Question 1

Booking Standard Appointments

Accepted Answer

While doctors typically conduct consultations by appointment, emergencies are prioritised to ensure they receive the necessary and immediate attention. You can book online at any time or give us a call during our opening hours. Consultations typically last 10-15 minutes. If you require more time, please book a longer appointment. 
Continuity of care is important, so we aim to book you with your regular doctor unless you have a specific preference. If you are an existing patient, you can take advantage and book your appointments online via the booking system HotDoc. The link to Hotdoc (https://www.signalhealthnewton.com.au/book-online)is here or you can download the app on your smartphone. If you don't find your preferred appointment type for your doctor on HotDoc, give us a call and we will assist you.
If you are a new patient, you can contact us by phone to schedule your first appointment.

Question 2

Booking Appointments for Multiple / Complex Issues

Accepted Answer

If you have several health concerns or a complex issue to talk to your doctor about, it's a good idea to schedule a longer appointment. This way, your doctor can take the time needed to discuss everything with you. If you have booked a standard appointment or one that isn’t long enough, your doctor might ask about each concern, prioritise the most urgent ones, and suggest scheduling another appointment to cover the rest at a convenient time.

Question 3

New Patients

Accepted Answer

We're excited to welcome new patients. When you choose us for your healthcare needs, you can be confident in our commitment to delivering exceptional care.

Your first visit might be a bit longer than usual, as we want to make sure your doctor understands your health needs thoroughly. To help things go smoothly, please complete our New Patient Information Form.(https://www.signalhealthnewton.com.au/forms) You can download it online and email it back to telehealth@signalhealthnewton.com.au (telehealth@signalhealthnewton.com.au)before your appointment or bring it along when you come in.

If downloading it is a hassle, you can also arrive early to your appointment and we'll give you a copy of the form.

If you're transferring from another practice, you can fill out our Transfer of Records Form,(https://www.signalhealthnewton.com.au/forms) return it to us and we'll take care of the rest for you.

Question 4

Keeping Appointments Running on Time

Accepted Answer

Your doctor strives to keep things running smoothly and on time for everyone. However, there are instances when urgent cases take precedence which can lead to potential delays.
We get it – waiting is not fun for anyone. It can be frustrating for you and a bit stressful for your doctor and our team. Consultations sometimes go beyond the scheduled time, and just a few extra minutes per appointment can add up quickly.
While we will do our best to keep things on time on our end, here’s how you can help out:
 • If you know you'll need more time with your doctor, please book a longer appointment online or let our receptionist know when you book your appointment so that we can make sure to allocate a longer slot for you.
 • Be open to the possibility that your doctor might suggest a follow-up visit for any remaining issues. 
 • Understand that "fit in" or "brief" appointments are reserved for urgent matters that can't wait. Your doctor will focus on addressing the immediate problem during these appointments.
 • Our reception staff will do their best to keep you informed of any delays when you arrive and you can always ask them for updates while you wait.
We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Question 5

Urgent Care / Walk-ins

Accepted Answer

In case of an emergency, dial 000 for SA Ambulance Services.
We understand emergencies can happen at any age, and your well-being is our top priority. While your doctor usually schedules appointments for consultations, emergencies are handled with immediate attention. Depending on the situation, you may need to go to hospital.
If you're unsure whether your situation is urgent, don't hesitate to contact 000. If you need to call us, we're here to help guide you on whether immediate medical care is needed. If you walk in without an appointment with your doctor and it's not an urgent situation, we'll schedule you for the next available appointment.

Question 6

After Hours Care

Accepted Answer

In an emergency please call SA Ambulance Services on 000.
When you call after hours, your call is redirected to a medical answering service. They'll guide you to the right care, and if necessary, get in touch with your doctor.
For quick information and advice, we recommend Healthdirect – you can reach them by phone at 1800 022 222 or visit their website by clicking here.(https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/) It's a government-funded service with reliable health information. You can check your symptoms online, access health resources, or even seek advice over the phone. It will help you figure out if you should seek urgent medical care or wait to see your doctor during their regular hours.
If your child becomes unwell outside of the regular opening hours and you feel it is an emergency, please dial 000. For less urgent needs, consider contacting the WCH Child and Adolescent Virtual Urgent Care Service (https://www.wch.sa.gov.au/patients-visitors/emergencies/virtual-urgent-care)that connects parents with a virtual team of emergency doctors and nurses who can assess and provide medical advice for children aged between 6 months and up to 18 years.
For scheduling appointments with your doctor for the following day, you can conveniently book online via HotDoc,(https://www.signalhealthnewton.com.au/book-online) where you can check your doctor’s availability and book your appointment.
Alternatively, you can call us in the morning when we are open.
For after-hours care after 6pm, we have partnered with the National Home Doctor Service and they are also available to assist you when we are closed.

Question 7

Home Visits

Accepted Answer

We encourage all patients to come to the practice for consultations with their doctor whenever possible. However, we understand that sometimes health conditions can make it challenging. If Telehealth is not suitible and you're a regular patient and live reasonably close, you can discuss the possibility of a home visit with your doctor. If they agree, we'll work together to make the necessary arrangements. Please be aware that there are fees charged by your doctor for home visits.
In situations where a home visit might not be the safest or most practical option, we will explore alternative care options that suit your specific circumstances.

Question 8

Cancelling Appointments

Accepted Answer

If your plans have changed and you won't be able to make it to your appointment, or if you need to reschedule to a new time, please let us know as soon as possible. By doing this, you're helping us make sure someone else gets a chance to take that appointment slot with your doctor. You can cancel or reschedule online or give us a call. There is a fee equivalent to the booked consultation fee if you cancel less than 2 hours before your appointment which is charged at the discretion of your doctor.

Patient Information

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