Terms of Trade

1. Our fees are displayed in the waiting room, inclusive of GST, and are subject to regular review (as are the terms of trade). Other services may be available following discussion with your care provider.

2. Payment shall be accepted by cash, eftpos, online transfer or regular automatic payment.

3. Unless by prior arrangement, all services shall be paid on the date of the service.

4. Where fees are not paid at the time of service, the debt becomes overdue and the following terms of credit apply:

   • Patients are responsible for promptly settling the debt and at any time can request an account balance from reception.

   • Each month a statement for an overdue account is posted to the patient (unless debt is than $40 and less than three months old, or adequate automatic payments are arranged).

   • A $10 administration fee will be added to cover costs.

   • If debt of more than $80 remain unpaid for three months and the patient does not have adequate arrangements for regular automatic payments: a) payment for any services will be required in advance, only emergency care will be provided if payment is not received, b) the debt will be referred to a debt collection agency (at the sole discretion of Willow Medical Centre, and as a last resort).

   • Referral to a debt collection agency includes provision of necessary contact details and these may be entered into the computer Bureau default listing which will have an impact on patient’s credit rating. Costs incurred to recover outstanding monies will be charged to the patient.

5. A standard consultation comprises 15 minutes of doctor time for general medical services only. Longer consultations and services outside of this are as per the fee schedule or as otherwise advised prior.

6. When more time is required to ensure effective services are provided you may be asked to book another appointment. Some consultations will take longer (for example your first appointment will be 30minutes to allow the doctor time to learn about your health needs) and the fee will be per 15 minute block.

7. Please ensure you cancel any appointments you are unable to attend as we have a high demand for appointments each day. Failure to do so may result in a full consultation charge.

8. Please ensure you arrive on time. If you do not and there is not enough time left to ensure adequate assessment you will need to rebook.

9. We do not wish any patient to defer seeking medical help due to the cost. If this is the case, please, talk to your doctor or the practice manager so other payment options can be arranged.

10. Patient behaviour is expected to be respectful and understanding. We are a busy practice and healthcare of the community is our priority, this means there may be delays in seeing your clinician from time to time. If there is a break-down in the health-care provider-patient relationship and Willow Medical Centre can no longer effectively provide services you will be asked to seek another provider.

Last updated: 7 August 2024