Practice Information
Appointments
Please bring your Medicare card and any concession cards to each visit.
You need to book an appointment to see the doctor. You can call the clinic to book an appointment, or alternatively book via the HotDoc App (information in practice).
A standard appointment is 15-30mins. If you require a longer time, please let reception know when booking. If unable to attend, please phone clinic and cancel.
Walk-ins will be booked in with the first available doctor and may be required to wait
NB: If you fail to attend your appointment and did not cancel before the appointment time, you will be unable to rebook for 48hrs without a $10 fee. If you miss three appointments in a 12-month period, you will be unable to rebook without a $10 fee.
After hours
Please attend the Emergency Department at Meekatharra Hospital for any emergencies outside of the clinic hours.
Fees and billing arrangements
Meekatharra GP Clinic is a bulk billing practice for patients that have a current Medicare card.
Private billing applies for patient who do not have a Medicare card, or are attending for a service not claimable through Medicare (e.g. Workers compensation, pre-employment medical, Drivers Licence Medical, etc.) Private bills will need to be paid on the day.
Communication/telephone policy
Doctors are unable to take calls from patients whilst consulting with other patients.
Our receptionist will take your details and pass message on to the doctor. The doctor will either call you back or ask reception to pass on information requested
Test Results
If the doctor has referred you to have tests, please be advised that results will be available after 3 - 5 days.
Results are not available over the phone – you will need to make an appointment with the doctor to discuss.
You will receive a SMS or a call from the nurse if the doctor wishes to see you to discuss the results.
Reminder system
Meekatharra GP clinic is committed to the health of our patients. Our medical software allows us to monitor and track when our patients are due for follow up preventative health checks.
A reminder will be sent to patients regarding Cervical Screening, mammograms and diabetes checks, or other tests that may be due. These reminders will be sent via SMS to your mobile phone. You can then book an appointment to discuss with the doctor.
You have the option of opting out of routine reminders.
Referrals and engaging with other services
Our practice engages with local services such as hospitals, visiting specialists and allied health, where available. Not all services are available locally in which case you may need to attend a service in Geraldton or Perth. The doctor will provide you with a referral letter with sufficient information to plan and facilitate your care.
Management of patient health information
Meekatharra GP Clinic is committed to maintaining confidentiality of your health information. For further details,please ask to see a copy of our Privacy Policy.
Patient rights
Patients are encouraged to participate in all decisions about their healthcare
Zero Tolerance
Meekatharra GP Clinic has a zero tolerance for abusive and / or threatening behaviour against staff. This includes shouting, swearing, aggressive actions, threats, inappropriate gestures and name-calling. Abusers will be required to leave the clinic and to transfer their care elsewhere.
Refusal to leave will result in a call to the police.
Patient feedback
We are continually endeavouring to improve the service and welcome your feedback.
If you are not happy with the service, you received or have a suggestion to improve the service, please speak to a member of staff. A suggestion box is located near reception if you would like to provide a written comment.
Alternatively, you can contact:
Health and Disability Services Complaints Office
Level 2, 469 Wellington Street, Perth 6000
Phone: (08) 6551 7600
Facsimile: (08) 6551 7630
TTY: (08) 6551 7640
Country: Freecall 1800 813 583.
GPO Box B61 Perth WA 6000.
www.hadsco.wa.gov.au
Meekatharra GP Clinic is an accredited General Practice
What does this mean?
Being accredited means that our general practice is committed to a comprehensive program which
involves:
• Engaging our whole practice team to review our practice’s systems and processes
• Opening our practice doors to allow a team of independent surveyors to assess how our practice operates
• Assessment of our practice, and achievement of the nationally recognised Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Standards for general practices, that focus on health care quality and patient safety.
As a member of the community you may be surprised to learn that general practice accreditation is a
voluntary process, which means not all practices undergo an independent on-site assessment on a regular basis.
Updated May 2023
