FAQs

General Practice has changed from the "old days" where you had one doctor working alone who was the only doctor you ever saw. Today, most practices work as a team. This is because a lot of doctors choose to work part time and also because of the nationwide shortage of general practitioners.  We try to give an appointment with the doctor of your choice but this is not always possible at short notice.  However, we try our utmost to ensure there is a doctor available on the day you ring especially if you have an urgent problem.

The advantage of a team approach is that you often get a different opinion or new perspective on your problems. The doctors all meet as a team and discuss cases, this is part of maintaining continuity of care.  Your medical records are fully available to whichever doctor you see so they have all your information at hand.

We understand that your time is as precious as ours and how frustrating it can be to be kept waiting.  We try our very best to run to time but sometimes this is just not possible.  If doctors only saw two people per hour this would probably never happen but the cost to patients visiting a doctor would have to increase accordingly. There would also be even longer waiting times to get to see your doctor.

Most doctors book consultations at 15 minute intervals to keep the cost of visiting the doctor down.  Experience shows this is usually adequate time to sort out the majority of presenting problems. However, patients bringing in long lists to be sorted, complex illnesses or serious issues can all take longer.  Emergencies such as admitting patients to hospital or patients who arrive acutely with no appointment can cause unforseen delays.  Arriving late for your appointment can also cause delays for the next person and so on. (Please phone if you are running late).

Things that patients can do to help are to bring no more than one or two problems per consultation. If you have multiple problems or one you think may be complicated, it is advisable to book a double appointment. Problems such as headaches, dizziness, gynaecological issues, assessment of dementia and symptoms that have been present for a long time are some examples of issues that usually take the full 15 minutes by themselves. Additional problems are really not able to be dealt with properly and thoroughly in one visit.

You may submit a request for a repeat prescription for certain medications. This is at the discretion of the prescribing doctor.  We have a repeat prescription policy which we adhere to for your safety.  There is a charge to cover the GP and admin costs involved with this service. 

The simplest way to request a prescription is via the MMH patient app, or via this online form

The GP will review your request and send you a message to inform you if its been accepted or declined. If request is declined you need to come in for a clinical review. 

Lab processing times can vary, but the vast majority of results will be back within 1-2 days.

If your results are 'normal' you will not be notified. If there are any abnormal results then one of our GPs or nurses will be in touch ASAP to discuss.

Yes, our policy is to receive payment on the day of consultation. However, if you have a genuine reason for not being able to pay, then please speak to the receptionist and we can discuss alternative payment options available. In some circumstances, we may be able to access government funding rather than charging a fee.

Standard consultations are 15 minutes long. This window is meant to include time to write referrals to a specialist, make phone calls on behalf of patients, prescribe medications, and enter consultation notes into your medical record

If you do not think your health needs can be met in this timeframe please speak to reception to arrange booking an extended consult.

If you feel you need more than 15 minutes with the doctor, please let the receptionist know when you are booking your appointment so we can allow more time. Please note, you usually have to pay more for longer consults.
If you have a  long list let the doctor know at the start of the consultation so issues can be prioritised.

If there is not enough time to discuss everything within the 15 minutes, you may be asked to make another appointment. It is important that enough time is allowed to deal with multiple issues so that all your conditions are resolved or treated appropriately. Usually, this will attract further consultation fees, although in some circumstances we may be able to obtain government funding. Please ask.