Skip to main content
VISIT OUR COSMETIC AND SKIN CANCER DETECTION CLINIC

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about Sante Medical, or curious as to whether we can help with your condition? See our frequently asked questions below. If we haven’t answered your question here, please feel free to contact us.

What Services do you offer?

As a family medical practice, Sante Medical is committed to the healthcare of people of all ages and walks of life.

Our friendly GPs are committed to both men’s and women’s acute and preventive health needs. Our practice has a strong focus on, and experience in, preventative health and optimising your health. We run longer than average consultations to thoroughly address your health needs so you never feel rushed or like you haven’t been listened to

Have a look at our Doctor Profiles in the Meet Your Team section to find the right health professional for your needs.

What if I already have a regular GP?

If you already have a regular GP and want to see a specific practitioner or our dietitian for advice on the Low-Carb Diet/Weight Loss, you are more than welcome to do so. In fact, we encourage you to maintain your relationship with your regular GP if you are happy with them and/or if you live or work more than 20 minutes from Paddington. We will write to your regular GP as needed, and copy them into any relevant investigations (with your permission).

On the other hand, if you don’t have a regular GP and you live close enough to the practice, we are happy to serve that role for you and act as your trusted partner in health.

First and foremost Sante Medical is a General Practice. We welcome any GP-related concerns, including screening activities like pap smears and skin checks or if you are unwell. 

Our special interest, is in diet and lifestyle measures to improve health and treat conditions. We touch on these topics, in addition to prescribing any necessary medications for conditions as needed. 

Over the last few years we have we have found various versions of the Low Carb diet particularly helpful for patients. We educate people on how to empower themselves and provide resources and support to help them do this.

Emergency Care

In a Medical Emergency, call 000 or present to your nearest Emergency Department.

Nearby Hospitals with an Emergency Department

Public:
Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (07) 3646 8111
Mater Hospital Brisbane (07) 3163 8111
Queensland Children’s Hospital (07) 3068 1111

Private:
St Andrews War Memorial Hospital (07) 3834 4444
The Wesley Hospital (07) 3232 7000

Our Policy is to see our existing patients for urgent issues on the same day.

Appointment Types

Standard appointment (15 minutes or less)
A standard appointment allows us the time to help you with one medical issue, for example test results, a repeat prescription or referral.

Long appointment (15 minutes – 30 minutes)
A long appointment is recommended if you have more than one issue to discuss or a more complex issue, including a care plan, mental health plan, women’s or men’s health.

Extended (30+ minutes)
If you are a new patient, have complex health issues, you are an Initial Weight Loss or Low carb patient or have more than two issues to discuss we suggest booking an extended appointment.

Telephone and Telehealth consultations
During this appointment, the GP will call you on the nominated number or send an invite via GP Consults for Telehealth (video conferencing). Following the appointment, our reception team will call to take payment.

From 20 July 2020, Medicare provides a rebate for Telehealth or telephone consultations only where the patient has an existing relationship with the GP/clinic providing the consultation. This means that if you have not seen a GP in our clinic face to face in the last 12 months you will not be eligible for a Medicare rebate for Telehealth or telephone services. The full consultation fee will apply.

Results, Referrals and Repeat prescriptions
According to our practice policy, results cannot be given over the phone, these results will be discussed at a follow-up appointment with your GP. Our reception staff are unable to access your results or medical information.

All new or repeat prescriptions require an appointment with your GP, this ensures that a suitable medication is prescribed whilst also allowing the doctor to assess the ongoing needs and effectiveness of such medication.

As referrals cannot be backdated, please ensure you have an up to date referral prior to your specialist appointment. A new referral to your specialist is general required every 12 months and can be obtained through an appointment with your general practitioner. Failure to have a valid referral will result in losing your Medicare rebate entitlement for the specialist appointment.

Interpreter services 
Providing quality medical care requires accurate and concise communication between patient and doctor, we encourage non-English speaking patients to utilize the government funded translating and interpreting service. This assists in protecting the privacy of the patient while discussing issues of a personal nature. A government funded interpreting service (AUSLAN) is also accessible for patients who are deaf and use Australian Sign Language. Please let our reception staff know at the time of booking if one of these services are required.

Translating and Interpreting Service: 131 450
National Auslan Interpreter: 1800 246 945

Each family member that needs to be seen to will need to create their own appointment.
If you are unsure of which appointment or Practitioner will be most suited to your needs, please ask reception when booking.

Practice Billing Principles

Private Billing Practice
Sante Medical is a private billing practice, all fees are to be paid at time of consultation by preferred payment EFTPOS or credit card (MasterCard or Visa).

Telephone and Telehealth patients can expect a phone call from a member of our reception team following the consultation, or a payment request through HotDoc payments can be made over the phone, all information given is secure and confidential.

Pension Rates
Sante medical does not bulk-bill Pension Card Holders, Health Care Card holders and Children, instead we offer a discounted rate. Please call reception for more information.

Veteran Affairs
We direct bill all Department of Veteran Affairs Gold Card holders.

Medicare rebates
Medicare rebates will be automatically submitted after payment, please let reception know if you have a new Medicare card so we can update this.

Fees

We are a Private Billing clinic with payment expected to be made on the day
Consultation fees are based on time and complexity, according to the schedule below

GP Consultations:

  • Initial or Review GP consult
    (7-19 minutes)  – $97.25 with a Medicare rebate.
    (20-30 minutes) – $170.15 with a Medicare rebate.
  • Initial or Review GP consult
    (31-40 minutes) $204.15 with a Medicare rebate.
  • Initial or Review GP consult prolonged
    (41-50 minutes) – $272.20 with a Medicare rebate.
    (51-60+ minutes) – $317.55 with a Medicare rebate.

Functional Medicine Consultations:

  • Initial Functional Medicine (45 minutes – 1hr) – $374.50 with a Medicare rebate.
  • Functional Medicine Case Review (45 minutes – 1hr) – $374.50 with a Medicare rebate.
  • Functional Medicine Follow-up (30 minutes) – $204.15 with a Medicare rebate.
  • Functional Medicine Follow-up Long (45 minutes – 1hr) – $374.50 with a Medicare rebate.

Dietitian Consultations:

  • Initial Consultation – $136.10
  • Review Consultation – $79.25

Private Health Funds are accepted for dietitian appointments through HIPCAPS and Medicare rebates are available to eligible patients on a GP Care Plan. Ask us for further information.

Skin Cosmetic Consultations:

  • Cosmetic Anti-Wrinkle
    Injections – $14.00 per unit.
    Consultation – Complimentary.
  • HI and LO-Molecular Weight Bioremodeller – $850 per treatment (recommended minimum 2 initial treatments 4 weeks apart)
  • Micro-Needling – $197.00 (per area)
  • Cosmetic skin and other procedures – A full list of prices is available by contacting our reception staff.

Skin Cancer Checks:

  • Skin cancer checks – See above as per GP consult, time-dependent – $140.00 – $175.00.
  • Skin cancer biopsies – To be advised by your treating doctor in advance at the time of planning your procedure
  • Skin cancer excisions – To be advised by your treating doctor in advance at the time of planning your procedure

Pension Card Holders Receive discounted fees, a full list is available from reception.
The full list of our fees is available at the front reception

Cancellation Policy

Our Cancellation Policy

Our services are in high demand, so in fairness to other patients who require help, we require a minimum of 1 business days notice to cancel or reschedule your appointment.

If you fail cancel or reschedule your appointment within this time frame, OR fail to attend your appointment, a late notice fee will be deducted from your account.

Our cancellation fee depends on the length the appointment time booked according to our billing schedule. This will equate to 50% of the maximum fee for your allotted time slot. Please note that if you or your family are unwell, you can change your appointment to a Telehealth consultation.

To cancel or reschedule your appointment, please contact administration between the hours of 8:30am – 4:30pm, if outside of these hours please leave a voice message or email info@santemedical.com.au

Thank you for your understanding.

What is a Functional Medical Doctor?

Functional Medicine investigates the root cause of disease and addresses underlying pathology and dysfunction to rebalance the body.  Treatments are based on the latest evidence based on medical research and trials. Treatment protocols are designed to empower the individual, prevent and reverse disease and promote optimal function of the body.

Our Functional Medicine doctor, Dr Amelia Stephens works closely with patients to provide a thorough understanding of their health condition and uncover the root causes of disease that are contributing to the symptoms that have manifested. Dr Amelia uses a range of tools to assist in identifying pathologic imbalances. These include:

  • A comprehensive medical history and case examination
  • Specific targeted medical testing (blood, urine, stool, saliva, breath, etc.)
  • Detailed and thorough body system analysis questionnaire

Communication Policy

How we receive and return phone calls
Our phones are active from 8:30am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday, one of our reception staff will answer your call, if the line is busy, you will be put on hold.
If you call outside of these hours a voice message can be left, we will get back to you the following business day.

How we receive and return electronic communications
Emails are monitored from 8:30am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday, one of our reception staff will get back to you the following business day.

Please keep in mind that communications via email over the internet are not secure. Although it is unlikely, there is a possibility that information you include in an email can be intercepted and read by other parties besides the person to whom it is addressed. Please do not include personal identifying information such as your birth date, or personal medical information in any emails you send to us. No one can diagnose your condition from email or other written communications, and communication via our website cannot replace the relationship you have with a physician or another healthcare practitioner.

Complaints

We welcome constructive criticism at this practice. From time to time, the practice will invite patients to complete a questionnaire on their views of the practice and how it may be improved.  If at any time you are unhappy with the service provided, please speak to the Practice Manager or alternatively email or post your feedback to the Practice Manager at pm@santemedical.com.au or 161 Given Terrace, Paddington, 4064.  We will then endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible.

If you feel that you need to take any matters further or wish to discuss your complaint with an external party, there are several options including the Office of the Health Ombudsman on: 13 36 46, located at 400 George Street, Brisbane City QLD 4000 and website: https://www.oho.qld.gov.au/

After Hours Services

Sante Medical has an arrangement with Home Doctor Service, which provides care for our patients outside of our normal consulting hours. For after hour care, including on public holidays, call 13SICK (137 485)