Scheduling Care in Opening Hours
To ensure your appointment will suit your needs we suggest that you make an appointment well in advance where possible. We encourage patients to request their preferred GP at the time of booking their appointment. Every effort will be made to accommodate your preferred time and Doctor. A typical appointment time is 10 – 12 minutes. Long consultations are available if you feel you require more time or have more than one problem to discuss. Please advise reception staff when organising your appointment.
The needs of patients vary widely. Our practice has a flexible system that enables us to accommodate patients with urgent, non-urgent, complex, planned chronic care and preventive health needs. Please notify reception staff of the situation.
Running Behind Schedule
Being late is annoying for patients and stressful for staff and GPs. We are keen to improve our lateness. One of the problems is that our consultations are running overtime. Just 4 minutes extra per consultation means that the doctor is 1 hour late by lunchtime. You can help by being aware that your time with the doctor will be about 10-12 minutes, being understanding if the doctor suggests you come back to address remaining issues if they all cannot be addressed in the consultation structure, by understanding that a “fit in” appointment is for really urgent, cannot wait conditions on the day, and deal only with that one urgent problem. Please advise the reception staff if you require a longer consultation.
Online Bookings
Did you know that if you are already a patient of Victoria Street Clinics you can make your next appointment online using our HotDoc app or online booking feature or smart phone app?
Please note that not all doctors choose to have online appointments. Online bookings are currently available for Dr Dry, Dr Rahel, Dr Madu, Dr Nairn, Dr Ginita, Dr Bruno, Dr Serban, Dr Elena and Dr Vitalii.
Teleconferences
We can offer video consultations with some specialists, providing your doctor considers it safe and appropriate for your care. Reception can make the appointment for you once your referral has been organised. We can offer teleconference appointments during our usual opening hours. The teleconference is held on site with your specialist and general practitioner. Please speak to your GP or ask at reception for more information.
Missed and Cancelled Appointments
If for some reason you are unable to keep, or no longer require your appointment, we ask that you cancel your appointment by phoning our reception staff at least 2 hours prior to your appointment time. This will mean fewer wasted appointments and will help us to keep waiting times down. If you do not cancel your appointment a cancellation fee may be charged. It is our practice policy to follow up all missed appointments.
Follow-up of Test Results
For follow up of test results an appointment is preferred. If the test is important enough to be performed it is important enough to find out the results. If a GP requests a pathology and/or radiology test or refers you to a specialist or another health professional, it is your responsibility to ensure this is carried out. It is also your responsibility to contact your GP for results or to arrange a follow up appointment.
If you have had tests done and do require NON URGENT follow up we will send you a secure SMS message to advise you of this. Simply click the secure link in the SMS to verify your surname/DOB to read your message and book an appointment. If you would prefer not to receive SMS communication from the practice please let one of our friendly reception staff know so we can update your communication preference.
Primarily results follow up is your responsibility, if you wish to discuss this further please speak with your GP or practice staff.
After Hours Arrangements
The practice provides 24 hour care for patients on a shared roster system with GPs from this practice and Patrick Street Clinic. Please phone our normal number 6425 2900 for details. After hours calls are screened by GP Assist [Tasmania]. In the case of an emergency please proceed directly to hospital or dial 000 for an ambulance.
Weekend Clinics
Victoria Street Clinic and Patrick Street Clinic alternate weekend clinics. Clinics at Victoria Street Clinic will start at 9:00am on Saturday and Sunday. Weekend clinics are sit and wait sessions only. No appointments will be made. Please note this is for emergency treatment only, no routine appointments, account enquiries or phone calls. We appreciate your co-operation in this matter. There will be no bulk billing services available on the weekend.
SMS Reminders
We have an SMS reminder system in place. If you wish to register for this reminder system, please notify reception staff.
APPOINTMENTS
Practice Hours: (By Appointment)
- Monday 8:00am-5:30pm
- Tuesday 8:00am-5:30pm
- Wednesday 8:00am-5:30pm
- Thursday 8:00am-5:30pm
- Friday 8:00am-5:30pm
IF THERE IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY PLEASE CALL 000
