Clinic Policies

Detailed information on this will be provided for you to read and understand at the time of booking your first appointment. This will be updated regularly. A PDF of current clinic policies will be emailed to you at your 2 week reminder email prior to every appointment.

This information will cover what you can expect from our services and what our expectations are for patients who choose to attend the clinic.

It is vital that we share an understanding about what you can expect from us, and what we can expect from you, before you start to attend appointments. Working together requires trust and this works both ways.

If and when you have questions, please reach out.

Fee Information

Bulk Billing

Dr Richardson is unable to provide a bulk-billing service due to the inadequacy of the Medicare rebates. All appointments are billed privately and then the rebate amount processed and returned to you through Medicare if you have a valid referral. Medicare is your government-provided healthcare insurer.

Medicare Safety Net

Please ensure you are familiar with Medicare’s latest policy on the Medicare Safety Net.

Remember, you must re-register for this every year.

Private Health

Medical specialist outpatient appointments are ineligible for private health fund rebates in Australia.

Private health funds may cover inpatient stays or outpatient group therapy programs or psychologist appointments.

Fees

Fees are provided on request. These are updated yearly.

Telehealth and Clinic fees are equal.

Pre-Payment

As of Saturday the 22nd of February 2025, all appointments will be pre-paid.

1 week prior to their appointment, patients will receive a pre-payment request via text to their nominated phone number. Please feel comfortable calling admin to double check if you are worried that this is not a genuine message.

Appointments that are not pre-paid within 48 hours will be cancelled and the appointment offered to a patient on the waiting list.

Pre-paid appointments who cancel on the day or do not arrive will forfeit a fee. If this is you, please phone the clinic and discuss the circumstances.

Patients who have previously cancelled appointments with little notice will need to prepay the appointment at the time of rebooking.

Script Policy

Dr Richardson is unable to provide scripts for patients who are not attending review appointments and have no appointments booked. This includes past patients.

Scripts requested outside of consultations are likely to require a script writing fee, which is higher if they are authority scripts, due to the amount of time and effort needed. Please contact the clinic for further information.

It may take up to 5 business days for scripts to be issued outside of consult. Dr Richardson strongly recommends early notification if patients require scripts. If she is on leave, please attend your referring GP who may be able to provide an interim script.

Why Pre-Payment

Pre-payment will simplify the process of booking, confirming and ensuring that a patient intends to attend an appointment that is booked for them.

It will also reduce issues with unpaid appointment fees, which lead to a massive administration burden and stress for clinic staff.

Medical Reports or Letters

Medical reports may be provided between appointments however these attract a cost that is equivalent to the time spent writing the report. However, most documentation must be undertaken as a part of a clinical review.

Medical certificates cannot be provided outside of appointments.

The approximate cost will be quoted to you prior to any services being provided, and the service will not be started until you have provided clear consent.

How can I be referred?

Please see your GP for a detailed referral and send it in to us via Medical Objects.

You MUST review the New Patient section on this website to ensure you fit the referral criteria.