General news

It seems awhile ago that we promised to keep the public up to date with the change in billing policy at Foster and Toora Medical Centres. In fact, it was just before the Federal budget. Which certainly surprised with the headline-grabbing ‘triple bulk billing incentive’ package for GPs. That was a significant announcement… but in…

There have been a couple of walk-in presentations to our nurses unit recently of patients who have had new or ‘significantly different to their normal’ chest pains. Which have turned out to be heart related and potentially life-threatening. We want to remind people to always take such symptoms seriously and to err on the side…

We want to inform people of a (relatively) new service called the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (or VVED) which we feel may be of help to patients. Go to www.vved.org.au and have a look. The VVED triages and treats patients with non-life-threatening conditions virtually, and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.…

In the May Budget incentives were increased for bulk billing pensioners, concession card holders and children under 16yo (starting November). This has made it possible for us to continue our current policy which is to bulk bill these groups for standard consultations. Prior to this increase, the rebates offered had fallen to approximately half of…

There have been out of pocket charges for out-patient consultations at South Gippsland Hospital Urgent Care Clinic for many years. These have now been increased to $50 for Pensioners, $90 for Health Card Holders and $140 for Private patients. Payment on the day is expected, otherwise a $20 administration fee will be added.

As of May 1 2023 we will no longer be bulk billing teenagers 16 years or older who have no concession cards (pension, HCC, etc) and a full consultation fee will be charged.  This is the first of a number of changes to our billing that we will be announcing over the coming months.  “Why?”Because…

Our first clinic last Saturday went well and 301 vaccinations were done. We thanks the RSL for supplying the sausage sizzle; Rotary this week….remember your gold coin donation! PLEASE come at your appointment time, not earlier, as this only creates a logjam….a plea from our nurses 🙂 We have opened up another clinic (the 4th…

It is that time of the year again. We have two clinics for those over 65 on Saturday morning of April 15 and 22 at the Medical Centre. Ring and get a booking now. There will also be a clinic for those under 65 with an eligible chronic disease on Wednesday April 19. Please note…

It is recommended that those who are eligible now get their 5th COVID vaccination. The criteria to be met are …. …must be over 18 (meaning for those aged 18-29 this will in fact be their 4th dose) …must be at least 6 months since the last COVID vaccination ….must be at least 6 months…

We are very happy to report that next Monday we are welcoming a new Practice Manager to FMC. Sharen Harris resides in Port Albert and is excited to begin what we all hope is a mutually enjoyable and rewarding career with us. Please make her welcome.