Your doctor will send you secure electronic health reminders to help manage your health and conditions. These reminders can include scheduling tests, getting injections, or coming in for a review. You'll receive these reminders as secure SMS messages on your phone. The message will include a link that you can click to view the details of your health reminder. All communication is kept secure and confidential. If you have any questions or need assistance with your reminders, please don't hesitate to contact us.

When it’s time to follow up on your test results, your doctor might ask you to come in for an appointment or schedule a telehealth appointment. Sometimes, you’ll be advised to contact the nurse for your results. Your doctor might also send you an SMS with simple instructions or to inform you that your results don’t have any clinically significant abnormalities. If you haven’t heard back within 7 days, please reach out to your doctor. If you have any questions or concerns about your results, don’t hesitate to call us for clarification.

We understand that sometimes it feels like just another refill but taking a moment to check in with your doctor, even when things seem stable, is a key part of your care. Our policy is to schedule an appointment for your repeat prescriptions. It's a chance for your doctor to make sure everything's still on track with your medication and overall health.

We encourage you to keep an eye on your medication and contact us at least 2 weeks before you run out. You can give us a call to schedule an in-person appointment with your doctor, or if it's more convenient, you can book your appointment online. Your doctor also offers telehealth appointments for repeat prescriptions, allowing you the convenience of connecting with your doctor from your home.

If you're considering seeing a specialist, you will need to book an appointment with your doctor to discuss your referral. You can give us a call to schedule an in-person appointment with your doctor, or if it's more convenient, you can book your appointment online. Your doctor also offers telehealth appointments for referrals, giving you the flexibility to connect with your doctor from the comfort of your home.

Please keep in mind that it's against the law for your doctor to backdate a referral to a specialist. Make sure to request your referral well in advance of your specialist appointment to ensure everything is in order.

Clinpath offers convenient pathology services right here at EAHC Newton. Their operating hours are as follows:

Monday to Friday:

• 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM

• 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

For more information about pathology appointments and collection instructions, please visit the Clinpath website.

My Health Record consolidates your key health information, including allergies, current conditions, treatments, medication, pathology reports, and diagnostic imaging reports, all conveniently stored in one place. This platform ensures that healthcare providers, including doctors, specialists, and hospital staff, can access these details online, regardless of their location or the time of need, which is especially important in an emergency.

Every individual was automatically enrolled in 'My Health Record,' unless they opted out prior to January 2019 or have since chosen to cancel their record.

Your doctor plays an important role in maintaining the accuracy of your health record by regularly uploading health summaries.

For more information, you can visit the My Health Record website or speak to our team at your next appointment.

We cater to a diverse community, embracing patients of all ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds. To ensure that everyone receives the best care, regardless of their language or hearing abilities, we encourage the use of professional interpreter services during appointments where required.

• Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National): TIS National provides professional interpreters for patients who don’t speak English as their first language. With access to over 160 languages, this free service is available 24/7 over the phone, or you can request an interpreter for in-person support at the practice with at least 48 hours’ notice.

• National Relay Service (NRS): The NRS is a free government service for those who are d/Deaf or have difficulty hearing or speaking on the phone. You can access services including text relay, video relay, or captioned calls, by visiting the NRS website.

• AUSLAN (Australian Sign Language): AUSLAN is the primary sign language for the Australian Deaf community. If you require an AUSLAN interpreter, please notify us in advance so we can arrange for an interpreter to support you during your appointment.

Why use a professional interpreter instead of a family member or friend?

While it may seem easier to have a family member or friend translate for you, professional interpreters are trained to ensure clear, unbiased, and accurate communication. Sometimes, sharing personal or sensitive information with a loved one can be uncomfortable, and family members may unintentionally misinterpret medical information. To guarantee the best care, we strongly recommend using professional interpreters through TIS or NRS to break down any communication barriers.

Are there any fees involved?

Most services provided through NRS, TIS National, and AUSLAN for medical appointments are free of charge. However, it's always a good idea to confirm when booking your appointment.

We are dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care that is accessible to everyone. We have a range of facilities and support services designed to make your visit as comfortable and accessible as possible. Our practice offers convenient parking close to the entrance, including dedicated disabled parking spaces, as well as wheelchair access from the street and within the building. Inside, you’ll find wide, uncluttered passageways to ensure easy mobility. We also have a unisex wheelchair-accessible toilet fitted with grab rails and facilities placed at an appropriate height. If required, height-adjustable beds are available for safe and easy examinations.

For patients who may have difficulty attending in person due to physical limitations or health concerns, we offer telehealth services or the possibility of home visits. Our staff are trained to support the needs of all patients, and we comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 to provide care without discrimination. We also support the rights of patients with assistance animals, allowing registered assistance animals inside the practice to accompany their owners.

We continuously work to ensure our practice remains safe and accessible. All staff are responsible for keeping doorways and walkways clear, maintaining lighting, and addressing any hazards that could affect mobility. Should you have any specific accessibility needs or require further support during your visit, please let our team know, and we will do our best to assist you.