About CMC

When Doctors bulk bill a consultation, Medicare pays the Doctor less than half price for that visit. This degree of fee erosion over the decades has progressively forced practices around the country to abandon bulk billing as a method of viable funding for General Practice services. Universally discounting below half price would inevitably result in service compromise or even practice closure. Good medicine does take time, and we’ve found that patients prefer a quality service and generally understand that a $25-$45 gap is a fair and affordable contribution to achieve this. We make an exception for children (less than 16yrs with appointments during week day business hours) by bulk billing this group as a contribution to keep healthcare affordable for families.

We understand it is a busy world, but a non-attendance is a loss of appointment opportunity for anther patient.  A $40.00 fee will incur for patients who fail to attend or do not cancel their appointment. This fee is payable at the time of the next consultation before seeing another Doctor. Please note that this is a private fee and not rebatable under Medicare.

This group is usually charged a reduced fee, and sometimes even bulk-billed depending on the relationship you have with your Doctor. Please enquire with our reception staff.

We realise that your time is valuable and you may have other obligations and it is our aim to run on schedule. However, if we are running late, this may be due to a previous emergency and we appreciate your patience in this situation. Please book an individual appointment for each family member needing to be seen, this will allow the Doctor to give each individual the time they deserve. This will also help the Doctor run to time and avoid delays for other patients. When booking your appointment, please consider the complexity and what issues you wish to discuss with your Doctor, and book a long consultation if necessary.

Laws in Australia presently don’t allow Private Health contributions for General Practice services unless the service occurs in a Hospital.

Yes! Capalaba Medical Centre provides professional and comprehensive pre-employment assessments. Capalaba Medical Centre is a “one-stop-shop” for your pre-employment examinations and assessments, with physical assessments and investigation all done at the one convenient location with same day results. We will even forward the results to your future employer for you. Contact our friendly staff to book your appointment today.

Yes, there is a ramp for wheelchair and pram access. Our main patient toilet has been modified for the disabled.

Yes, your medical records are treated with the upmost respect and confidentiality. We have a centralised record system which means all practitioners keep their information in one place. This makes it easier to coordinate your care. Your information will not be released to anyone without your prior written consent.

This service legally requires the Doctor to review your medical history and evaluate the appropriate method of providing this service, often requiring a consultation. Some of our doctors will provide, fax or even post for a small (unrebateable) fee if the circumstance allows the service to be performed safely without a consultation – Please enquire with Reception.

The Practice receives many phone requests from patients who wish to speak with the Doctor. Due to the time involved in handling each call, and the disruption to patient consultations, the nature of phone enquiries must always be discussed with the receptionist first. The receptionist will then communicate with the Doctor who will advise of what action is to be taken in a timely manner. For your safety, and for medico-legal reasons, results will not be given over the phone, unless specifically requested by a Doctor.

From time to time, patients of the Practice will be given the opportunity to complete a Patient Questionnaire asking for your views on specific aspects of the services provided to our patients. We encourage you to participate in this process and have your say on how you believe things could be improved. These surveys are completely confidential. We constantly strive to give you the best possible care and attention, and take pride in the level of service provided to patients of the Capalaba Medical Centre. If you have suggestions for how our services could be improved, or if you are concerned about a specific aspect of your care, please feel free to speak to your Doctor, or any staff member you feel comfortable with. We believe that problems are best dealt with within the Practice and indeed, we want to know if you are concerned about any aspect of our service.  We urge you to call and speak to our Practice Manager to discuss any issues.  However, if you feel there is a problem you wish to take up outside, you may prefer to contact the Queensland Government Centre for handling such complaints. This is the Office of the Health Ombudsman, PO Box 13281 George St, Brisbane 4003. Telephone 133 646. Website www.oho.qld.gov.au

This practice has developed a system for the follow up and review of results and correspondence, along with a recall system for patients requiring further medical advice or other clinically significant results. At times your doctor or practice staff may contact you via post, phone or SMS. Should you wish not to be contacted using any of these methods please notify Reception. We also participate in other State and National recall and reminder systems such as BreastScreen, Qld Pap Smear Register and Australian Immunisation Register.

Telehealth consultations are available for all patients.  These consultatios are subject to our usual consultation fee structure.  Patients must meet eligibilty criteria to receive a Medicare rebate.