“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.
Why do I need to pay full fee for Sunday appointments if I have a pension or health care card?
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?
Can I get an indefinite referral to see my specialist?
When is your blood collector available?
Are you taking new patients?
Not currently (as of 12 June 2024).
We’re taking a pause on accepting new patients. 2024 has brought an influx of new patients our way and we need to protect appointment access for the patients who already trust us with their care. We’d like to remain as doctors who you can see when you’re sick, so we need to ensure we have availability for this most important part of our work.
We’d also like to offer each and every one of our patients a high quality, un-rushed experience, and to do this we need to prioritise longer appointments for fewer patients instead of 6-minute medicine for the masses.
If you are interested in registering as a patient of Dr Pauli Cundill, due to their special interests, please call the clinic and leave your email address, and Dr Cundill will email you to determine whether they can accept you as a new patient. Dr Cundill is a S100 prescriber for HIV and viral hepatitis, and is experienced in gender affirming care, LGBTIQA+ health, PrEP and Mpox.
If you would like to be contacted when we re-open to new patients, please leave your details with our reception team and we will email all wait-listed patients.
When will you re-open to new patients?
We’ll re-open to new patient when and if we have a new doctor join our ranks, or if we can consistently meet demand for on-the-day appointments for our existing patients.
I can’t get into a doctor’s clinic. What should I do?
If you are registered at an existing clinic, please contact your clinic and follow their processes for making an appointment.
If you do not have an existing clinic, you could enquire with the following clinics, who are accepting new patients as of June 2024;
Southwest Medical Clinic
Gunditjmara Health Clinic (First Nations patients only)
I’m not a clinic patient, can you just provide me with my regular medication scripts until I can register with a clinic?
Unfortunately we can’t. Prescription medications are not freely available over the counter because the TGA have deemed them to require the judgment and knowledge of a medical practitioner to be safely supplied.
We can only safely and responsibly prescribe to you when we have a full knowledge of your past medical history, current conditions, allergies, previous drug interactions and a clear idea about whether your medications are achieving what they should.
You may be able to obtain a prescription by utilising an online prescription service.
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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 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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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.