Our Services
General Practice
- Women’s Health
- Men’s Health
- Children’s Health
- Mental Health
- Chronic Disease Management
- Health Assessments
- Immunisations
- Skin Cancer Checks
- Minor Procedures
- ECG
- Spirometry
- WorkCover
- TAC
- Care Plans
Appointments
Appointments are preferred and can be made by calling the clinic or online via our website. Standard appointments are 15 mins long. We can accommodate urgent care if required
Bulk Billing
Ballarat Family Medical Centre is a bulk billing practice.
We bulk bill all patients who hold a valid Medicare card for eligible Medicare services.
Some services may not be covered by Medicare. If any fees apply, these will be discussed with you before your appointment wherever possible.
Telehealth
Telehealth consultations are available where clinically appropriate and at the discretion of your treating doctor.
Some consultations require a face-to-face assessment.
Please contact reception to discuss your eligibility.
Long Consultations
Long Consultations can be arranged please speak to the receptionist on duty.
Home Visits
Home visits are available in exceptional circumstances for regular patients who are unable to attend the practice because of their medical condition.
Home visits are provided at the discretion of the treating doctor and are subject to doctor availability.
Please contact reception to discuss your eligibility..
Walk-in Patients
Walk-in patients are welcome; however, booked appointments are given priority.
Patients requiring urgent medical attention will always be seen according to clinical need.
After Hours
If you require medical attention outside our normal opening hours, please contact:
13SICK National Home Doctor Service
Phone: 13 74 25
For emergencies call 000 immediately or attend your nearest Emergency Department.
Communication
The practice communicates via email to patients in some cases. In particular for complaints/issues and similar matters. Please note, average turn around time for such things is 48 hours. Further, no clinical information will be discussed in such correspondence. For such matters, a phone call will occur between the patient and the practice, with a follow up letter sent to a designated postal address
Results
Unless otherwise directed by doctors, a follow up appointment will be required to obtain your results. Even if your result is ‘normal’ further investigation or discussion may be needed.Recalls and Reminder System
We may issue you with a reminder or recall notice via telephone, SMS or letter from time to time, confirming your appointment, offering you preventative health services appropriate to your care and/or recalling you for results. If you do not wish to be part of this system, please inform reception during your visit.Repeat Prescriptions
For Medico legal reasons all prescriptions required must need a consultation with the GP or to be requested within the HotDoc app.Telephoning your Doctor
You can contact your doctor by telephone during normal surgery hours. A message will be taken when the doctor is with another patient. Emergencies will be dealt with immediately.Patient Feedback & Complaints Scheme
From time to time we ask patients to participate in a survey. This allows us to improve our practice & facilities. If you are unhappy with any aspect of care you receive we would appreciate knowing about it.
Please feel free to discuss this with either your Doctor or the Reception staff. You may also like to put a comment in the suggestion box in the waiting room.
Ballarat Family Medical Centre welcomes feedback from our patients.
If you have a compliment, concern or complaint, please contact our Practice Manager.
We aim to resolve concerns promptly and fairly.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Health Complaints Commissioner (Victoria).
Patient Rights
All of our patients have a right and are encouraged to participate in decision about their healthcare.
Engaging with other services & referrals
Our practice regularly engages with local health services, such as Specialists, Allied Health and Hospitals. If required, your GP will provide sufficient information (referral letter) to plan and facilitate optimal patient care.
Privacy
Our Privacy Policy is available at reception and on our website.