Question 1

How does bulk billing work at your practice?

Accepted Answer

We bulk-bill all GP consultations for eligible Medicare card holders. All surgical procedures and some allied health services incur a private fee. If any cost applies to your appointment, our reception team will let you know before you come in.

Question 2

Do you offer repeat prescriptions?

Accepted Answer

In most circumstances, patients are required to attend for repeat scripts as this is best practice for optimum medical care. If arrangements are made with your doctor, repeat prescriptions may be prepared without a consultation with at least a 24-hour notice.

Question 3

How do I get my test results?

Accepted Answer

Test results may be available by telephone after review by the general practitioner. Results will only be given to the patient or authorised person.

Question 4

What about recalls and reminders?

Accepted Answer

In the event of an abnormal test result, patients will be contacted by SMS, mail or telephone to arrange an appointment with their treating doctor.

Question 5

How do I get a new referral?

Accepted Answer

Please book an appointment with your GP before seeing your specialist. Referrals cannot be back-dated.An appointment is required for referrals to a new specialist.
Repeat referrals to the same specialist can usually be arranged via telehealth.

Question 6

Do you offer Phone (Telehealth) consultations?

Accepted Answer

Lakeside offers phone (telehealth) consultations for suitable appointments.
Your doctor will call you during your scheduled appointment time.
To be eligible for a Medicare funded phone consultation, you must have seen the GP face-to-face at our practice within the last 12 months.

Please note that not all medical issues are suitable for a phone consultation, and availability depends on the doctor.
Our reception team can advise whether your appointment is suitable and assist with booking.

Question 7

What if I need a longer appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please inform reception when booking if you require extra time, such as for:
Multiple health issues
Care plans
Mental health consultations
Procedures

Question 8

I have questions. Who do I call?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, the receptionist can assist you with your enquiries. If not, the doctor will endeavour to return your call as soon as possible.

Question 9

What is a nurse clinic?

Accepted Answer

Our practice offers a registered nurse clinic service on Monday to Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM by appointment with our Registered Nurses Silvia Dawson & Pilar Otero.

Question 10

Do you offer Antenatal Shared Care?

Accepted Answer

Our practice offers an Antenatal Shared Care Program on Friday by appointment with Megan Arnold, Midwife and Registered Nurse, along with your treating doctor. This is run in conjunction with Wollongong Hospital.

Question 11

I have suggestions or complaints. Where do I send these?

Accepted Answer

If you have any suggestions or are unhappy with the service we provide, please direct these issues to the practice manager or your general practitioner. There is a suggestion box located at reception or via the contact page on our website.

Question 12

What if I need medical care after hours?

Accepted Answer

For medical care outside our opening hours, please contact:
Radio Doctor Illawarra on (02) 4228 5522
 or
Attend the nearest hospital emergency department

Question 13

Can you arrange a home visit if you are unable to come to the practice?

Accepted Answer

Our doctors can provide home visits when you are unable to attend the practice and a visit is clinically appropriate. This depends on your needs, your location, and doctor availability each day. Please call reception to discuss your situation.

Question 14

Do you offer over 75 annual health checks?

Accepted Answer

Our practice offers over 75 annual health checks by appointment with one of our Registered Nurses.

Question 15

Do you charge cancellation fee?

Accepted Answer

Please contact the practice at least 1 hour prior to your scheduled appointment if you need to cancel or reschedule. This allows us to offer your appointment to another patient who may require urgent care.
Failure to provide sufficient notice may result in a cancellation fee of $20 for standard 10minutes appointments. Longer appointments will incur a higher fee accordingly.

Question 16

Do you offer Workers’ Compensation consultations?

Accepted Answer

We do provide Workers’ Compensation consultations at Lakeside Medical Practice. However, please note that not all of our doctors offer Workers’ Compensation services. We recommend contacting the practice before your appointment to confirm doctor availability.

All Workers’ Compensation consultations are privately billed, and patients are required to pay on the day and then claim the cost back directly from their insurer or employer’s workers’ compensation provider.

Question 17

Do you offer Allied Health Services?

Accepted Answer

We offer a range of Allied Health Services at Lakeside Medical Practice, including access to a Dietitian, Physiotherapist and Podiatrist.
Please contact our reception team to check availability and to book an appointment.

Question 18

Do you offer skin checks?

Accepted Answer

We do provide skin check appointments for the assessment of moles and skin concerns.
Please note that not all of our doctors perform skin checks, so we recommend contacting the practice to confirm availability and to book with an appropriate GP.

Question 19

Do you perform skin cancer removals?

Accepted Answer

We do offer skin cancer and lesion removals for suitable patients.
Please note that not all of our doctors perform skin procedures, so we recommend contacting the practice to confirm availability and book with an appropriate GP.
An initial consultation is usually required to assess the lesion and determine whether removal at the practice is appropriate.

The cost of the procedure will be explained to you before the procedure is performed.

Question 20

Do you provide Iron Infusions / Aclasta Infusion?

Accepted Answer

We do provides Iron / Aclasta infusion services by appointment.

The cost for an infusion is $120 (private fee).

If you are being referred from a different medical practice, you must provide the following before your appointment:
a valid referral from your GP
your recent blood test results confirming the need for an iron infusion
a current prescription for the iron infusion from your GP
These documents are required to ensure the treatment is clinically appropriate and can be provided safely on the day.

Please contact our reception team prior to booking if you are unsure about the requirements.

Question 21

Do you provide Echocardiograms?

Accepted Answer

We do offers echocardiogram services on a fortnightly basis, every second Friday.
This service is bulk billed for eligible patients.

Please contact our reception team to confirm upcoming clinic dates and appointment availability.

Question 22

Do you offer Holter monitor testing?

Accepted Answer

We do offer Holter monitor testing to help assess your heart rhythm over an extended period.
How the Holter monitor works:
You will attend the practice on the first day to have the small portable monitoring device fitted.
You will go home and wear the device during your normal daily activities.
You will return to the practice on the next day to have the device removed.
Once removed, the recording is sent to a cardiac specialist for analysis.
The specialist report is then sent back to your GP, who will review and discuss the results with you.
Please contact our reception team to check availability and booking requirements.

Question 23

Do you offer 24-hour blood pressure monitoring?

Accepted Answer

We do offer 24-hour blood pressure monitoring to assess your blood pressure during your normal daily activities and while you sleep.
How the 24-hour blood pressure monitoring works:
You will attend the practice on the first day to have the monitoring device fitted.
The device will automatically record your blood pressure at regular intervals over a 24-hour period.
You will return to the practice the next day to have the device removed.
After the device is removed, you will see your GP straight away, who will review and interpret the results with you during your appointment.
This allows your GP to discuss the findings and any next steps immediately.

Question 24

Do you provide Mirena and IUD insertions?

Accepted Answer

We do provide Mirena and other IUD insertions by appointment.
Please note that not all of our doctors perform Mirena or IUD procedures, so we recommend contacting the practice in advance to confirm availability and suitable appointment times.
A consultation with a GP is required before the procedure to confirm suitability and discuss the process and after-care.

Question 25

Do you do Pap smears (Cervical Screening Tests)?

Accepted Answer

We do offer Pap smears / Cervical Screening Tests with our midwife only.
Please note that our doctors do not perform Pap smears.

This service is available with our midwife every Friday, by appointment.
Please contact reception to book and confirm availability.

Question 26

Do you have an interpreter service?

Accepted Answer

We provide interpreter services through TIS National for patients who need language support. Please let our team know when booking so we can arrange this for your appointment.

Question 27

Are interpreter services available for patients who are hearing-impaired?

Accepted Answer

We can arrange an Auslan interpreter through the Auslan Service.

Please let our team know when booking so this can be organised for your appointment.

Question 28

Is parking available?

Accepted Answer

Council parking is available off Beverley Avenue.

Please enter via the car park entrance.

Disabled parking is located near the front door.

Question 29

Is the practice wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our practice is fully wheelchair accessible.

Frequently asked questions