“Medicine, the only profession that labours incessantly to destroy the reason for it’s existence”
Frequently Asked Questions
Click on any question to be taken to the answer.
What is the process for transferring my medical records?
Why do I need to pay full fee for Sunday appointments if I have a pension or health care card?
I have tested positive for Covid-19, or I think I have it, what should I do?
Do I need anti-viral medication if I have tested positive to Covid-19?
I need a repeat script, can I get one without seeing the doctor?
My specialist told me I need a new referral. Can I get one without seeing the doctor?
Why does my specialist always need a new referral?
Can I get an indefinite referral to see my specialist?
When is your blood collector available?
Are you taking new patients?
We are! We now have three GPs taking new patients - Dr Grant Elson, Dr Hazel Loy and Dr Pauli Cundill. Visit The Team to see who would best suit you, and call the clinic to arrange your first appointment.
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What is the process for transferring my medical records?
When you register as a new patient, we don’t automatically gain access to your previous health information. We can sometimes access limited information with your permission through “My Health Record” if you have one. To ensure that we have all the information we need to continue your care safely and seamlessly, you can request a transfer of your records by completing this form. Our receptionist will send this to your previous clinic who will transfer your records for inclusion in your Middle Island Medical Clinic file.
Under the Health Information Act, services have up to 5 weeks to send through requested information. If you anticipate joining our clinic, it can be helpful to arrange for a Transfer of Medical Records prior to your first appointment with us.
Equally, if you are leaving us and you know ahead of time where you would like your records to go, pass the details of your new clinic to our reception team and we will liaise with your new clinic to ensure they have everything they need to take over your care seamlessly.
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Do you bulk bill?
As of January, 16, 2023, our clinic privately bills for all consultations, with a discounted rate for holders of Healthcare Cards and Pension Cards (discounted rate does not apply to any urgent out-of hours appointments or Sunday appointments). Payment is on the day of consultation only, by cash, cheque, EFTPOS or credit card. A Medicare rebate will be directly deposited back into your account if you are registered for same day claiming. We bulk bill GP Management Plans.
Our allied health practitioners do not bulk bill for their services.
For more details on our billing policy and fees, click here.
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Why do I need to pay full fee for Sunday appointments if I have a pension or health care card?
Our Sunday clinic is predominantly for urgent issues that have developed over the weekend rather than routine care best addressed when the full clinic is up and running. As such, we believe it’s important to remunerate our staff for the sacrifice they make on a weekend to provide this service. If you are experiencing financial hardship, but require urgent care on a Sunday, please discuss this with our staff.
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I have tested positive for Covid-19, or I think I have it, what should I do?
First, and most importantly, don’t panic. The majority (~80%) of people who become unwell with COVID-19 experience mild symptoms and recover within 7-14 days.
1. Report your result
If you have managed to confirm your infection either with a PCR test or RAT, you are required to report this result to the Victorian Department of Health. You can complete this online form, or call 1800 675 398.
2. Let other people know
Contact your workplace, colleagues, family, friends and any other locations you have visited in the 2 days prior to the development of symptoms, or your positive test result to inform them that you have tested positive for COVID-19. This will allow others to get tested and watch for symptoms.
3. Isolate at home if it’s possible and safe to do so
For most people, managing and recovering at home will be the safest and most comfortable option. You can find information and tips on how best to isolate at home here.
4. Book a Telehealth appointment with us
If you have underlying medical conditions, or you’re worried about your symptoms, or you’re just not sure what to do next, book in a Telehealth appointment with us. If we determine that a Face to Face appointment is necessary we’ll invite you to attend the clinic.
5. Read this!
This guide will help you decide how severe your symptoms are.
This guide is the home management guide we recommend you follow, particularly if you are at medium to high risk of more severe illness. Please print the Symptom Tracker to help guide us in deciding how best to support you.
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I need a repeat script, can I get one without seeing the doctor?
Yes, in many instances. You can place a request for a repeat script online via Hotdoc, or by calling the clinic. Our doctors will review your request and, if it’s approved (see below), you’ll be charged a fee, the script will be written and can be faxed or sent to the pharmacy of your choice or collected from the clinic.
A script request might be declined because…
It’s for an addictive medication that requires close supervision
Your doctor hasn’t seen you for over 6-12 months and we need to check that the medication is still appropriate and working well for you
Your doctor would like to recommend a new medication, ceasing the medication, or check that the medication is doing what it needs to do
You can request repeat scripts here.
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My specialist told me I need a new referral. Can I get one without seeing the doctor?
Yes, in most instances. You can place a request for a new referral either through the Hotdoc app, or by calling the clinic. Our doctors will review your request, and, if it’s approved, you’ll be charged a fee, the referral will be written and can be faxed or sent to the specialist, or you can collect it from the clinic.
A referral request might be declined because…
The doctor does not know why you need to see the specialist
You have not seen your doctor in more than 12 months and they are not able to give the specialist an up to date summary of your progress.
You can request repeat referrals here.
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Why does my specialist always need a new referral?
All referrals provided by Middle Island Medical Clinic general practitioners have the words “Please consider this to be an indefinite referral for this issue” included as a standard request. We do this because we recognise that it’s both inconvenient (and costly) for you as a patient, and a poor use of our time to be re-writing referral letters annually.
Specialists do not require a repeat referral to continue seeing you for the same problem identified in your initial referral if you have been provided with an indefinite one. However, if a new or different problem has emerged, a new referral is both appropriate and necessary.
It is the specialists’ decision whether he or she accepts “indefinite referrals”. Unfortunately, for reasons we don’t always understand, but perhaps as a way of increasing their income, some specialists refuse to accept indefinite referrals. If this has happened for you, we will assist you with a repeat referral. You can request repeat referrals here.
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Can I get an indefinite referral to see my specialist?
Certainly!! We’d love to provide you with an indefinite referral to your specialist and aim to do so whenever possible. Unfortunately, not all specialists accept indefinite referrals.
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When is your blood collector available?
Australian Clinical Labs provides on site blood tests on Monday to Friday from 8:30am until 12:30pm.
You can take your blood test request to any pathology collector outside of these times.
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How can I get my test results?
Our doctors will discuss with you the best way to follow up your results at the time your test is ordered. They will suggest one of two options – a text message, or a repeat consultation. Unless your test is urgent and will change your management that day the doctor will not telephone you directly with your result.
Our receptionist or nurse might also contact you to discuss possible follow up on your results.
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What is a general practice registrar?
A general practice registrar is a qualified doctor who has worked in the hospital system, but is in their first few years of working in the general practice environment. Registrars only work at clinics which have been accredited for training and meet high standards in the provision of support and mentorship. Registrars typically work at such clinics on a rotational basis.