Corona Update 13th April 2020

The Coronavirus Pandemic – Limiting your time in the waiting room at Gp East and phone consultations

We need to continue to be vigilant in our fight against Coronavirus.

Measures such as social distancing at all times, frequent hand washing  and most importantly staying home are all essential  in preventing spread of the virus.Avoid all unnecessary contact with anyone outside your immediate family and only go out for essential services, including food shopping and exercise (but avoid crowded areas)

Older people and people with chronic disease such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, hypertension and cancer are at higher risk of the more severe forms of the illness.

To protect you, our patients and our staff we will be limiting your time in our waiting room around others if you have any symptoms. Please be nearby (eg in your car, outside) shortly before the time of your appointment and we will call or text you when you are next.

Our staff may be wearing protective equipment such as masks, gowns and gloves. Please do not be alarmed, we are aiming to stay well so as to be able to continue to provide you with health services throughout the Coronavirus outbreak.

As before, please call in advance if you have cough, fever, shortness of breath or any upper respiratory symptoms. Let our staff know if you have travelled in the past 14 days or have been in contact with someone known to have Coronavirus. Thank you to everyone for your cooperation.

PHONE CONSULTATIONS ARE PREFERRED WHERE POSSIBLE DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK.

If your health issue can be safely managed over the phone OR you have respiratory symptoms please book this appointment. Cost will be Private billing $80 - $125 depending on time taken.The normal medicare rebate will apply.  Limited bulk billing is available under specific Medicare criteria (not everyone will be eligible). We are offering this option to eligible patients .
The following groups are eligible for bulk billing :
1.concession card holders
2. children under 16
3.patients more vulnerable to COVID 19 due to chronic illness or immune deficiency /immunocompromised
4. parents of children under 12 months
5. pregnant women
6. patients over 70
7. patients meeting the national triage protocol for suspected COVID 19

If you have an existing appointment you wish to convert to a phone appointment, please do give our receptionists a call -93136566. We can also do  Care plans (Mental health or Chronic disease) over the phone.

If you have general questions about the latest on Coronavirus, please visit the Healthdirect or NSW heath websites or call the Healthdirect Coronavirus hotline on 1800 022 222.

 http://www.healthdirect.gov.au