Frequently Asked Questions

At Bunbury Family Doctors we welcome feedback so that we can improve our service for your benefit. Opportunities are available for patients and other visitors to tell us, “how we are doing”. We conduct patient surveys that patients are welcome to partake in and we have procedures in place to allow patient feedback. Patients have a ‘right to complain’ and where possible, patients and others are encouraged to raise any concerns directly with the practice team who are all trained to make sure patients of the practice feel confident that any feedback or complaints made will be handled appropriately. We believe most complaints can be responded to and resolved at the time the patients or other people such as carers, relatives, friends, or other consumers make them known to our team. Patients can put their complaint in writing by sending a letter or email and it will be based on to the Practice Manager to investigate the matter further. We also have a patient feedback box located in our reception area.

We recommend patients book an appointment to discuss results at the time of their appointment; however, we do have procedures in place for the recall of results. A text message will be sent after the Doctor has received and reviewed all the requested result/s. The text message will provide further instructions for follow-up of results as required. Please note that following up on results is the patient’s responsibility. If you have not received any communication from us, believe your results are urgent, or if your condition has changed, then please call Reception and speak with a member of our team. Please note: Administration staff cannot give results over the telephone.

You need to make an appointment to see the Doctor for a referral. Specialists require up to date medical history, medications, presenting complaint/reason for referral, examination findings and copies of any investigations for each referral. This needs to be done during a consultation. A referral is only valid 12 months as a Patient’s medications and medical history can change over time.

You need to make an appointment to see the Doctor for a script. Most medications need constant monitoring including ensuring it is the right dose, there are no side effects present and if the medication needs to be continued or ceased. It is also a good opportunity for the Doctor to perform other preventative health checks such as blood pressure and ensure screening tests are up to date.

Chest pain is a medical emergency. You need to ring 000 and go to hospital via ambulance. Chest pain needs close monitoring and some urgent investigations. This needs to occur in hospital.

Yes, you can. Your workplace insurance will be required to pay your consultation fees. Medicare does not cover any costs for workers compensation claims. The patient is responsible for paying the consultation fees and claiming them back directly from the insurance company.

Bunbury Family Doctors will have allocated appointment times set aside for “on the day”. This is to ensure patients can be seen with any acute illnesses. Please let the reception staff know if your appointment is urgent and our Doctors will strive to accommodate your needs. You can also utilise our online booking system via our website www.bunburyfamilydoctors.com.au.

For payments in the clinic we are able to process your Medicare claim directly through our Tyro eftpos machine which is directly linked to Medicare. For further details please see our friendly receptionists.

If you wish to have your medical record transferred from your previous GP clinic, please see our reception staff for a Request for Medical Records Transfer Form. The completed form can be given to one of our reception staff and they will send the form at your request. Please note that some surgeries charge an administration fee and will not transfer your record until the fee has been paid.

We are a new clinic and need to set up a new patient file for you. We will need you to complete a new patient questionnaire (this can be done via our website or at reception). You will need your Medicare card and DVA Gold card if applicable. Please bring a list of your current medications, allergies or any health summaries you may have.