All Medicare-eligible consultations are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card. Some items, including privately purchased vaccines and consumables, attract a fee.
New to the clinic? This is the whole thing, in order, with nothing left out.
Online through HotDoc, in person, or by calling (02) 4008 4400. Tell reception roughly what it's about so they can set aside the right amount of time.
First visit only. That gives reception time to register you properly. You can also fill out the new patient form through HotDoc before you come in, which saves the wait entirely.
Regular appointments run 10 to 15 minutes. Raise the important thing first rather than at the door — and say if you have a list, because that changes how your GP paces the appointment.
Pathology is on site, so tests can usually be done straight after your appointment. Book your results appointment before you leave and it's already in the diary.
You don't need a referral to see a GP. Book online, walk in, or ring reception — and bring the four things below so your first appointment isn't spent on paperwork.
What to bring to your first appointment
We need to confirm we're creating the right record for the right person, particularly where names or dates of birth are similar. It takes reception a few seconds once you have it out.
“I'm a new patient — here's my ID and Medicare card.”A current, valid card is what allows your consultation to be bulk billed. If your card has expired, Services Australia can usually reissue it quickly — and it's worth doing before your appointment rather than after.
If you hold overseas student or visitor cover, bring your OSHC or OVC membership details as well.
“My card's expired — can I still be seen?”The boxes are better than a list, because they carry the dose and the strength. Include anything you buy yourself — supplements, herbal preparations and over-the-counter medicines all interact with prescriptions and are routinely left out.
Any recent hospital letters, discharge summaries or specialist results are helpful too, though not essential.
“I've brought everything I take, including the vitamins.”WorkCover patients need to inform their employer and bring the employer's contact details so payment can be verified and arranged. Bring your claim number too if one has been issued.
These appointments are billed to the insurer rather than to Medicare, so telling reception upfront saves sorting it out afterwards.
“This is a work injury — here are my employer's details.”Pick the closest situation. This is a guide rather than a quote — reception will always confirm the exact amount before your appointment.
What are you coming in for?
Weekend appointments: billing arrangements on Saturdays and Sundays differ from weekdays. Please check with reception when you book a weekend appointment so you know where you stand before you come in.
Fees shown are what you pay at the clinic for the appointment itself, and are a guide only. Medicines, devices, imaging, allied health and specialist fees are set elsewhere. Reception will always confirm the cost with you before anything goes ahead.
We understand that plans change. If you can't attend, please let us know as early as you can so the appointment can be offered to someone else — often the same morning.
Cancelling
Cancel online through HotDoc, the same way you booked. Nothing to pay, and the slot goes back into the system straight away.
This is by far the easiest route and it's available at any hour. If you booked by phone you can still cancel online, or ring us during opening hours.
What to doCancelling
Phone the clinic directly on (02) 4008 4400. Online cancellation closes at the 48-hour mark.
Please still ring, however late it is. Even fifteen minutes is often enough for us to offer the appointment to someone waiting, and a phone call is always better than simply not arriving.
What to doDid not attend
Patients who repeatedly miss appointments without cancelling may incur a fee.
Three missed appointments within a 12-month period: $150.
WorkCover or third-party funded appointments: $100.
Outstanding fees must be paid before further appointments can be booked. These are practice fees rather than Medicare services, so there's no rebate and they can't be bulk billed.
If something genuinely unavoidable came up, tell reception. They'd far rather hear the reason.
See the feesProcedures
A $50 non-refundable booking deposit applies to procedures and iron infusions.
These appointments take a long slot and specific preparation, which is why a deposit is required to hold them. Reception will explain what's involved and what the total will be when you book.
What appliesBook online through HotDoc at any hour, in person, or by phone during business hours. Tap a card to see how each works.
HotDoc is available at any hour, and it shows you who's free rather than making you ask.
Reception takes appointment bookings Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm. Walk-ins are seen subject to doctor availability.
Results, prescriptions, telehealth, privacy and everything else worth knowing. Open any topic.
How results are givenA follow-up appointment is usually required to receive results. Telephone advice is only given where your doctor has specifically authorised it.
Results are discussed in an appointment rather than read out over the phone, so there's time to explain what they mean and what happens next. Book the follow-up when the test is ordered and it's already in the diary.
We contact any patient with an urgent result immediately. Systems aren't perfect though — if you've had a test and heard nothing, please ring us rather than assuming all is well.
Telephone enquiriesWe value our patients' concerns. Leave a clear message with reception and your doctor will return your call when they can.
Doctors are with patients for most of the day, so calls are generally returned between appointments or at the end of a session. If it's urgent, say so when you ring — reception will treat it differently.
If it's something that needs examining, or a decision that needs your history in front of the doctor, an appointment will nearly always get you a better answer than a phone call.
Book before you run outKeep an eye on your supply and book before the last tablet rather than on it. An appointment lets your GP review what you're taking and prescribe appropriately.
It doesn't have to be a long appointment. Electronic prescriptions can be sent to your phone and filled at any pharmacy.
Bring the boxes or a list if anything has changed since your last visit, including anything prescribed by a specialist or bought over the counter.
Check firstTelehealth is offered in some circumstances. Please phone the practice on (02) 4008 4400 to check whether it's available for you and for what you need.
Telehealth generally suits results, scripts, referrals and follow-ups. Anything that needs examining — a chest, an abdomen, a lump, a rash, an ear, a blood pressure — is better done in person.
If you have a cough, cold, sore throat or fever, ring and ask rather than sitting in the waiting room.
In an emergency, call 000Don't wait, and don't drive yourself.
If you need urgent medical care while we're closed, 13SICK booking lines are open from 6:00pm on weekdays, from 12:00pm on Saturdays, and all day on Sundays and public holidays.
The short versionEverything you discuss with your doctor is personal and private health information. It's shared with professionals outside the practice only with your informed consent.
Every staff member is bound by a signed privacy clause in their employment agreement. Medical information covers your past medical and social history, current health issues and future care, and all of it is treated the same way.
Specific systems protect the privacy, security and integrity of our patient records. All staff are trained in computer security, and IT support oversees the maintenance and security of our systems.
Medical records are the property of the practice. Only written requests for access to medical records are accepted — ask reception and they'll explain how.
How information travelsElectronic medical information is transmitted in encrypted form using secure messaging software. Printed information is sent by secure post with a tracking number.
Diagnostic correspondence and results, electronic or hard copy, are always forwarded to the relevant doctor and marked confidential.
We do not accept patient enquiries or requests by email, and we do not send patient information to personal email addresses. Patient information is only sent by email where it is securely encrypted. For anything sensitive, please ring reception.
Fax machines, printers and other electronic communication devices are accessible only to doctors and authorised staff, and faxes containing confidential information are sent only after the number has been checked.
Just askTell reception when you book, or when you arrive, if you need help with communication. A phone interpreter may be available.
Patients from non-English speaking backgrounds can contact TIS National — the Translating and Interpreting Service — on 1800 555 660 or 131 450 to book an interpreter. A private fee may apply.
For an Auslan interpreter, tell reception when you book and we will help arrange one.
Several of our GPs speak languages other than English, including Arabic, Mandarin, Hindi, Punjabi, Farsi, Russian, Spanish, Italian, French, Dari and Pashto. Ask reception who's available.
Tell us either wayWe aim to give every patient careful, unhurried attention. If you're dissatisfied with any part of our service, please bring it to our attention so we can do better next time.
If raising it with us doesn't resolve things, we welcome your complaint in writing. We'll acknowledge it in writing or contact you to discuss the way forward, investigate, and advise you of the outcome.
If you're still not satisfied, you can write to the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission, an independent body established under the Health Care Complaints Act 1993. It protects public health and safety by resolving, investigating and prosecuting complaints about healthcare.
Why we contact youThe whole point of preventive care is that it happens on time rather than when someone remembers. We run a recall and reminder system for screening, immunisations and care plan reviews.
You may receive a text message, phone call or letter inviting you to book. If you'd prefer not to be contacted this way, tell reception and we'll note it on your file.
This practice has a strict no smoking policy, which applies to the clinic and its entrance.
Each policy is available to read in full. Printed copies are also available at reception — just ask and we'll print or email whichever one you'd like.
Free, voluntary, and it links your family's care to this practice. If you already think of Salamander Bay Doctors as your regular clinic, registering simply makes that formal.
What it means for you
Do you have a Medicare card or a DVA Veteran Card?
Seen here in person at least twice in the last two years?
Two face-to-face visits with the same practice in the previous 24 months is the Department of Health and Aged Care's rule. People in residential aged care, and people facing hardship, are exempt. Nothing you tap here is sent anywhere.
If you're going to look something up, look it up somewhere trustworthy. These are the sources we'd point you to ourselves.
Showing all 23 resources
These links open external websites that we don't control. They're offered as general information and don't replace advice about your own situation.
Monday to Friday, all patients with a valid Medicare card are bulk billed. Weekend billing arrangements differ, so please check with reception when you book a Saturday or Sunday appointment. Services Medicare doesn't cover attract a private fee, and reception will tell you the amount beforehand wherever possible.
A fee applies, payable at the time of your consultation. Depending on your cover you may be able to claim part of it back through private health insurance. Ring reception on (02) 4008 4400 before you book so you know the amount.
Photo ID, a valid Medicare card, and any concession or pensioner card. Bring your OSHC or OVC membership details if you have overseas cover, and a list of your medicines or the boxes themselves. WorkCover patients should notify their employer and bring the employer's contact details. Arrive at least five minutes early, or complete the new patient form through HotDoc beforehand.
Regular appointments run 10 to 15 minutes. If you feel you need longer, discuss it with reception when you book. Health assessments, skin checks, minor procedures, care plans and anything with several parts all need extra time.
Cancel online through HotDoc up to 48 hours before your appointment. Inside 48 hours, please phone the clinic on (02) 4008 4400. Patients who repeatedly miss appointments without cancelling may incur a fee — three missed appointments within a 12-month period attract a $150 fee, and WorkCover or third-party funded appointments attract $100. Outstanding fees must be paid before further appointments can be booked.
Yes. A $50 non-refundable booking deposit applies to procedures and iron infusions. Reception will explain what's involved and what the total will be when you book.
Yes, subject to doctor availability on the day. Booking online through HotDoc or by phone usually means less time in the waiting room, but you're welcome to walk in.
A follow-up appointment is usually required. Telephone advice is only given where your doctor has authorised it. We contact any patient with an urgent result immediately — but if you've had a test and heard nothing, please ring us rather than assuming all is well.
Telehealth is offered in some circumstances. Please phone the practice on (02) 4008 4400 to check whether it's available to you and for what you need.
An appointment is needed so your GP can review what you're taking and prescribe appropriately. It doesn't have to be a long one, and electronic prescriptions can be sent straight to your phone.
In an emergency, call 000. For urgent care that isn't an emergency, 13SICK booking lines are open from 6:00pm on weekdays, from 12:00pm on Saturdays, and all day on Sundays and public holidays. Tomaree Community Hospital on Trevally Street, Nelson Bay can be reached on (02) 4984 0700, and Healthdirect offers registered nurse advice at any hour on 1800 022 222.
Yes, if you consider Salamander Bay Doctors your regular practice. It's free and voluntary, doesn't affect your Medicare rights or benefits, and you can leave at any time. Register through the HotDoc form on this page, or ask our team and they'll help.
Yes, and it usually helps. Choose your GP when you book online, or mention who you'd like to see when you ring. Continuity does a lot of the work in general practice — someone who knows your history notices what's changed.
Yes. Tell reception when you book or on arrival and a phone interpreter may be available. You can also contact TIS National on 1800 555 660 or 131 450 to book an interpreter, though a private fee may apply. For an Auslan interpreter, tell reception when you book and we will help arrange one.
Please raise it with reception or our practice manager first, and give us the chance to put it right. If that doesn't resolve it, we welcome your complaint in writing — we'll acknowledge it, investigate, and advise you of the outcome. If you're still not satisfied you can write to the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission, which is independent of this practice.
Shop 5, 2 Town Centre Circuit, Salamander Bay NSW 2317 — inside Salamander Bay Shopping Centre, with free onsite parking. That puts us a short drive from Nelson Bay, Corlette, Soldiers Point, Anna Bay, Shoal Bay and the surrounding Port Stephens suburbs.
Online through HotDoc at any hour, or ring reception. Monday to Friday, patients with a valid Medicare card are bulk billed.
Consultations are bulk billed on weekdays for patients with a valid Medicare card, and reception will tell you about any fee before anything goes ahead. Bring your Medicare card, any concession card and a list of your medicines.
We are in Salamander Bay Shopping Centre with free parking, and patients come from across Port Stephens and the Tomaree Peninsula, including Nelson Bay, Corlette, Soldiers Point, Anna Bay, Lemon Tree Passage and Medowie.
Book online with HotDoc at any hour, or call (02) 4008 4400.
From the health journal
