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TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR PATIENTS
1. Introduction
1.1 These Terms and Conditions ("Agreement") constitute a legally binding contract between the patient ("the Patient") and (Bullsbrook Medical Centre and its associated Medical and Allied Health Providers ) ("the Practice").
1.2 By seeking medical treatment from the Practice, the Patient acknowledges and agrees to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
1.3 These Terms and Conditions are designed to ensure the delivery of high-quality medical care while maintaining the efficient operation of the Practice.
2. Appointments
2.1 The Patient is required to schedule appointments in advance where possible. Walk-in appointments will be subject to availability.
2.2 A minimum of 24 hours' notice is required for appointment cancellations. Failure to provide such notice may result in the imposition of a cancellation fee.
2.3 The Practice reserves the right to modify, cancel, or reschedule appointments due to unforeseen circumstances, and reasonable efforts will be made to notify the Patient accordingly.
2.4 Repeated failures of The Patient to attend scheduled appointments without notice may result in limitations on future bookings and/or additional fees.
3. Billing and Payments
3.1 The Practice offers both bulk-billed and private consultations at the discretion of the health provider consulting at The Practice.
3.2 All fees must be paid in full at the time of the consultation unless prior arrangements have been formally agreed upon with The Practice.
3.3 The Practice accepts payment via cash, EFTPOS, and credit card. The Practice does not accept personal cheques.
3.4 Patients experiencing financial hardship must inform the Practice in advance to discuss potential alternative payment arrangements.
4. Debt Collection and Recovery of Fees
4.1 All outstanding fees must be paid within 28 days from the date of the invoice.
4.2 If payment is not received within 7 days of a final reminder notice, the Practice reserves the right to engage a third-party collection agency or initiate legal proceedings to recover the outstanding amount.
4.3 The Patient agrees to be liable for all additional costs associated with debt recovery, including but not limited to administrative fees, interest charges, and legal expenses.
4.4 The Practice reserves the right to withhold further medical services, including appointment scheduling, until all outstanding fees have been settled.
4.5 Payment plans may be considered at the discretion of the Practice upon written request.
5. Confidentiality and Privacy
5.1 The Practice complies with the Australian Privacy Act and the Australian Privacy Principles.
5.2 The Practice ensures that all Patient information is securely stored and is only disclosed in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
5.3 Patients have the right to request access to their medical records in accordance with privacy laws. A reasonable administrative fee may apply.
5.4 The Practice reserves the right to refuse access to medical records in exceptional circumstances as permitted by law.
6. Code of Conduct
6.1 The Patient is expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and appropriate manner at all times when interacting with staff, healthcare professionals, and other patients.
6.2 Any abusive, aggressive, or inappropriate behaviour may result in the Patient being refused service or discharged from the Practice.
6.3 The Practice reserves the right to involve law enforcement where necessary to protect staff and other patients.
7. Prescriptions and Referrals
7.1 Requests for repeat prescriptions require an appointment unless otherwise determined by the treating doctor.
7.2 Specialist referrals will be issued at the discretion of the doctor based on medical necessity.
7.3 Certain medications may be subject to additional review, and prescriptions will not be issued without an appropriate consultation.
8. Medical Records and Test Results
8.1 The Patient is responsible for following up on test results unless advised otherwise by the doctor.
8.2 Test results will be provided only in consultation with a doctor to ensure appropriate interpretation and medical advice.
8.3 The Practice may contact the Patient in cases where abnormal results require urgent medical attention.
8.4 Requests for the transfer of medical records to another provider may be subject to administrative fees.
9. Complaints and Feedback
9.1 The Practice encourages Patients to provide feedback regarding their experience and service received.
9.2 Complaints must be submitted in writing to the Practice, and a response will be provided within a reasonable timeframe. If a complaint relates to a specific health professional, including a GP, we will ensure that it is directed to them for their review and response.
9.3 If the Patient is dissatisfied with the outcome of a complaint, they may escalate the matter to the relevant medical regulatory authority.
10. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Documentation
10.1 The health professionals providing services in the Practice may utilize AI-assisted tools to assist in the documentation of clinical notes during consultations.
10.2 Patients are informed that AI is used solely as a documentation aid, and all medical records are thoroughly reviewed and personalized by the treating doctor to ensure accuracy and relevance to the patient’s specific clinical context.
10.3 The treating doctor remains fully responsible for all medical decisions and documentation, regardless of AI assistance.
10.4 Patient data is handled securely in accordance with privacy laws, and the use of AI does not compromise the confidentiality of medical records.
10.5 By continuing to receive care at the Practice, the patient acknowledges and consents to the use of AI-assisted documentation under these terms.
11. Amendments to Terms and Conditions
11.1 The Practice reserves the right to modify, amend, or update these Terms and Conditions at any time without prior notice.
11.2 Significant changes to these Terms and Conditions that affect Patient rights or obligations will be communicated via public notices at the Practice or via other reasonable means.
12. Acknowledgment and Agreement
12.1 By attending an appointment at Bullsbrook Medical Centre, the Patient acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions.
12.2 Continued use of the Practice’s services constitutes acceptance of the most recent version of these Terms and Conditions.
12.3 The Patient acknowledges that failure to comply with these Terms and Conditions may result in refusal of services or legal action where appropriate.