NO MASK, NO ENTRY TO THE PRACTICE!

Moonee Valley Specialist Centre’s Commitment To Your Safety

You can get the latest updates from the Department of Health: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Alert

As we continue to face the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) global pandemic, we want to reassure you that we are exhausting highly stringent hygiene practices and preventative measures to ensure your safety. As we need to protect the health of our patients and staff, we are limiting the amount of patient attendance within the practice. Our medical staff are continuously reviewing our safety precautions in line with government advice and community infection numbers.

If you have ANY of these symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Have travelled in the last 14 days
  • Or have had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19

Please do not present to our practice. It is very important for you to call our reception staff if you have intent to attend the clinic.

Our staff are vigilant for anyone displaying symptoms. If attendance to the practice is necessary, we have several additional precautions in place, such as:

Providing additional hand sanitising stations for everyone to use. Upon arrival, you you will be asked to wash your hands and again after your consultation.
You will also be asked to answer a patient questionnaire which may lead to you being kindly asked to leave the clinic if you or if anyone accompanying you display symptoms as a precautionary measure. PLEASE NOTE: If vital to bring someone with you, please limit this to one person.

If you do not display any symptoms, you may be provided with a mask to wear during your visit as an added safety measure.
Limiting the seating in our waiting area to comply with social distancing.

Because of this first line screening measure, we are fielding multiple calls from patients who are generally being cautious and wanting to do the right thing to keep themselves, other patients and our staff safe. We review this screening measure every day in line with the constant changes in government advice.

In lieu of attendance, Moonee Valley Specialist Centre is operational for Telehealth consultations. Which involve you staying at home and speaking with the specialist via telephone or video conference. The platform we are using for video-conferencing is ‘Zoom’.

Zoom can be downloaded here: https://zoom.us/download

 

FAQ:

Q: How will the video consultation via Zoom work?

A: Once staff book your appointment, you will receive an email containing a link for a scheduled meeting with the specialist.
Once Zoom has been downloaded (either on smartphone, tablet or PC) that same link will be used to enter the virtual waiting room (preferably 10 minutes prior to appointment time).

You do not need to create an account with Zoom.

 

Q: Why can’t I find my emailed link?

A: We have found the most common reason is because it may have been sent to their junk/spam folder; so, please check there. Another reason may be due to our reception staff not sending it out as yet (this can be the case if you book in advance). If you are having trouble finding your link please contact reception on (03) 9372 0372.

 

Q: I am not tech savvy, can a phone consultation be arranged?

A: Unfortunately, no. The Federal Government removed the item number associated with this in June 2022.

 

Q: What costs are involved in a telehealth appointment and will any of it be covered by Medicare or private health insurance?

A: Normal fees for all appointments will apply (fees are payable before or at the time of your appointment and are to be made with reception staff at the front desk or over the phone via credit card if telehealth is being used). Most consultations will have an item number attached that will be eligible for Medicare rebates, please ask staff when booking your appointment if this is not clear on your initial paperwork and appointment confirmation. Non-Medicare card holders will be provided a receipt for claiming through their private health institution (if applicable).

Medicare rebates will be paid for services provided to:

  • people diagnosed with COVID-19 virus who are not a patient of a hospital;
  • people isolating themselves at home on the advice of a medical practitioner or in accordance with home isolation guidance issued by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC);
  • people who are considered more susceptible to COVID-19 including: people who meet the testing guidelines for COVID-19;
  • people aged over 70;
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged over 50;
  • people with chronic health conditions or who are immunocompromised; and
  • parents with new babies (less than 12 months) and people who are pregnant.
  • people who meet the current national triage protocol criteria for suspected COVID-19 infection.

The item numbers for these services will be available until 30 September 2020; until further notice.

 

Q: What services can the specialist provide via telehealth consultations?

A: Even as a telehealth appointment, the specialist can still offer all of the usual services as if you were attending the clinic which includes, but not limited to:
Medical advice/education, prescriptions, medical certificates, referrals for further investigations for pathology; radiology and many other services.

 

Q: How can I obtain prescriptions, medical certificates and/or investigation referrals?

A: If the specialist prescribes a medication, or refers you to perform further investigations/examinations, reception staff will be in contact with you to arrange for any prescriptions to be sent to a pharmacy of your choice or alternatively arrange to post this and any other paperwork to your home at your request (certain paperwork can be emailed at your request)

 

Q: Will you consult with new patients via telehealth?

A: Yes. Please send your referral via email on reception@mvscentre.com.au if you are a new patient and our staff will be in contact with you to arrange a telehealth appointment.

 

Q: Will my local GP/Practitioner receive results or information about my consultations?

A: Yes, we can send correspondence letters and all requests for investigations will also note that your referring doctor is to receive a copy of your results.

 

Q: Am I still able to undertake elective surgery (endoscopies)?

A: Currently, yes. However, with the ever-changing guidelines surrounding COVID 19, this is subject to change at short notice. We continue to categorise all patients as follows;

Category 1 – Needing treatment within 30 days. Has the potential to deteriorate quickly to the point where the patient’s situation may become an emergency

Category 2 – Needing treatment within 90 days. Their condition causes pain, dysfunction or disability. Unlikely to deteriorate quickly and unlikely to become an emergency

Category 3 – Needing treatment at some point in the next year. Their condition causes pain, dysfunction or disability. Unlikely to deteriorate quickly.

The result is that:

  • Category 1 surgery can continue to be performed in public and private hospitals.
  • Urgent category 2 can be performed in public and private hospitals.
  • Non-urgent category 2 and 3 elective surgeries may go ahead.

If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us on 03 9372 0372 or email reception@mvscentre.com.au to discuss how we can assist with your health care requirements.

Please, help us curb the spread.

National Coronavirus Hotline: 1800 020 080
Call this line if you are seeking information on coronavirus (COVID-19). The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

1003 Mt Alexander Road Essendon, VIC, 3040

Call us now

Call us now

03 9372 0372

Email Us at

Email Us at

reception@mvscentre.com.au