We collect personal information including your name, date of birth, address, contact details, Medicare number, healthcare identifiers, and health fund details. Medical information may include your medical history and care needs.
We follow RACGP guidelines and Australian Privacy Principles to ensure your data is secure and private.
If you are unsure why information is requested, please ask staff.
Your information is only shared with your consent unless required by law, for Medicare purposes, or for public health and safety.
Your information is not sent overseas unless you consent and equivalent privacy protections exist.
Doctors within the practice may access your records to provide care. Identity confirmation is required before diagnosis or prescriptions.
De-identified patient data may be used to improve care or for research purposes. Identifiable information is only used when required by public interest and with discussion.
All electronic and paper records are kept secure to protect against unauthorised access in compliance with Australian privacy legislation.
Secure encrypted systems are used for referrals. Email is generally not considered secure for clinical advice unless approved by your doctor.
You may request access to your medical records. Access may be limited where disclosure could cause harm or affect others' privacy.
A fee may apply depending on the request.
This practice does not engage in direct marketing.
If you have concerns about your information, speak with staff. Incorrect data can be corrected, while original notes are retained for legal reasons.
Quality Family Care Clinic
11A Channon Street, Gympie QLD 4570
Phone: 07 5482 3355
Fax: 07 5482 2255
Email: welcome@qfcc.com.au
We invite our patients to complete a patient survey on their experience at our practice. These surveys are completely confidential and will help us to improve our services to you.
We take your concerns seriously so please feel free to talk to your doctor, practice manager or one of the staff members about any problems you may have had with our service.
We believe that problems are best dealt with within the practice. However if you feel there is a matter you wish to take up outside the practice, you may contact the:
Office of the Health Ombudsman
PO Box 13281, George St, Brisbane Qld 4003
P: 133 646 | E: complaints@oho.gov.au
Collaborating With Patients
This practice takes an active approach to ensure the best outcomes for patients at all times even if they choose to reject investigation and/or management advice. Doctors and practice staff respect the right of all patients to make investigation and treatment choices.
Managing Your Personal Health Information
Your health record is a confidential document. Our practice policy is to maintain protection of your personal health information at all times and to ensure that this information is only available to authorised members of staff.
Please ask for our Patient Privacy Brochure for further information on your privacy.
Test Results
Test results require an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor will ask you to return for the results of a test rather than telephone. On some occasions your doctor may feel it is suitable to give the results over the phone and in this case the doctor will ask you to phone for the results.
Reminder System
Our practice is committed to preventive care and participates in National and State reminder systems.
We offer a reminder system for cervical smears, immunisations, blood tests and other preventive health services appropriate to your care.
If you do not wish to be part of this system, please advise your doctor.
Scripts
We ask where possible that you try to obtain your scripts during your consultation. If you need repeat scripts, we ask that you make an appointment to see your doctor so that the medical condition for which the scripts are written can be checked.
Referrals
We prefer to discuss your condition with you before referring to a specialist.
If you have previously seen a particular specialist for an ongoing problem and require a repeat referral, please advise our receptionist staff.
Interpreter Services
Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS)
For patients who speak languages other than English and require the services of an interpreter
Phone: 131 450
National Relay Service (NRS)
Phone access service for people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment
Phone: 133 677
Communicating With You
Your doctor is available by telephone during opening hours; however because calls may inconvenience other patients while having their consultation, messages can be left for the doctor to return at the end of the day.
In some cases, the nurse or receptionist may be able to assist you. If your call is urgent you will be put through to a clinical staff member.
Please note: this practice does not encourage the use of emails to communicate with our patients.
Cancellations
If you are unable to attend your appointment, please contact the practice at least four hours before the appointed time, so that we can re-book the appointment and make another appointment for you.
If you fail to attend your appointment on more than three occasions without advising the clinic, you may be asked to pay a fee before booking further appointments.
Fee Structure
This practice bulk bills consultations for all patients who have a current Medicare Card.
Other services e.g. pre-employment medicals, insurance reports, etc will be privately billed.
Afterhours services and home visits incur a fee.
Some doctors at this clinic perform procedures that are not covered by Medicare. Please ask at reception for current fees. These fees must be paid in full prior to the procedure being performed.
Communication by email: Our preferred method of contact is via telephone and we discourage patients emailing the practice.
After Hours
For afterhours assistance please contact:
Our rostered on-call doctor on 0478 245 733
For urgent medical attention please call 000
Appointments
We run by an appointment system to minimise your waiting time; however urgent cases will be seen on the day.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, such as an emergency, delays can sometimes occur, and your patience would be appreciated if this should happen before your appointment.
A routine appointment is 15 minutes. If you require a longer appointment, please discuss this with the receptionist when booking your appointment.
We ask patients to arrive on time for their appointment so other patients are not inconvenienced.
Home Visits
Home and residential aged care facility visits can be made if you live within 10km of the practice and are too sick to come to the practice.
A home visit can be arranged at a convenient time, usually during the doctor’s lunch break or at the end of their session. It is best to phone early in the day if you require a home visit.
You will be informed if fees apply.