FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make an appointment?

You do not need a referral letter to attend a Next Practice medical service centre. All appointments can be easily booked online on our website or via the Next Practice Patient App. If you need help booking an appointment, please contact a friendly Patient Advocates by phone.

How should I communicate with the care team between appointments?

You can email the clinic your questions using the contact details on our website. Please allow 48 hours response time to emails. If you require urgent assistance please inform your Patient Advocate.

Always call 000 in the event of a medical emergency.

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How do I receive a referral to other services or practitioners?

Your current doctor may refer you to another practitioner or specialist in order to best support and manage your condition. Referrals can be discussed during your consultation with the GPs at the clinic.

What if I am seriously unwell?

In the event of a medical emergency, please call 000 or attend your nearest hospital.

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How do I receive a bill or make a payment?

The billing policy is simple and clear. The GPs endeavour to be transparent and affordable whilst providing a high quality service. Please refer to the fees page on our website for more details. The doctors here accept payment by credit and debit card through an EFTPOS terminal for Visa and Mastercard cards. They do not take cash payments and no cash is held on premises.

Are your services covered by private health fund?

Some of the services available at Next Practice may be covered by your private health fund. In order to have the most accurate information on whether you will receive a rebate or not please contact your private health fund provider to find out your level of cover.

How can I reschedule or cancel an appointment?

If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, please notify the centre at least one business day prior to the appointment. Cancellation fees apply. Each practitioner is an independent contractor who runs their own medical/health services business. As such, they set their own cancellation policy. Please refer to their individual webpage for this information.

How will I receive my appointment confirmation and reminders?

When you make a booking you will receive a confirmation email at the time of booking. You will also receive a reminder for your appointment five days prior to your appointment, and again 24 hours prior to your appointment.

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How can I request a repeat or refill prescription?

For most repeat prescriptions you will need to make an appointment to see your regular doctor to discuss your needs. By making an appointment for prescriptions, your doctor is better able to care for you. The GPs at this location are also able to offer Telehealth consultations. These are useful and popular for follow up appointments.

How will I receive test results?

You will be given any test results by your regular doctor, unless agreed otherwise. Please note that they will need to be viewed by a doctor prior to releasing.

Please see the clinic's process for tests results here.

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What if I need an interpreter service?

If you, or a family member, need an interpreter for your appointment, please let the Patient Advocates know at the time of making your appointment.

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What if I need after-hours care?

Next Practice Newstead utilises 13 SICK as an after hours care provider. If you require medical care beyond regular hours for GP services, please call 13SICK, the National Home Doctor Service.

13 SICK provide telehealth and home visit Doctor services as follows:

Monday to Friday from 6.00 p.m. to 9.00 a.m the next day.

On weekends, before 8.00 a.m. and after 12.00 p.m. on Saturdays,

All day on Sundays and public holidays.

13 SICK will send a medical report after each telehealth or home visit (if consent is provided), so your current GP in the clinic can remain informed about the care you received.

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Can I get to the medical centre on public transport?

Train and ferry transportation is available. Valley Train Station Rail (400m), bus services (including the City Glider) and a taxi rank at the front door.

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Where can I park if I'm driving?

There are 70 visitor car bays close to the clinic with 4 hours free parking. Simply scan the QR code within our clinic to validate your parking.

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What are your opening hours?

Opening hours for the clinic can be found on the home page of our website.

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Privacy

At Next Practice, patient confidentiality and privacy are paramount. You can find a link to the Privacy Policy at the bottom of this web page on the right hand side.

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Where can I access translated resources?

Patients can access translated resources from the below links:

- https://www.ashm.org.au/news/all-good-website-release/

- https://www.health.gov.au/resources/translated

- https://www.refugeehealthnetworkqld.org.au/translated-resources/

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How can I share a compliment or complaint?

We strive to provide the best possible service and we always want to know how you feel so please email or phone us via the contact details available on our website. Alternatively you can talk to your doctor or one of our Patient Advocates in the clinic.

We take your concern, suggestions and complaints seriously. If you wish to discuss the matter outside of the clinic you can contact the The Office of the Health Ombudsman:

E: complaints@oho.qld.gov.au

T: 133 646

M: PO Box 13281
George Street
Brisbane QLD 4001

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What is MyMedicare?

MyMedicare is a new voluntary patient registration model. It aims to strengthen and formalise the relationship between patients, their general practice, general practitioner (GP) and primary care teams. Evidence shows that seeing the same GP and healthcare team regularly leads to better health outcomes for patients.

You can formally register with us as your usual general practice or register with your preferred GP from 1 October 2023.

Learn more about how to register on our MyMedicare at Next Practice page. Or you can contact our team directly for more information.

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