Little Tree appointments and COVID-19 safety
Little Tree Practice offers both telehealth and face-to-face appointments during the COVID-19 period. The availability of face-to-face appointments is at the discretion of individual doctors and is carefully considered based on the current risk levels for patients and staff.
Factors which influence these decisions include the immunity status of patients and staff, and the level of community transmission of COVID-19 at the time of booking the appointment. Thank you for your patience with the current situation and we look forward to face-to-face appointments returning to usual frequency in the future.
We ask that all patients and families notify the practice by email or phone prior to the appointment if they are experiencing any of the following:
– Sore throat
– Cough
– Runny nose or sniffle
– Shortness of breath
– Other symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting
– Travel overseas or interstate in the last month
We will ensure your continuity of care via telehealth in these circumstances. Unfortunately, we cannot allow admission to the practice if any of these symptoms have been present either currently or in the 14 days prior to your appointment.
How do I book an appointment?
All new assessment appointments are booked after your referral letter from your GP or referring doctor is sent be email or fax to Little Tree Practice. All referrals are reviewed by the doctor in order to check the suitability of the referral and the need for any extra information. Once the referral is reviewed and accepted by the doctor, patients and families will be contacted by our reception at Little Tree to confirm the date and time and to be informed of the fees and rebates for the assessment.
Who should come to the assessment?
Both parents or two carers (if possible) should attend the assessment with their child or teenager. Young adults 18 years old may come alone or with parents/carers if preferred.
What should I bring to the assessment?
Your GP or doctor’s referral letter is essential. School reports and any testing from previous assessments are also useful.
How long will the assessment take?
Depending on your doctor, assessments will take between 1-2 hours. Follow-up appointments range from 15 to 45 minutes or longer as needed.
How do I access my rebate?
Rebates should be paid by Medicare into the bank account you have nominated within 24-48 hours of payment for your appointment. Please visit humanservices.gov.au website for details about registering for the Extended Medicare Safety Net.
Emergencies
Little Tree Practice is not an emergency or crisis service. We cannot provide after-hours contact. In the event of a crisis please use the following emergency numbers, or go to your GP or to the closest emergency department. If someone is in immediate danger, please dial 000.
24 hour Mental Health Access Line: 1800 011 511, Lifeline: 13 11 14, Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800, Suicide Callback Service: 1300 659 467, Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36
