Patient Information & Clinic Policies
Welcome to
The Esk Family Health Care Centre in Launceston. We are committed to providing transparent, high-quality and accessible medical care for you and your family.
Below you will find clear details regarding our consultation fees, appointment guidelines, prescription requests, and practice policies.
Consultation Fees & Bulk Billing
Practice Fee Schedule
The Esk Family Health Care Centre is a private billing medical practice. Fees are based on the length and complexity of your consultation, in accordance with Australian Medical Association (AMA) recommendations.
Payment is required on the day of your appointment. We offer instant Medicare rebate processing directly to your account.
| Consultation Type | Pay-on-the-Day Fee | Pensioner / Health Care Card Rate | Medicare Rebate | Out-of-Pocket Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Consultation (Item 23) | $100.00 | $90.00 | $43.90 | $56.10 (or $46.10 Concession) |
| Long Consultation (Item 36) | $198.00 | $170.00 | $84.90 | $113.10 (or $85.10 Concession) |
Bulk Billing Eligibility: Bulk billing is available for children
under 12 years of age and patients
over 75 years of age holding a valid concession card.
Note: Additional procedures (e.g., ECGs, spirometry, minor skin surgery, or wound care dressings) may incur an extra cost beyond the consultation fee. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please speak confidentially with your GP or our Practice Manager.
Appointments & Cancellation Policy
Booking Your Appointment
Standard appointments are booked at
10-minute intervals. If you have multiple health concerns, require a complex care plan, or need a full medical examination, please request a
Long Consultation when booking.
Appointments can be made conveniently online 24/7 through
HotDoc or by ringing reception on
(03) 6331 2355.
Non-Attendance & Cancellation Policy
We understand that plans can change. If you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment, please notify reception at least
two (2) hours prior.
- ⚠️
Late Cancellation / Non-Attendance Fee: A fee may be charged if you fail to attend or cancel within two hours of your appointment time. This fee is applied at the discretion of the treating doctor.
Practice Policies & Frequently Asked Questions
Test Results
How do I get my test results?
Patients are requested to contact reception 2 to 3 days after completing blood tests or imaging scans to follow up on their results. If a doctor needs to discuss your results in detail, our nursing team will contact you via phone or SMS. Please ensure your contact details, emergency contact, and next of kin remain up to date.
Prescriptions & Medication Refills
Can I get a repeat prescription over the phone?
To ensure patient safety, proper monitoring, and to prevent adverse drug interactions, prescription medications cannot be issued without a consultation with a GP. You can book a standard face-to-face or telehealth consultation to discuss repeat prescriptions.
Specialist Referrals & Medical Certificates
Can a referral or medical certificate be backdated?
No. Under Australian law, medical certificates and specialist referrals cannot be backdated. A consultation with your doctor on or before the required date is legally required.
Patient Privacy & Medical Records
How is my health information protected?
Your privacy is strictly protected under the Federal Privacy Act 1998 and the Personal Information Act 2004 (TAS). We will never release your health records to third parties or family members without your explicit written consent. If you are transferring to another medical practice, a formal medical record summary can be sent to your new clinic upon request (a file transfer administrative fee may apply).
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Consultations
How is AI used during doctors' visits?
Some GPs at The Esk Family Health Care Centre utilize approved AI tools to assist in clinical documentation and scribing during consultations. You will always be asked for your explicit consent prior to using AI technology in your appointment.
Feedback, Comments & Complaints
How can I provide feedback or lodge a complaint?
We welcome all feedback to help us continuously improve our patient services. You are welcome to discuss any concerns directly with your GP or our Practice Manager. If an issue remains unresolved, you can contact the Office of the Health Complaints Commissioner on 1800 001 170.
Downloadable Resources
Need a Physical Copy?
If you prefer a physical booklet to take home or print, you can download our complete practice guide below:
