mostly due to a patient requiring urgent medical attention. We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused to patients when we fall behind with our appointment schedule.

Cancellations:
If you no longer need your appointment please telephone the Clinic to cancel so another patient can book the appointment.

FAQs
Do I have to pay to see an Allied Health provider?
Unless you have been referred to an Allied Health provider by your doctor under a Chronic Disease Management plan or a Mental Health Care Plan, you will have to pay to see Allied Health providers at Nelson Plaza Clinic.

A rebate may be claimable under a private health insurance policy in which case only the gap between the insurance rebate and the cost of service is payable.

Please note that referral to an Allied Health provider by your doctor must meet eligibility requirements as set out by Medicare. Your doctor needs to assess whether you meet these Medicare criteria in order to make any referral.

Can I speak directly to my doctor over the phone?
No, unfortunately due to time taken seeing patients within consultations our doctors do not have time to take phone calls from patients or to return patient phone calls. If you need to speak to your doctor please make an appointment to come in, or leave a message with our GP Support staff member who will pass on your message.
Can I have blood tests done onsite?
Yes. Blood tests and other forms of pathology can be collected onsite at Laverty Pathology located in the Plaza.
Is there car parking onsite?
Yes. For your convenience car parking is located under the building with lift access to the Clinic.