FAQs

What are the practice opening times?

Monday to Thursday, 9am – 5pm, Friday, 9am-12:30pm

How can I contact the practice?

 Please see 'Contact us' for more information.

Do I need a referral to see the doctor at the consulting rooms?

A valid referral is required and important for claiming back your Medicare rebate.

Do I need health insurance to come to see a doctor at the consulting rooms?

No, please contact us for more details. (Medicare rebates are available).

What is our policy on billing?

Please see 'Billing policy' under 'Policies' in the Patient info tab.

What are the out of pocket costs for procedures and consultation?

Medicare rebates apply to the consultation fees however there will be an out-of-pocket cost (please contact the rooms for details). A  small gap fee is charged for some procedures which you will be informed of at the time of booking.

How do I pay?

For consultations, you are welcome to pay in cash or we have EFTPOS facilities. Cheques by prior approval only.

We do not accept American Express cards.

Can I claim from my private health insurance for a consultation?

No. Because a consultation is an outpatient service, your health insurance will only cover inpatient or day admission stays. Part of the cost of the appointment will be met by Medicare. You can claim from Medicare online at the rooms before you leave.

Can I request scripts over the phone?

Where possible it is best to obtain scripts from your GP. If you do need a script, we require at least 48 hours' notice and there will, in most instances be a charge incurred. Our doctors are not always in the rooms and cannot always do them at short notice. To avoid unnecessary inconvenience (and cost), it is helpful to ask the doctor during your consultation for all required scripts.

How do I obtain the results following my procedure?

Your referring doctor will receive copies of all reports and results. If further discussion or investigation is required, our doctor or a member of staff will be in contact with you after your procedure.

Do I need a referral if Dr Welch requests that I come back for a follow up appointment?

A referral from your GP will remain valid for 12 months, and from another specialist for three months. During this time you will not require an additional referral from your GP to ensure you receive your Medicare rebate.

What are the fees involved with having a procedure?

If you have private health insurance, it is always a good idea to confirm that you are firstly covered as a private patient in the chosen private hospital, and secondly that you are covered for the procedures - to do this we will provide you with the relevant item number. If your private health fund does cover the hospital you will usually only pay your insurance excess on the day of your procedure, if applicable. The majority of the cost of a procedure (assuming cover) will be covered by your health fund however there may be a small out-of-pocket cost. The same applies to your anaesthetic care. We encourage you to contact the group providing the anaesthetic care and will give you their details at the time of booking so you can be informed. 

If you do not have private health insurance, the hospital fees are payable on admission and are non-rebatable through Medicare. To obtain a quote for the hospital fees please contact the hospital you will be attending.

Do I need a consultation before my procedure?

We are very happy to see you for a separate consultation prior to the procedure to answer any additional questions.

If you are referred directly for a procedure, then consultation before to the procedure is not required. However, this depends on what procedure has been requested,your general health and what medicines you are on.

How do I get my preparation and information for procedures?

Bowel preparation (to clean out your bowel before your colonoscopy) can be acquired from your local pharmacy. Information on how to take the preparation (prep) can be accessed via this website.

What constitutes a clear fluid?

If you can see through it, and it is a liquid, then it is considered a clear fluid. Clear fluids include coffee without milk and tea without milk, clear soup, fruit flavoured cordial (not red, purple or any bright colours), plain jelly (not red or purple or any bright colours), Staminade, lemonade or clear ice blocks, clear apple or grape juice without pulp.

Can I take pain killers when preparing?

Yes, you can take paracetamol (e.g. Panadol) in addition to your normal prescription medications (unless advised otherwise) while on clear fluids or on the morning of your procedure with a sip of water.

What if I can't make my procedure?

We understand that sometimes things come up that are outside of your control. It is essential that you call our consulting rooms as soon as you know that you can't make it. We need as much notice as possible to ensure that the theatre lists run sequentially with minimal gaps.

What if I need to cancel my consultation?

We understand that sometimes things come up that are outside of your control. We require as much notice as possible (preferably at least 24 hours), as this appointment time could be offered to another patient. Please be advised that if you reschedule an appointment you will be offered the next available appointment. If you do cancel your appointment within 24 hours  of your appointment time or do not arrive for your appointment you may be charged a cancellation fee.

Will I be told when I need a new referral?

It is the responsibility of the patient to obtain a new referral. Our receptionist will endeavor to inform you if you require a new referral, however, this is not always possible. If you are unsure, please ask our reception staff when booking your appointment.

When will my referral expire?

Referrals from GP's are valid for 12 months from the date that you first see the doctor and referrals from specialists are valid for 3 months. 

Does it matter if I am taking blood thinning medicines such as anticoagulants ( eg. warfarin, dibigatran) or antiplatlets (eg. Aspirin, plavix)

It is very important you inform our reception staff if you are on these medications. You may need to change or stop them before your procedure.

Location

Suite 1, Park Street Medical Suites
62 Park Street, Pimlico QLD 4812
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Contact Details

Phone: (07) 4728 1740
Fax: (07) 4728 2670
Email:

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