Telehealth’s are now only available for COVID-positive patients (confirmed through RAT-test prior to calling to book). Telehealth’s were a useful tool during the COVID lockdowns, as they allowed doctors to consult with patients while maintaining social distancing practices. However, as we have emerged from the lockdown period and return to normalcy, we have elected to reduce telehealth consultations. Telehealth appointments will no longer be available for patients with regard to any issues that could be treated in the clinic. For patients exhibiting fever, respiratory, cough, cold or flu-like symptoms, our daily Isolation Room appointments will provide you with the required services – including medical certificates and prescriptions.
Telegraph Road Clinic News
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING EAR SYRINGES!
Our practice does not offer ear syringes to patients under 16 years of age under any circumstances! Eligible patients will discuss the procedure with their doctor prior to visiting the nurse for a syringe, and will be required to sign a consent form. Ear syringe appointments will include a $20 additional syringing fee on top of the general consult fee. This $20 fee will NOT have a Medicare rebate, though there will still be a rebate for the consult as per usual. Please contact our friendly receptionists on 3261 7000 to book in an ear syringe appointment if you are interested!
Ear syringing will only be performed, following several days treatment with Ear Clear/Waxsol or some other wax softening agent which can be purchased over the counter from your pharmacist. (Approx 4-5 Days minimum)
The cost of quality medical care is increasing, and the Government Medicare Rebate continues to fail to match these rising costs. To be able to continue to provide complex and quality healthcare to our patients, our new private fee structure has been updated. A full schedule of the updated fees is available on the ‘Fees’ section of our website – under ‘Resources.’ This includes our Saturday fees and irregular hour fees. Please phone reception on 3261 7000 if you have any additional questions regarding our fees or billing policy.
FEE SCHEDULE: 1st July 2024
MEDICARE AUSTRALIA FEE UPDATE: 1st July 2024
Between 6.00am – 8.00am consults are $97.00 with a Medicare Rebate $55.80. It is cheaper for you to see your G.P between the early bird times! The standard consultation fee is $90.00 with a Medicare rebate of $42.85. All patients on a pension or who have a Health Care Card are billed a reduced fee of $86.00 with a Medicare rebate $42.85 for a standard consultation. DVA Gold Card holders have their accounts paid by DVA. DVA White Card holders will have eligible consults paid for by DVA.
If you bring a physical cheque or savings card (not on your phone!) to your appointment, we can claim your Medicare rebate back instantly through our Tyro system!
Standard (15 minutes): $90.00
- Medicare Rebate: $42.85
- Gap Fee: $47.15
Long (30 minutes): $166.00
- Medicare Rebate: $82.90
- Gap Fee: $83.10
Extended (45 minutes): $239.00
- Medicare Rebate: $118.00
- Gap Fee: $79.00
Early Morning Standard (between 6.00am – 8.00am): $97.00
- Medicare Rebate: $55.80
- Gap Fee: $41.20
Early Morning Long (between 6.00am – 8.00am): $162.00
- Medicare Rebate: $82.90
- Gap Fee: $79.10
Early Morning Extended (45 minutes): $248.00
- Medicare Rebate: $129.65
- Gap Fee: $118.35
Afternoon Standard (4.00pm onwards): $101.00
- Medicare Rebate: $42.85
- Gap Fee: $58.15
Afternoon Long (4.00pm onwards): $170.00
- Medicare Rebate: $82.90
- Gap Fee: $87.10
Afternoon Extended (45 minutes): $242.00
- Medicare Rebate: $118.00
- Gap Fee: $124.00
Saturday Standard (between 8.00am -1.00pm): $109.00
- Medicare Rebate: $42.85
- Gap Fee: $66.15
Saturday Long (between 8.00am -1.00pm): $174.00
- Medicare Rebate: $82.90
- Gap Fee: $91.10
Saturday Extended (45 minutes): $246.00
- Medicare Rebate: $118.00
- Gap Fee: $128.00
Saturday Afternoon Standard (1.00pm onwards): $114.00
- Medicare Rebate: $55.80
- Gap Fee: $58.20
Saturday Afternoon Long (1.00pm onwards): $178.00
- Medicare Rebate: $92.45
- Gap Fee: $85.55
WorkCover consultations have an additional $5 fee on top of the consult fee, and must be paid upfront. A receipt will be provided for you to take to claim the full amount back.
We provide all aspects of podiatric care including paediatric care, general foot care, orthotic therapy, ingrown toenail surgery/management and injury management.
We have an onsite HICAPS machine allowing you to claim your health insurance rebate on the spot. Please phone your health fund to determine if you are covered for podiatry.
We accept Medicare rebated Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plans. Your GP will determine your eligibility for an EPC. If eligible, you are entitlted to up to 5 podiatry visits per year. At the clinic we bulk bill all EPCs.
Home visit available to surrounding areas please contact the clinic for details on 3261 7000.
Services we provide
General Foot Care
Many people visit a podiatrist for general foot care, which includes nail cutting, management of cracked heels, debridement of corns and callouses, and management of fungal infections. Some people require a podiatrist to cut their toenails due to no longer being able to reach the feet to safely cut the nails themselves. It is recommended that high risk feet such as those of a diabetic are cared for by a podiatrist for appropriate nail cutting and minimising the risk of infection.
Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail pierces the adjacent skin, often leading to inflammation and infection. There are a number of causes of ingrown toenails which include tight footwear, improper nail cutting, fungal infections, injury to the nail and genetic predisposition. Conservative management of an ingrown toenail consists of your podiatrist gently removing the offending nail edge. Local anaesthetic is available in severe cases. Alternatively, a longer term solution to an ingrown toenail is a partial nail avulsion procedure. This is performed in the clinic under a local anaesthetic. During your appointment your podiatrist will assess your nail and discuss the most adequate treatment options.
Orthotics
Orthotics are prescribed for a number of conditions including flat feet, plantar fasciitis, heel pain, in-toeing, out-toeing, arthritis, bunions, shin splints and neuromas. We will perform a thorough biomechanical assessment of your feet to determine the most appropriate orthotic for you. At Nundah Podiatry Clinic we provide both prefabricated orthotics and custom orthotics made of either a soft EVA or a firmer polypropylene. Regan will discuss the options with you and recommend the most appropriate style for your feet and condition.
Children’s Feet
Children can experience many of the same conditions as an adult, including plantar fasciitis, arthritis, flat feet, bunions, ingrown toenails, corns and callouses and plantar warts. Other common conditions seen in children include:
– In-toeing or out-toeing, which often requires orthotics to correct
– Sever’s Disease, which is pain at the back of the heel and is managed with stretching, heel raises and orthotics
– Osgood-Schlatters, which is pain at the front of the knee and is managed with stretching and taping
– Hyper-mobile joints, which may require orthotics to provide support
If you believe there is something wrong with your child’s foot, it is advisable to make an appointment with a podiatrist who will perform a thorough assessment and determine the most appropriate treatment option.
Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)
Heel pain is one of the most common presenting complaints at our clinic. It ranges from mild to severe in its nature, and if left untreated can lead to serious complications. People often describe symptoms including morning pain, shooting pain, swelling and pain with activity. The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis which is inflammation of the thick fibrous band that supports the arch of the foot. Contributing factors include flat feet, inadequate footwear, sudden change in activity and weight gain. Treatment consists of strapping, anti-inflammatories, footwear modification, stretching and orthotics. If required, Regan will be able to provide you with an orthotic that will correct your foot alignment and allow healing to occur.
Corns and Callouses
Corns and callouses are areas of thick skin that usually develop due to excessive pressure. They can often be quite painful and the only appropriate treatment is debridement by a qualified podiatrist. Often there is an underlying biomechanical issue which may need addressing via offloading padding or orthotics.
Diabetes
Diabetics are at a greater risk of developing circulatory and sensory problems in the feet. Regular foot checks by a qualified podiatrist are recommended every 3 to 6 months for early detection of foot complications. Diabetic ulcers require urgent podiatry care with regular debridement and sufficient offloading. It is recommended that diabetics visit a podiatrist regularly for appropriate nail cutting.
Other Conditions
Other common conditions we see include:
– Arthritis
– Achilles tendinitis
– Shin splints
– Plantar warts
– Flat feet
– Neuromas
– Bunions
– Extensor tendinitis
– Bone fracture
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING CORONAVIRUS
Newsletter Number 2 19/4/2020
Dear Valued Patients,
The practice would like to thank you all for your patience during these difficult times. For everyone’s safety we are required to telephone screen all appointments to identify anyone who may be infectious to other patients and staff. We appreciate that this can be frustrating with longer telephone waiting times, however it is necessary at present.
The clinic wishes to reassure everyone that we are available to manage your healthcare needs and have put in place measures to ensure your safety when you attend the practice. We have strict social distancing policies and cleaning/hygiene practices. We are continuing to run our separate clinic in the adjacent tenancy for any patients with infectious symptoms.
The practice has expanded our telehealth [telephone] consultation service. All Australians are now eligible for telehealth services until the end of September [when the Government will review the funding]. The practice bulk bills all telephone consultations and appointments can be made for telephone consultations via reception or our online booking platforms. For problems requiring physical examination we again reassure you all that it is safe to attend the clinic.
The practice also thanks you for your patience as we endeavour to efficiently vaccinate our patient population for Influenza. We have been running dedicated vaccine clinics at off peak times, prioritizing the most vulnerable. We only receive a limited supply of Government funded influenza vaccine with each order, which is the main factor which limits the speed at which we can immunise our community.
Testing for Coronavirus
The Queensland Government has expanded the testing recommendations for COVID 19 to include any person in Brisbane with fever or respiratory tract infection.
REMINDER REGARDING THE CHANGES THAT THE PRACTICE HAS ADOPTED TO DEAL WITH THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Appointment Booking
In order to protect the health of our vulnerable patients and staff the practice has introduced some screening questions at the time of telephone bookings. These questions will relate to whether the patient has any respiratory tract infection symptoms or satisfies any of the travel / occupational [healthcare worker] or COVID 19 contact criteria that would make them a suspect case. Our online booking platforms [Hot Doc / Appointuit] have clear instructions that patients with any respiratory tract symptoms or fever are not to use the online booking system and are to telephone the practice instead. If patients disregard this policy, we may be forced to disable our online bookings system. Any patients declining to answer the telephone screening questions will not be offered an appointment.
Patients Identifying as Having Fever or Respiratory Symptoms
The practice has introduced the following policies regarding the management of patients with any fever or respiratory symptoms [sore throat / runny nose / cough / shortness of breath]
- Patients meeting both the clinical and situational [travel / COVID contact / healthcare worker] criteria for a suspect case will be asked to present to a government fever clinic [Prince Charles / Brighton / Pine Rivers]. Do not present to the practice.
- Patients with fever or respiratory symptoms but without the situational criteria will be offered an appointment in our dedicated infectious symptom review facility in the vacant shopping centre tenancy next door to the practice. These patients are not to enter the main surgery premises. All patients are asked to weak a facemask [if possible]and to telephone reception on arrival. Patients will be seen by a doctor wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. It may not be possible for the patient to be seen by their usual doctor. The practice recognises the cooperation of ISPT, the shopping centre operator for their generous assistance during this difficult time. If patients require testing for COVID 19 they will be referred to an appropriate pathology provider for nasopharyngeal swab collection.
Patients Without Fever or Respiratory Symptoms
Patients requiring face to face consultations will be offered a normal appointment within the main surgery. Patients are encouraged to present to the surgery alone unless a care giver is necessary.
Patients requiring telephone consultations will be booked for a telephone [telehealth] consultation. We will need to confirm your contact telephone number at booking. The time given for the call will be approximate and may be affected by emergencies. The call from the doctor will be from an “Unknown Number” when it appears on your telephone. If the patient fails to answer after two telephone contact attempts this will be considered as a missed appointment and the patient will need to rebook. Sometimes following a telephone consultation, the patient may need to be seen in person [if not self-isolating], if a physical examination is required for diagnosis and management.
OTHER INFECTION CONTROL MEASURES INTRODUCED BY THE PRACTICE
*The waiting room seating has been rearranged to increase social distancing.
*Practice entrance door to remain open to reduce door handle contact
*Magazines, brochures and children’s toys have been removed from the waiting room. If you require any device to entertain you whilst you wait you should bring it from home.
*Discontinuation of nebuliser use to reduce risk of aerosolization of the virus.
*Discontinuation of care planning for allied health referrals until further notice.
*Provision of alcohol-based hand disinfectant for patients and staff
*Community education re infection control measures
*Appropriate Influenza vaccination utilising off peak times where possible. Private influenza vaccine is now available and is $18. Government funded vaccine is now available.
*Deferring non urgent preventative care activities where appropriate
*Increase in cleaning and disinfection practices
ONGOING COMMUNICATION
*The practice will endeavour to update our patients on further changes as the pandemic progresses. We are closely following the advice of the Chief Medical Officer and relevant authorities.
*It is a difficult balancing act between caring for patients with infectious symptoms and protecting our most vulnerable patient groups and staff from COVID 19.
*We will post updates on our website, practice signage and via SMS. If you have previously declined to receive SMS contact, then you will have to notify reception to consent to this service if you now wish to receive SMS updates. As always, we encourage you all to update your contact details with our reception staff.
*We would like to thank you all for your understanding and cooperation at this challenging time. It is likely that the measures outlined will need to continue for some months until the pandemic is controlled. Further changes to the way that we operate may be necessary and these will be communicated to you. The best outcome will require us all to work together during this unprecedented event in our lives.
Practice Hours
| Monday | 6.00am – 8.30pm |
| Tuesday | 6.00am – 8.30pm |
| Wednesday | 6.00am – 8.30pm |
| Thursday | 6.00am – 8.30pm |
| Friday | 6.00am – 7.30pm |
| Saturday | 8.00am – 3.00pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Our opening times may vary in the future if staff absences occur due to illness. We will keep you informed of any changes.
QLD transport has announced that drivers over the age of 75 will not be required to see their doctor for a new medical certificate and that their current certificate will remain valid until six months after the COVID 19 emergency ends.
If drivers have an “M” condition on their current drivers licence, they need to contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads on 13 23 80 or email mcr@tmr.qld.gov.au to have their current medical certificate extended.
Best Wishes
Dr Lachlan Steffen
Dr Mike Pokarier
Dr Peter Hackney
Elizabeth Sullivan [Practice Manager]
Newsletter 22/03/2020
Dear Valued Patients,
The current Coronavirus [COVID 19] pandemic has presented the clinic with a health crisis unlike any we have seen before. We wish to provide you with information on the Coronavirus and important changes to our appointment booking and infection control arrangements. The measures outlined here are designed to keep all patients who present to the clinic as safe as is reasonably possible from coronavirus infection.
What is Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause respiratory tract infections. Symptoms may include fever, sore throat, runny nose, cough and breathlessness. Severity can vary from a mild cold to life threatening lung infections. This new Coronavirus originated in Hubei province, China and has been named COVID 19.
How is Coronavirus Spread?
Coronavirus is spread via droplet transmission from coughing and sneezing. This can occur when in direct contact with an infected person [infectious from 24 hours prior to the onset of their symptoms]. Touching surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus and then touching your face can also allow spread.
Keys to Reducing the Spread of Coronavirus
The three important strategies that we must all practice to reduce transmission are frequent hand washing, cough etiquette [cough into a tissue and dispose tissue/wash hands] and social distancing [staying 1.5 metres from other people]. The government has put in place public gathering restrictions and 14 days self-isolation requirements for returned travellers, COVID 19 cases and case contacts. People who are well are not advised to wear a facemask to prevent infection.
Who is Most at Risk of Coronavirus?
Whilst most people who develop Coronavirus infection will have mild illness [80%], some will have moderate [15%] and severe [5%] illness. Experience in other countries suggest that factors increasing the risk of severe illness include age [elderly / infants], heart disease, lung disease, high blood pressure, cancer, immunosuppression, pregnancy and indigenous status.
Testing for Coronavirus
The government has provided strict guidelines as to who requires testing. Restraint is required to preserve healthcare resources [test kits / laboratory facilities / personal protective equipment / healthcare workforce]. Patients not meeting the criteria will not be tested.
How is Coronavirus Treated?
There is no specific treatment for Coronavirus. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses. Symptomatic management may include fluids and fever management [paracetamol / ibuprofen]. Patients will need to self-isolate. Severe infection may require admission to hospital for oxygen and ventilatory support.
Coronavirus Vaccination
A vaccine is under development and testing but will likely be 8-12 months away.
Sick Leave and Medical Certificates
As per normal recommendations for other respiratory infections [such as colds and flu], sick patients should self-isolate to reduce the risk of transmission. They should only return to work or school when the symptoms have fully resolved. We encourage employers not to require medical certificates for minor illnesses currently as this represents an unnecessary use of healthcare resources.
The practice will not provide medical certificates in the following circumstances to avoid unnecessary presentations and use of medical resources.
*Clearance certificates for patients having self-isolated for 14 days after overseas travel. If you have no symptoms after this time you are free to return to work.
*Clearance certificates for well people who have had contact with unwell people who have not been formally diagnosed with COVID 19
CHANGES THAT THE PRACTICE HAS ADOPTED TO DEAL WITH THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Appointment Booking
In order to protect the health of our vulnerable patients and staff the practice has introduced some screening questions at the time of telephone bookings. These questions will relate to whether the patient has any respiratory tract infection symptoms or satisfies any of the travel / occupational [healthcare worker] or COVID 19 contact criteria that would make them a suspect case. Our online booking platforms [Hot Doc / Appointuit] have clear instructions that patients with any respiratory tract symptoms or fever are not to use the online booking system and are to telephone the practice instead. If patients disregard this policy, we may be forced to disable our online bookings system. Any patients declining to answer the telephone screening questions will not be offered an appointment.
The telephone screening questions will also assist in identifying patients who may be eligible for bulk billed telephone consultations. This may include patients self-isolating on medical advice or patients in high risk categories for severe Coronavirus disease.
Patients Identifying as Having Fever or Respiratory Symptoms
The practice has introduced the following policies regarding the management of patients with any fever or respiratory symptoms [sore throat / runny nose / cough / shortness of breath]
-
Patients meeting both the clinical and situational [travel / COVID contact / healthcare worker] criteria for a suspect case will be asked to present to a government fever clinic [Prince Charles / Brighton / Pine Rivers]. Do not present to the practice.
-
Patients with fever or respiratory symptoms but without the situational criteria will be offered an appointment in our dedicated infectious symptom review facility in the vacant shopping centre tenancy next door to the practice. These patients are not to enter the main surgery premises. We have provided five dedicated parking spaces outside the front entrance for patients to park on arrival. All patients are asked to weak a facemask [if they have access to one] and to telephone reception on arrival. Patients will be seen one by one by a doctor wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. Waiting patients will remain in their car. It may not be possible for the patient to be seen by their usual doctor. All patients seen for infectious symptoms in this facility will be bulk billed. The doctor will not be able to see the patient for any issues unrelated to their respiratory illness due to lack of resources. These issues will need to be addressed later when the patient’s infectious symptoms have resolved. The practice recognises the cooperation of ISPT, the shopping centre operator for their generous assistance during this difficult time.
Patients Without Fever or Respiratory Symptoms
Patients requiring face to face consultations or ineligible for bulk- billed telephone consultations will be offered a normal appointment within the main surgery. Patients are encouraged to present to the surgery alone unless a care giver is necessary.
Patients eligible for bulk billed telephone consultations will be booked for a telephone [telehealth] consultation. We will need to confirm your contact telephone number at booking. The time given for the call will be approximate and may be affected by emergencies. The call from the doctor will be from an “Unknown Number” when it appears on your telephone. If the patient fails to answer after two telephone contact attempts this will be considered as a missed appointment and the patient will need to rebook. Even if eligible for telehealth, the patient may need to be seen in person [if not self-isolating], if a physical examination is required for diagnosis and management.
OTHER INFECTION CONTROL MEASURES INTRODUCED BY THE PRACTICE
*The waiting room seating has been rearranged to increase social distancing.
*Practice entrance door to remain open to reduce door handle contact
*Magazines, brochures and children’s toys have been removed from the waiting room. If you require any device to entertain you whilst you wait you should bring it from home.
*Discontinuation of nebuliser use to reduce risk of aerosolization of the virus.
*Discontinuation of care planning for allied health referrals until further notice.
*Provision of alcohol-based hand disinfectant for patients and staff
*Community education re infection control measures
*Appropriate Influenza vaccination utilising off peak times where possible. Private influenza vaccine is now available and is $18. Patients who qualify for government funded influenza vaccination are encouraged to wait for the release of the government stock as most qualifying patients require the higher antigenic potency vaccine that the government supplies.
*Deferring non urgent preventative care activities where appropriate
*Increase in cleaning and disinfection practices
ONGOING COMMUNICATION
*The practice will endeavour to update our patients on further changes as the pandemic progresses. We are closely following the advice of the Chief Medical Officer and relevant authorities.
*It is a difficult balancing act between caring for patients with infectious symptoms and protecting our most vulnerable patient groups and staff from COVID 19.
*We will post updates on our website, practice signage and via SMS. If you have previously declined to receive SMS contact, then you will have to notify reception to consent to this service if you now wish to receive SMS updates. As always, we encourage you all to update your contact details with our reception staff.
*We would like to thank you all for your understanding and cooperation at this challenging time. It is likely that the measures outlined will need to continue for some months until the pandemic is controlled. Further changes to the way that we operate may be necessary and these will be communicated to you. The best outcome will require us all to work together during this unprecedented event in our lives.
Practice Hours
Monday |
6.00am – 8.30pm |
Tuesday |
6.00am – 8.30pm |
Wednesday |
6.00am – 8.30pm |
Thursday |
6.00am – 8.30pm |
Friday |
6.00am – 7.30pm |
Saturday |
8.00am – 3.00pm |
Sunday |
Closed |
Our opening times may vary in the future if staff absences occur due to illness. We will keep you informed of any changes.
Best Wishes
Dr Lachlan Steffen
Dr Mike Pokarier
Dr Peter Hackney
Elizabeth Sullivan [Practice Manager]
280 Australians develop diabetes every day.
That’s one person every five minutes. This July promote diabetes awareness among your friends and loved ones and urge them to take preventative health measures to prevent this disease.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious complex condition which can affect the entire body. Diabetes requires daily self care and if complications develop, diabetes can have a significant impact on quality of life and can reduce life expectancy. While there is currently no cure for diabetes, you can live an enjoyable life by learning about the condition and effectively managing it.
There are different types of diabetes; all types are complex and serious. The three main types of diabetes are type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS DIABETES WITH YOUR DOCTOR, PLEASE BOOK A 30 MINUTE CONSULTATION
Measles Infection can be serious and is very contagious.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) is a combination vaccine.
If you are born after 1966 this can be a FREE vaccine, if you have not had previous vaccines, or can be proven as non-immune via pathology tests.
Before travelling overseas, please discuss with your doctor the need to be vaccinated.
You can book your appointment online via Appointuit or call our friendly reception team at 3261 7000.
A recent study could change our understanding of the ways in which mitochondria, or the powerhouses of the cells, influence Parkinson’s disease. The latest results fly in the face of current theories.
Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative conditions in the United States, and it affects an estimated 1 millionpeople there, plus 10 million worldwide.
The disease causes a gradual impairment of motor skills, with symptoms including tremor and rigidity. Parkinson’s can also lead to dementia, depression, and anxiety.
The primary changes in the Parkinson’s disease-affected brain occur in a small region called the substantia nigra. These dopamine-producing neurons die off, and the region is infiltrated by so-called Lewy bodies, which are abnormal aggregates of protein.
Despite years of research, the mechanisms that underly Parkinson’s disease are unknown. However, recent research implies that mitochondrial dysfunction might be involved.