FAQ
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How do I make an appointment?
Referral
Obtain a referral from your GP, the referral can be made out to specific clinician or to Health Buddies AU.
GP to Fax/Email us
Ask your GP to fax the referral to us – 03 8080 6484 or email to contact@healthbuddiesau.com
We will contact you
Once our friendly admin staff has received your referral, it will be quickly screened and admin staff will call you back to book an appointment.
Common Questions
Most Popular Questions
What services does your clinic offer?
Health Buddies AU offers a range of psychiatric services including initial assessments, medication management, psychotherapy, group therapy, telepsychiatry, and specialized programs for conditions such as anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and more.
What qualifications do your psychiatrists and psychologists have?
All our psychiatrists are board-certified and registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). They have extensive experience in both clinical practice and research within various fields of psychiatry and psychology.
How do I make an appointment?
You can make an appointment by calling our reception desk, using our online booking system, or by obtaining a referral from your GP which can then be sent to us via fax or email, after which we will contact you to schedule an appointment.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist?
Yes, a referral from a General Practitioner (GP) is usually required to claim Medicare rebates for psychiatric consultations.
What should I expect during my first appointment?
During your first appointment, the psychiatrist will conduct a comprehensive assessment to understand your mental health history, current symptoms, and goals for treatment. This helps in developing a personalized treatment plan.
How is my personal information protected?
We adhere to strict confidentiality protocols and comply with the Privacy Act 1988. All patient records are stored securely, and information is released only with your consent or as required by law.
Can I bring a family member or friend to my appointments?
Yes, you are welcome to bring a support person to your appointment. However, there may be times when the psychiatrist wishes to speak with you alone to ensure privacy and thorough assessment.
What are the fees for your services?
Fees vary depending on the type and duration of the service. Please contact our office directly for detailed information regarding consultation costs.
Does Medicare cover psychiatric services?
Yes, Medicare provides rebates for psychiatric services if you have a valid referral. The rebate amount varies, and there may still be an out-of-pocket expense depending on the service provided.
Medicare provides additional support through Medicare SafetyNet. Rebates will be higher once you or your family reaches the annual Medicare Safety Net threshold. Kindly call Medicare on 132011 for further advice.
Do you accept private health insurance?
Yes, we accept most major private health insurance plans. It’s advisable to check with your insurer regarding the specifics of what is covered under your policy.
Are telepsychiatry services available?
Yes, we offer telepsychiatry services to provide flexibility and convenience, especially for those unable to visit our clinic in person. These sessions are conducted via secure video conferencing platforms.
Is telepsychiatry effective?
Telepsychiatry has been shown to be as effective as in-person consultations for many conditions. It also offers the added benefit of reducing travel time and increasing accessibility to services.
Do you accept DVA, TAC and Workcover clients?
Yes, we accept all the above.
What should I do in case of an emergency?
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact emergency services at 000 or go to your nearest hospital. For immediate support, you can also reach out to Lifeline at 13 11 14.
How do you handle cancellations?
Health Buddies AU gives our patient flexibility to attend appointments from anywhere but we understand that circumstances may change, so we request that you contact the clinic 48 hours before for any changes or cancellations so we can offer the appointment to another client on the waitlist and try to accommodate you as best as we can.
Our team can help you reschedule your appointment to a more convenient time.
In the event of a “no show” or “missed appointment”, the clinic may deduct the full consultation fee as per the policy.
I have run out of my medications, what can I do?
You can request for a repeat script of existing medications within three months of your consultation for a nominal script fee.
Can I obtain a medical certificate for my appointment?
Yes, our specialists and mental health clinicians can issue you with a Medical Certificate when clinically appropriate. Please request medical certificate at the time of your appointment.
I have a question ?
Please don’t hesitate to submit your non urgent enquiry on our contact us page. Please note that we aim to respond in three to five business days.