Appointments

For life threatening conditions, always call 000. For other urgent medical attention, please call us on 4861 3855.

We ask that all new patients book a long consultation (30-40 minutes) with us so that we can carefully review your medical history and address your health needs. Please call reception on 4861 3855 to make an appointment or book an appointment online. 

Please arrive 10 minutes early for your appointment so that our reception staff can check your details are correct in our system. To save time, when you book online, you will receive a text with a link to help you complete your new patient application form. All you need to do when you arrive at the practice is sign in electronically. 

You may wish to have your medical records transferred to us from your previous practice to enable our doctors to continue with comprehensive care. Please complete a Transfer of Medical Records Consent Form and send it to [email protected]. We will then contact your previous health care provider to arrange transfer of your medical records on your behalf.

*Please note that the  prescribing of S8 medications such as opioids, stimulants (methylphenidate and dexamphetamine) and benzodiazepines will NOT be done on the first visit with our GP. 

Short Consultations (Level A) – 5 to 10 minutes for obvious and straightforward cases. E.g. Script, Referral, Medical Certificate

Standard Consultations (Level B) – 10 to 20 minutes for one or more health-related issues.

Long Consultations (Level C) – 20 minutes or more. You may require more time for mental health consultations, health assessments, work cover, multiple health issues and for procedures etc.

Please call reception on 4861 3855 so that we can ensure we allocate enough time to meet your needs. If in doubt, please ask.

If you are unable to attend your appointment, please notify us in advance – preferably 24hrs. Failure to attend appointments is noted and may result in non-attendance fees being charged.

1. 1. 1. After booking a Telehealth Video appointment, you will receive an automated message 5 minutes prior to their Video Consult
         • • The message will include a unique link that you can simply click on

          

         • Or you can open your AMS Connect mobile app then click on the Telehealth Appointments button and select Join Conference

    

   1. In either case, the Video Consult will be opened automatically on your device.
      Depending on your device, you may be prompted to allow access to your camera and microphone, in which case you must select “OK” or “Allow”
      • • • If the doctor has connected, the video consult will commence automatically on your screen and you will see the doctor.

         

        • • If the doctor has not connected, you will be advised that we are waiting for the doctor to join the conference.

         

3. Once the doctors connect, the video consult will commence automatically

You will be required to make an appointment with your doctor for a repeat prescription to ensure proper management of your medication.

Can you ask the doctor to get the imaging/radiology provider to bulk bill my scan?

Radiology providers have their own billing policies. Please discuss your needs with your Radiology provider during your consultation.

I have received a text saying I am due for a blood test but I don’t have a form. Can the doctor please just print one for me?

No, you will need to book an appointment with your GP if you do not yet have a form for your blood test.

Do I need to book my blood test?

There is no need to make an appointment for most blood tests, but some specialised tests need one. Your GP will tell you if you need an appointment for your test.

Can I get my results over the phone?

Yes, but only through a TeleHealth appointment will the details of your results be discussed.

I received a text saying I need to make an appointment to discuss my results?

Yes. Test results are reviewed by your GP, and some may require discussion and action. You can book an appointment by calling the practice or online via Automed or through our website.

How do you process the test results?

1. Your doctor will review your results;
2. Your doctor will decide if your results are urgent, need follow up, or if no action is needed; then
3. We will send you a secure SMS letting you know whether or not you need to return to your doctor within 3 business days. For urgent concerns, we will give you a phone call.

Please book an appointment online if your doctor hasn’t requested a follow-up consultation and you are still experiencing symptoms. The reception staff cannot read out your results to you over the phone for privacy reasons.

Do I need an appointment for a referral?

Yes, you need an appointment for your referral. In order for your referral to be appropriate, your doctor must ensure that the medical information about you presented to the referred practitioner is current. It is also possible that your doctor will need to order tests before your specialist appointment to ensure that safe and effective treatment will be provided.

You can book either a face-to-face or TeleHealth consultation.

Can the doctor change the name on my referral?

If you need to change anything on your referral (particularly to who a referral is addressed due to the unavailability of the referral that was previously addressed), please send a request for a Referral Amendment to [email protected]. If you’re changing specialists, please include their details in the request.

This is free of charge. 

However, if a 2nd opinion is requested you need an appointment to discuss this with your doctor

Can the doctor backdate my referral so I get a Medicare rebate?

No. It is illegal for a doctor or GP to backdate a referral. Before making an appointment with a specialist, please make sure that you have a valid referral.

How long does my referral last?

A referral lasts for 12 months starting from the date of your first consultation with your specialist.

How do I arrange a referral to a psychologist?

You will need to book an appointment with your GP to assess your mental health and another appointment to create a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, if appropriate.

My allied health provider (eg. physiotherapist, podiatrist, chiropractor) has asked me to get a care plan and EPC referral for their services. How do I do this?

Please check in with your doctor about GP Management Plan options. Not every person is eligible for Medicare standards that we comply with.

Can I order repeat referrals copies of lost referrals?

Repeat specialist referrals and copies of lost referrals are available if you lost your referral within the last two weeks and need a new copy.

Your doctor will review and process your request within three business days. For urgent requests, please book a telehealth appointment or an in-person consultation with your doctor.

How it works

1. After you submit your request, your GP will review your medical history and check if you are eligible for a repeat referral.
2. Once your request is confirmed, you can choose how you would like to receive your referral: 
   • Via email;
   • Via fax (sent to your specialist); or
   • Direct pick-up from the practice.
3. To finalize your request, you need to provide your credit card details. Your credit card will only be charged if your request is approved.
4. You will receive a secure SMS update regarding the status of your request, within 3 business days. If your request is denied, you will be asked to make an appointment.

Do I need an appointment to get a script?

Yes, you need an appointment with your GP to get a script. It is important that your doctor review your medical history and ensure that the prescription you receive is appropriate and that any required monitoring is up to date (e.g. blood pressure checks, blood tests). You can either book a face-to-face or a Telehealth consultation.

Can I call or email a question about my medication?

Please book an appointment with your GP if you have questions about your medications or medical care.

Where can I get my script?

We can either send it to your phone or email via eScript, fax it to your pharmacy, or you can pick it up here at the practice.

Home visits are available to existing patients where genuine reasons prevent them from being able to attend a consult at the practice. This type of visit and any associated fee is at the GP’s discretion. Please call reception on 4861 3855 to confirm availability.

Our GPs work with other local GPs to provide after-hours medical care all year round with the Southern Highlands General Practitioner After Hours Service (SHGPAHS). The clinic is located at 21 Jude St, Bowral (opposite Bowral Hospital).

Opening Hours

Saturday – 3:00pm to 5:00pm

Sunday – 10:00am to 12:00pm, 3:00pm to 5:00pm

Public Holiday – 10:00am to 12:00pm, 3:00pm to 5:00pm

Please ring 4861 6433 for the on-call doctor or visit the clinic.

We provide appointment reminders by SMS or email at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. It is the patient’s responsibility to remember their appointment time and our reminder system should not be solely relied upon. 

Nursing Home Visits are available to existing patients only. Please call reception on 4861 3855 to confirm.

As a courtesy to the doctor and other patients, we require 4 hours notice for cancellations. Missed appointments (without a good reason) will incur a fee.