Practice Policies
Appointments
Appointments can be made online, by phone 02 9987 1007, or in person. It is recommended to book an appointment to see your preferred doctor. A standard consultation is 15 minutes, however if you need more time please call in advance to request a long appointment.
Walk-in Policy
We accept walk-in patients throughout the day, however we cannot guarantee a wait time. Please note there is no bulk billing available for any walk-ins. We recommend calling us first to ensure we can accommodate you, especially in the afternoon.
Non-Attendance & Late Cancellation Fees
We require a minimum of 1 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please call 02 9987 1007. If you do not attend or provide the required minimum of 1 hour's notice, a $50 fee is payable for non-attendance. Please note appointments with Dr Darvas require 2 hour's minimum notice.
After Hours
For medical emergencies, dial Triple Zero (000) or go to the nearest hospital- Hornsby Hospital is the closest to us. For after hours bulk-billed home visits please contact 13 SICK online or by phone: 137 425. Alternatively, call our after hours number 0414 510 879 to arrange a telehealth appointment with one of our GPs (private fee from $150 payable).
Worker's Compensation
Patients seeing the doctor for an injury at work must provide their claim number - if they do not have a claim number accepted yet they will need to pay for the appointment on the day (once the claim is accepted the patient is usually reimbursed through the insurer for any appointment fees incurred).
Check-in & Identification
All patients need to present and check in at the reception desk to confirm their details for their appointment. You will be required to present your Medicare Card and any pension/concession cards if applicable. We may ask to see another form of ID such as your driver's licence to verify your identity. Please inform our staff of any changes to your details.
Email Policy
It is our practice policy that no consultation will be conducted via email. Our email inbox is monitored by reception and the GPs do not provide any advice, scripts or referrals by email request. Please make an appointment with your GP. Telehealth is a convenient option if you prefer not to come in.
Results
Make sure to book an appointment to review your results with your doctor. If your tests reveal any urgent concerns the doctor or our staff will contact you. If the doctor deems your results "non-urgent" you will receive an SMS and/or a call from our staff to arrange a follow up consult. Requests for repeat scripts and print outs of results can only be done as part of a consultation with your doctor.
Transfer of Records
If you would like to have your medical records transferred to us from another practice, please ask our reception team and this will be organised for you. Please be aware that most practices charge a small fee to transfer medical records to cover the admin and postage costs, we charge $33.
Zero Tolerance for Abuse
Under no circumstances will any of the following be tolerated at any time: rudeness, bullying, aggression or threats to staff or patients. You will be asked to leave.
Practice Fees
Hornsby Fountain Medical Centre is a privately owned and operated practice. We aim to be a caring, quality provider of comprehensive medical services to the community of Hornsby. Doctors providing services at Hornsby Fountain Medical Centre operate on a mixed billing model and set their own fees.
Monday to Saturday
Bulk billing is available for most standard appointments Monday-Saturday for existing patients who have consulted with a GP at the practice in the last 2 years. If you have not consulted with a GP in the practice for over 2 years, a private fee applies for your first/returning consultation. All new patients pay privately for their first consultation (approx. gap $35-45 after Medicare rebate).
Sunday and Public Holidays
Private fee payable for all patients (approx. gap $45 after Medicare rebate).
Telehealth
Private fee $80 (Medicare rebate $42.85 if you have attended the practice in the last 12 months). For this appointment type we may require pre-authorisation of your card details before your consultation.
Dr Geoffrey Darvas
Appointments with our children's doctor, Dr Geoff Darvas, incur a private fee unless you have a Centrelink pension/concession card.
Skin Checks, Procedures & Dressing Fees:
Please note fees apply for all patients for skin cancer checks, skin biopsies/excisions, surgical procedures, travel vaccines, and for treatment room expenses such as wound repair glue, dressings, ECG, INR, and spirometry.
Consultation fees reflects the complexity, time taken to consult with you, and your doctor’s estimate of the time to be taken to complete related administration/referrals. HotDoc fees and merchant fees may apply (please note these fees are imposed by the payment platform or bank).
Current fees for common consultation types:
