Online Services
Welcome to our online services area!
***ANOTHER update March 24th, 2020***
With the announcement of Medicare funding for all patients to access bulk-billed telephone or videoconference appointments during the Covid-19 pandemic, we are still offering this service, but it may be more convenient to have a telehealth consult with your doctor. You can have a proper consultation, rather than just the script, and not pay out of pocket. We're still going to offer scripts and referrals via the HotDoc app in the meantime though for those who find it more convenient.
Thanks!
***UPDATE March 15th 2020***
As of March 15th, 2020 we've had a significant change to our online script and referral service. We're now using a service integrated with HotDoc, our online booking platform.
Visit the Online Prescriptions page, or the Online Referrals page. Cost is unchanged at $20.
Please also be aware that during the Covid-19 pandemic, many patients will also be eligible for Telehealth consultations, which will allow us to do a remote consultation to allow you to access a Medicare benefit, rather than paying out-of pocket. More info on our Telehealth page.
Thanks!
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We appreciate that getting to the doctor isn't always a terribly convenient exercise, both because of your busy schedule, and our GPs' busy appointment books.
Finding the right balance with online access to GP services is tricky - we want our practice to be modern and convenient for patients, but our number one priority is to maintain the highest standards of medical care. For each service, we'll have some clear guidelines on when we think we'll be able to provide a service online, and when it is better medical practice to see people face to face.
Regarding cost - please be aware that Medicare doesn't cover patients for ANY service unless you are physically sitting with your doctor in a traditional face-to-face appointment. So costs for online services are 100% out of pocket, with no Medicare rebate, for all patients regardless of whether you normally pay a gap or are bulk-billed for your face-to-face appointments. We've tried to keep the costs reasonable, but can't provide these extra services for free.
We hope that these online services can serve a useful purpose to interested patients and complement comprehensive face-to-face care with your chosen regular GP.
Please feel free to give us your feedback as we continue to refine this service. You can send us a message via our Facebook page, drop us an email reception@westsidemedical.com.au, or just have a chat at reception!
The WMC team