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Doctors at our clinic are committed to preventative care. From time to time you may be contacted by our clinic staff to book an appointment for preventative care, follow up review, pathology results and immunisation.

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At the appointment where testing has been requested for the patients case, the Doctor will discuss and outline how they would like the patient to follow up when the test results are expected to have been received by the Clinic. The timeframe/s will be dependent on the particular issue that is being addressed and the patient will be advised to make a follow up appointment upon leaving the clinic at this time based upon the Doctors directions. The Doctor will note these matters in the patient file in particular the guidance and advice provided in relation to the timing of their follow up appointment which they should schedule.

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If the patient doesn't schedule their follow up appointment at this time it is expected that they will contact the clinic to do so within the timeframe suggested by the Doctor.

 

If the patient fails to make this appointment it is likely that our staff, at an appropriate time, such as when the results are expected to be received or have been received for the patient, contact the patient to arrange the follow up appointment. Whilst this is a courtesy and process of the clinic, it is the patients responsibility to do so and this should not be relied upon as addressing the matter.

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Our Clinic strongly advises patients to book a consultation with the Doctor to ensure the most thorough and highest standard of medical services are provided to you. Our staff should be able to indicate whether a telephone or face-to-face appointment is necessary to do this. 

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It should be noted that when our Clinic makes telephone contact and another party who is not the patient answers the call, no details will be left but rather it will be stated that we will call again later. If an answering service or machine answers the telephone we will not leave a message but call back at a later time.

 

If a result is 'abnormal' the Doctor will use an internal reminder system until the patient has been seen and at the earliest possible opportunity.

 

For significant follow up recalls it is our policy that a minimum of 3 attempts to contact the patient should be made. This may include 2 phone calls, letters or a combination of both. The final contact will be by registered post which will require the signature of the patient upon its' being delivered. The importance of returning to the clinic for the results and appropriate steps as advised by the Doctor will be emphasised to the patient.

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