Appointments can also be made
by calling the reception team on
07 4051 1074
*
Appointments can also be made
by calling the reception team
on 07 4038 2777
*
Appointments can be made by phone directly to the relevant surgery or online at www.appletreemedical.com.au.
Every effort will be made to accommodate your preferred time and doctor. We have a limited number of 'on the day' appointments for urgent matters and for unexpected walk in attendances at the surgery.
Emergency appointments will always be given priority. Our reception staff will attempt to contact you if there is any unforeseen delay or your doctor has been called away.
A standard consultation is designed for a single or uncomplicated matter. Longer appointments are available, so please let us know if you require extra time. Interpreter services are also available - please ask at reception.
If you are unable to attend an appointment, please call and cancel. 'No Show' fees may apply for non attendance.
We provide SMS appointment reminders, which are sent to you 1 business day before your appointment. Appointments can be cancelled or confirmed by return SMS. Please let reception know if you do not want to take advantage of this service.
For medical assistance outside normal surgery hours there are a range of available options - • For emergencies (eg: chest pain, shortness of breath) contact 000 without delay • Cairns Hospital is open 24 hrs (Ph: 4226 0000) • Cairns House Call Doctor - we have an agreement with Cairns House Call Doctor (PH: 13 55 66) for continuing care of our patients when the surgery is closed. If you have been attended to by Cairns House Call Doctor, a copy of the consultation notes will be provided to us. Please ensure if you are advised to follow up on their visit with a consultation with your usual GP that you let reception staff know this when you call. More details are available on their website at https://housecalldoctor.com.au/home-doctor-cairns/
Home visits are available for regular patients whose condition prevents them from attending the surgery. If you feel you need please contact the surgery staff to discuss the issue. Additional charges may apply.
To ensure any referrals contain up to date and accurate medcial information it is advisable to make an appointment if you need a referral.
Our practice is committed to preventative care. We will seek your permission to be included on our reminder system. We may issue you with a reminder notice offering you preventative health services appropriate to your care. If you do not wish to be part of this system, please let your doctor or receptionist know. Our practice also sends information to the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register and PAP Smear Register.
Repeat prescriptions without a consultation may be available at the doctor’s discretion and fees apply
Doctors may be contacted by phone during normal surgery hours. If the doctor is with a patient, a message will be taken and staff will advise you when it is likely that the doctor will return your call. Your call will always be put through to the doctor in an emergency. If you are unsure, ask to speak to a nurse
Using an e-mail, facebook or other electronic messaging to communicate with your Doctor is not recommended as your privacy and confidentiality may be compromised.
E-mails are not locked or encrypted and may be accessed by unknown persons
Our practice is committed to preventative care. We will seek your permission to be included on our reminder system. We may issue you with a reminder notice offering you preventative health services appropriate to your care. If you do not wish to be part of this system, please let your doctor or receptionist know. Our practice also sends information to the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register and PAP Smear Register.
It is the practice policy to maintain utmost confidentiality and security of medical records at all times. Your information is only available to authorised staff. We follow the National Privacy Principles set out at www.privacy.gov.au/health/index.html.
We are always striving to provide the best service we can and we love to receive your feedback. We are also aware that sometimes we may not meet your expecations and would like to use any opportunity to improve our service.
Please bring to our attention any team members who have gone above and beyond so we can provide that feedback to the person or people, it is after all the positive feedback that keeps us all going sometimes.
It is also important to us that any complaints regarding the surgery are brought to our attention.
If you are unsatisfied in any way, please contact our practice manager via email (practicemanager@appletreemedical.com.au) over the phone or in person.
Complaints can also be made in writing and placed in the feedback box at reception.
If you are unsatisfied with our response, you may contact the Health Ombudsman on 133 646.