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Patient FAQs
Patient FAQs
Answers to the questions patients ask us most: new patients, bulk billing, fees, opening hours and more. Can’t find what you need? Call us on (03) 5968 4622.
Your Questions Answered
Yes. All of our GPs are currently taking new patients. You can book online through HotDoc any time, or call us on (03) 5968 4622. You can fill in the new patient form online before your visit.
Usually, yes. We can often fit patients in on the same day. Check online availability through HotDoc, or call (03) 5968 4622 as early as you can.
We are a mixed billing practice. Medicare bulk billing is available 12pm–3:45pm, Monday to Friday, for children under 16, Aged Pension and Health Care Card holders. Dr Nazmul Hoque and Dr Vassili Lapchine bulk bill these patients before 5pm on weekdays. Telehealth and Saturday appointments are not bulk billed.
Our fees depend on the length and type of appointment, and Medicare rebates apply. You’ll find our current consultation fees, Medicare rebates and out-of-pocket costs on our Payment Information page. Bulk billing is also available at set times for eligible patients (see “Do you bulk bill?” above).
Monday to Thursday 8:30am–8pm, Friday 8:30am–7pm, and Saturday 8:30am–12:30pm. We’re closed on Sundays and public holidays.
New and existing patients can book a standard 15-minute appointment online through HotDoc, any time. For longer appointments, please call (03) 5968 4622.
Yes. Phone and video appointments are available to patients who have seen us in the last 12 months. Telehealth suits follow-ups, repeat prescriptions, test results and care plan reviews. Telehealth isn’t bulk billed. See our Payment Information page for current telehealth fees.
In an emergency, call 000. The nearest emergency departments are at Angliss Hospital (Upper Ferntree Gully) and Casey Hospital (Berwick). After hours, registered patients can use the Doctor Doctor home-visit service on 13 26 60, or call the free after-hours GP helpline through Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
Yes. Our practice nurse immunisers give childhood, flu and other vaccines every day except Sunday. Vaccines on the National Immunisation Program are free. Private flu vaccines are also available. See our Payment Information page for current prices.
Yes. We have a private car park and lift access. Melbourne Pathology has a collection centre at the clinic, and Emerald Wellness Pharmacy is in the same building, open Monday to Friday 8:30am–8pm, Saturday 8:30am–2pm and Sunday 9:30am–12:30pm. That means you can usually get your script filled straight after your appointment, even in the evening.
Yes. Many of our patients come from across the Hills, including Cockatoo, Gembrook, Avonsleigh, Clematis, Menzies Creek, Macclesfield and Monbulk. We’re at 1 Murphys Way, Emerald, a short drive from each.
No. Emerald Medical Centre is closed on days when the Fire Danger Rating for our district is Catastrophic. If you need urgent care on those days, call 000 in an emergency, or NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24 for health advice.
Some of our doctors offer home visits for regular patients, but not all of them. If you think you may need one, please discuss it with your doctor at your next in-person appointment.
You’ll need a consultation with your doctor to get a repeat prescription. For regular patients, a telehealth appointment is usually fine for this.
Please call us at least 4 business hours before your appointment to cancel or reschedule. A fail-to-attend fee of $33 (including GST) applies if you miss your appointment without giving this notice.
Yes. Melbourne Pathology has a collection centre at the clinic, open Monday to Friday 8am–4pm and Saturday 8am–12pm. Bring your pathology request form from your doctor.
Yes, in most cases. The clinic has a backup battery and generator system, so we can keep seeing patients when the power goes out.