A referral from a GP or Specialist is requested for all patients who are new to the clinic or who have previously attended but are intending to have a “new treatment course” with a Dermatologist.
In Australia you are allowed to see a Dermatologist without a referral (both for initial and review consultations), however the amount you will receive back from Medicare will be less.
A referral letter will ensure the Dermatologist has an up-to-date summary of your medical history and it will also facilitate correspondence between your treating doctors.
Referring doctors can request an urgent appointment on your behalf. We recognise that some conditions require an immediate assessment by a Dermatologist.
A standard GP referral is valid for 12 months from the date of consultation with the Dermatologist (ie. not from the date that the referral was written). A referral from a Specialist is only valid for a 3-month period.
A GP can refer for a period beyond 12 months or indefinitely if a condition requires ongoing care from a specialist. A new referral is needed if the consultation is for a new or unrelated condition.
Note that under an indefinite referral some Medicare claims may be rejected. In such cases you will not receive the expected Medicare rebate. The reason for Medicare rejecting some claims (and no longer accepting the indefinite referral) is unclear. If this happens, you will be asked to provide a new referral for your next consultation. This inconsistency is a peculiarity of the Medicare system.
The Dermatologists working at NWD set their fees independently. In general, the out-of-pocket cost for a consultation with a Dermatologist is between $200 and $230. Additional fees apply for procedures. Phototherapy sessions are bulk billed.
A fee of $60 + GST applies for a consultation with a Dermal Clinician or Cosmetic Nurse.
The following surcharges apply:
The following Medicare rebates apply for consultations with a Dermatologist:
While there is no cancellation fee for standard in-person consultations, we request 48 hours’ notice if you are unable to attend your appointment.
For cosmetic and laser treatments, a fee of $50 applies for late cancellations (within 48 hours) or non-attendance.
Limited onsite parking is available. Street parking is available in the surrounding area.
Tram: the no. 59 tram runs directly alongside the clinic.
Bus: routes 404, 469, 472, 476, 477, 483, 504, 505, 506, 508 and 959 terminate or stop at the Moonee Ponds Interchange, a 5-minute walk from the clinic.
Train: the Moonee Ponds Railway Station is 15 minutes’ walk from the clinic.
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Photography by Ayooluwatomiwa Oloruntoba
