Patient Information
Rutherford Doctors is bound by the Privacy Act 1988 and complies with the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 No 71 . All patient information is private and confidential, and disclosure to family, friends, staff or others without the patient’s approval or as legally directed is prohibited.
- Privacy of Personal Health Information Policy
- Social Media Policy
- Your Rights as a Patient
- Non-English Speaking Patient Policy
First appointment
Before your first appointment please complete a New patient form. On the day please arrive at the clinic 15 minutes prior to your appointment . This is so if the Receptionist needs further information they will be able to obtain that before you see the doctor.
Please bring the following to your first consultation:
- Medicare
- Concession cards eg: Health Care Card or Pension Card if you are 65 years or older
- WorkCover patients: Please bring along to your appointment your claim number, your case manager name and details of your employer’s workcover insurer. If you are not able to provide these details at your first visit you will need to pay the consultation fee and claim it back through your Workcover Insurance Company.
Fees
ALL valid concession/health care card holders will be bulk billed (not just children and elderly), it also needs to be mentioned if not already, that children UNDER 16 years will be bulk billed. It currently includes 16-year-old children but this is not the case.
An advisement of our DNA policy ( $20 fee for non-attendance/cancellation on the third time)
| Services | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Short consultation | item 3 | $35.00 |
| Standard consultation | item 23 | $75.00 |
| Long consultation | item 36 | $120.00 |
| Insurance reports | from | $150.00 |
| Insurance medicals (income protection) | $200.00 | |
| Medicals (fire brigade, jocky etc) | $200.00 | |
| Commercial drivers license | $150.00 | |
| Alcohol Interlock Program | $100.00 | |
| Mental health care plan | $180.00 | |
| Implanon insertion | item 14206 | $150.00 |
| Implanon removal | item 30062 | $150.00 |
| WorkCover Initial Consult (without claim number) | $244.10 | |
| WorkCover Standard consult (without claim number) | $102.00 | |
| Iron infusion | $150.00 | |
| Toenail removal | item 47913 | $300.00 |
Policies
Accepting New Patients
Yes, we are accepting new patients. Click BOOK NOW button and select new patient. Same day appointments are available on most days. We recommend you to book an anppointment in advance where possible. We accept walk ins if there is an appointment available at the time of your walk in.
Booking Appointments
Appointments can be booked in person, via our appointment app HotDoc or by calling the clinic on (02) 4061 7981, Monday to Friday 08:30am – 5:00pm. Regular appointments are 10 minutes. If you feel you need a longer appointment, please discuss this with the receptionist at the time of booking.
Patients with COVID Symptoms
For our existing patients if you have tested POSITIVE to COVID 19 in the past 7 please ring the clinic on (02) 4061 7981 to book a telehealth appointment. (Rutherford Doctors is a high risk setting with immunosuppressed, elderly and babies)
Communication Assistance
Please notify our reception team upon arrival if you require assistance with communication (e.g., a translator). A phone interpreter may be available. If you require an Auslan sign language interpreter during your appointment, book online at: http://www.nabs.org.au/ or by phoning 1800 246 945
Correspondence
Electronic medical information is transmitted via encrypted format using secure messaging software. Printed medical information ismailed through the secure post (i.e., with a tracking number). Patient diagnostic correspondence and results, whether in electronic or hard copy format, are always forwarded to the relevant doctor. The word “Confidential” is written on the correspondence. Patient information is only sent via email if it is securely encrypted. We do not accept patient enquiries or requests via email. We also do not send patient information to personal email addresses.
Facsimile
Facsimiles, printers and other electronic communication devices are only accessible to doctors and other authorised staff. All faxes containing confidential information are only faxed to numbers after checking the details are correct.
Computerised Records
Specific systems have been put in place to protect the privacy, security and integrity of our patient records. All staff members are trained in computer security. IT Support oversees the maintenance and security of our computers.
Results
A follow-up appointment is usually required to receive results. Telephone advice will only be given if authorised by your doctor. Rutherford Doctors will attempt to contact you regarding any urgent results.
Telephone Enquiries
We value our patients’ concerns, so please leave a clear message with the reception staff and your doctor will return your call when possible.
Interpretation Service
Patients from non-English speaking backgrounds are able to contact TIS (Translator Interpreter Services) 1800 555 660 or 131450to book an interpreter. (Private fee may apply)
Email Policy
We have recently adopted secure messaging via our clinical software. This software programs sends an secure email with a pincode. We request you download all attachments, delete the email as soon as possible to avoid any potential online security breaches. Rutherford Doctors take no responsibility for cyber security breaches. Verbal consents are taken at the time of consultation or new patient registration form.
For all communications outside the software program which may contain sensitive data, we prefer not to communicate via emails. If you request a copy of medical information, you will be asked for a fax number, postal address (for registered mail) or to pick up from the Rutherford Doctors.
Additional Information
Every staff member is bound by the signed privacy clause in the employment agreement. All information received during a consultation between a doctor and the patient is considered personal and private health information. Medical information includes past medical and social history, current health issues and future medical care. Doctors, staff and contractors maintain the privacy of personal information. Medical records are the property of the practice. Only written requests for access to medical records are accepted.
Smoking Policy
This practice has a strict no-smoking policy.
Complaints
We constantly strive to give patients the best possible care and attention, but if you are dissatisfied with any element of our service, please bring this to our attention so we can do better next time.
If this does not resolve your problem, we welcome receiving your complaint in writing. We will acknowledge your complaint in writing or contact you to discuss the way forward. Your complaint will be investigated, and you will be advised of the outcome.
However, if you are still unsatisfied, you can write to The Health Care Complaints Commission by clicking here. The HCCC protects public health and safety by resolving, investigating and prosecuting complaints about healthcare. It is an independent body that was established under the Health Care Complaints Act 1993. The organisation has a central role in maintaining the integrity of the NSW health system, with the overarching aim of protecting the health and safety of individuals and the community.
Confidentiality
All members of Rutherford Doctors understand the importance of respecting confidentiality with the information they receive during their employment. Medical details will only be shared with fellow professionals outside the Practice Team with the patient’s informed consent.
Afterhours Consultations
When you need urgent medical care and Rutherford Doctors is closed, 13SICK booking lines (12 74 25) are open from 6:00 pm on weekdays, 12:00 pm Saturdays, and all-day Sundays and public holidays.
Home Visits
Visits can be arranged in certain circumstances with a pre-booked arrangement with the doctor on call.
Please contact the receptionist to discuss your needs. Remember; always call the ambulance service on 000 if you are experiencing severe pain or illness at any time.
