General information for your appointment
Patients can help us deliver the best possible care by following a few simple guidelines:
- Make sure MCDC is given or is holding a valid referral on your behalf. This will ensure you can claim Medicare rebates and inform the specialist of the background to your condition.
- If you are attending for the first time, please arrive 15 minutes early to fill out the patient information sheet and privacy consent form.
- For billing and Medicare rebate purposes it is vital you bring your Medicare and concession cards to the appointment.
- It is very important that your specialist knows what medications you currently use. The safest way to be sure we have the correct information is to bring the medications to the appointment.
- Medical imaging scans which pertain to your condition should also be brought to appointments. We will let you know when they are no longer required for you to take home.
Do I need a referral?
If you wish to claim Medicare rebates you must have a valid referral.
A valid referral can be for 12 months from your General Practitioner or 3 months from your specialist.
If you have no valid referral you will be liable for the entire payment of services.
What if I need an interpreter?
Please inform our staff if you require an interpreter for your consultation, interpreters may be booked for either on-site or over the telephone.
How can I make appointments?
In most cases, once the decision has been made in consultation with your GP or other referring doctor to seek advice or treatment from a specialist at MCDC, patients can ring to make their own appointments.
- In cases deemed urgent by the referring doctors, they will ring MCDC direct to make the appointment
- Where the patient is experiencing language difficulties the referring doctor’s reception staff will make the appointment on the patient’s behalf
What if I need to cancel an appointment?
If you are unable to attend your appointment, it is in your own interests to ring and make another time without delay. That way we can also make the vacated appointment available to another patient. Waiting times for appointments to see our specialists can be kept to a minimum if all available appointments are made available to patients.
Please be aware that a non attendance fee applies if you fail to cancel the appointment in advance, with at least 24 working hours notice.
I need a cardiac investigation. What does this mean?
Your referring doctor may have requested that one or more cardiac investigations be carried out. The range of cardiac investigation tests available at MCDC using the latest equipment with the cardiologists supported by highly trained staff.
The information on Cardiac Investigation procedures on our website explains the nature and purpose of each test and any preparation you need to make before the day of the appointment.
What payment options are available?
Full payment is payable on the day of your appointment.
Payment can be made in cash, cheque, eftpos or by credit card.
How can I claim my Medicare Rebate?
All Medicare accounts can be processed immediately at our rooms so that you can receive your Medicare Rebate directly into your bank account, provided you have registered your banking details Medicare.
Alternatively, you can take the claim directly to a Medicare office for same day reimbursement.
Privacy Information
Patient records are protected by our compliance with all privacy legislation and the guidelines of relevant professional bodies such as the AMA.
How can I get access to my personal medical records?
A request for access to your medical record held by MCDC should be directed to your treating specialist.
I have some feedback to give, how can I do so?
Our doctors and staff are passionate about being the first choice in our area of speciality for patients and referring doctors. We apply a culture of continuous learning and improvement to all aspects of our services, with patient well-being as the focus of all our activities.
If you feel there are instances where we could have done better we would welcome your feedback. Your concerns will always be treated respectfully and resolved promptly. Issues should be raised with your treating specialist or the MCDC practice manager.
You can email us directly at admin@mcdc.net.au.