PREVENTATIVE HEALTH

Research shows that many health problems are related to diet and lifestyle choices. Interchange General Practice doctors therefore, as a matter of course, raise these matters with patients and recommend responses.

Interchange General Practice’s computerised electronic notes make it possible both to send reminders to patients about tests and treatment agreed on in earlier consultations; but also to contact patients with particular kinds of health problems (eg diabetes) that need regular follow up.

Patients who do not wish to be contacted in this way should advise their doctor.

CHRONIC ILLNESS

Research shows that chronic disease accounts for around 80% of the total burden of illness in Australia. This is attributable to a range of factors, including: advances in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases and injuries, demographic movements; lifestyle changes.

Chronic illnesses can compromise quality of life, are long term and persistent, and can lead to a gradual deterioration of health. Chronic illnesses include cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, asthma and arthritis.

An option for patients with chronic disease is preparation of a Care Plan. Care Plans drawn up by Interchange General Practice doctors typically include a detailed overview of the patient’s health history and treatment.These health summaries can be retained by the patient for presentation at hospital or to other health professionals. Care Plans also identify treatment objectives and methods, patient self care options and the identity of other health professionals involved in the care.

HOME VISITS

Home visits are available for patients of the Practice who are unable to come to the surgery premises. Patients are asked to contact the surgery during normal working hours to arrange home visits. Nursing home visits are available by arrangement.

TELEPHONE CONTACT WITH DOCTORS

Normally, doctors do not take telephone calls from patients since that will interrupt a consultation with another patient. In such cases the receptionist will take down contact details and message from the patient for a subsequent return call by the doctor.

WAITING TIMES

The IGP tries to keep patient waiting times to a minimum. However the demand for medical care is unpredictable. One cause of the unpredictability is the need to treat patients requiring emergency care. A second cause is that some appointments take longer than scheduled. You will greatly assist us in minimising delays if you advise us at the time you make your appointment whether you need a long consultation (more than 15 minutes).

LANGUAGES SPOKEN

The main language spoken is English.  Other languages spoken are Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, Farsi, and Ukrainian.

We can arrange for an interpreter if necessary.

YOUR RIGHTS

Patients are encouraged to discuss any problem about treatment with their doctor or any other member of staff. If a patient feels he or she is unable to resolve the problem within the practice, the patient can contact The Health Complaints Commissioner by calling 6205 2222.

PRIVACY

The Interchange General Practice has developed a policy about the collection, use and disclosure of the patient information that it holds. The policy also sets out the rights of the patients to access this information. If you would like to know more, please discuss the matter with your doctor or ask for a copy of our policy statement.