Services/Patient Information

Mental Health

Mental Health is more than just mental illness. Poor mental health can prevent you from coping with the stresses of daily life, working productively and enjoying life to its fullest.

Do you feel:

• Anxious or worried
• Depressed or unhappy
• Quiet or withdrawn
• Guilty or worthless

Have you noticed changes in your behaviour or feelings, weight or appetite? Do you have problems sleeping? You could be suffering from poor mental health, book an appointment today with one of our GP’s to discuss this. You may be eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan Referral which entitles you to Medicare rebatable services from a Psychologist.

Chronic Disease Management

A chronic disease is one that has been (or is likely to be) present for six months or longer, for example, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions and stroke.

Our doctors can prepare management plans to coordinate the care and treatment of your illness. You may be eligible for a GP Management Plan (GPMP) or a Team Care Arrangement (TCA) which entitles you to Medicare rebatable services from a large range of Allied Health Services.

Diabetes & Asthma

Diabetes
There are different types of diabetes including Type 1 & Type 2, Gestational Diabetes and Impaired Glucose Tolerance that can affect your body from top to bottom. You may feel you are at risk or already have been diagnosed with Diabetes. Book an appointment today with one of our doctors to discuss your symptoms and risk factors or your current treatment. You may be eligible for an Annual Diabetes Cycle of Care which is a checklist designed to assist you keep your Diabetes controlled and your health care on track. Our nursing team can also assist you in the use of blood glucose monitors. For more information there is a Diabetes Annual Cycle of Care:
https://www.ndss.com.au – National Diabetes Services Scheme
http://www.diabetesqld.org.au – Diabetes Queensland

Asthma
Asthma affects people of all ages and can be diagnosed at any stage during our lifetime. The most common symptoms of Asthma are breathlessness, wheezing, tight feelings in the chest and continuing coughing. Book an appointment today with one of our doctors to discuss your symptoms and risk factors or your current treatment. You may be eligible for an Annual Asthma Cycle of Care, Asthma Control Test or an Asthma Action Plan. Our nursing team can also assist you in the use of puffers and spacers. Below we have listed links to informative websites:
http://www.nationalasthma.org.au – National Asthma Council Australia
http://www.asthmaaustralia.org.au/qld – Queensland Asthma Foundation

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Health Assessments

At Nundah Doctors Surgery, we believe that prevention is just as important as treatment. A Health Assessment is a comprehensive review of your current health, helping to identify any potential health concerns early, reduce your risk of future illness, and ensure you receive the care and support you need to stay healthy and independent.

Health Assessments are fully funded by Medicare for eligible patients and are tailored to your individual health needs.

What Happens During a Health Assessment?

Your Health Assessment begins with a dedicated appointment with one of our experienced Practice Nurses. Depending on the type of assessment, this appointment usually takes 20 to 60 minutes.

During your appointment, your nurse may:

• Review your medical history and current medications.
• Check your blood pressure, pulse, height, weight and Body Mass Index (BMI).
• Assess your lifestyle, including nutrition, physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Discuss your mental health and emotional wellbeing.
• Review your vaccination status.
• Assess your risk of falls and mobility concerns.
• Review your memory and cognitive health where appropriate.
• Discuss bladder and bowel health if relevant.
• Review hearing and vision concerns.
• Identify any health risks that may require further investigation or management.
• Arrange any screening tests that may be due, such as bowel screening, breast screening or cervical screening where appropriate.

Following your nurse appointment, you will have a standard consultation with your GP to discuss the findings, review any concerns, and develop a personalised management plan.

Your GP may recommend further investigations, referrals to allied health professionals or specialists, preventative strategies, or ongoing care to help you achieve the best possible health outcomes.

Why Should I Have a Health Assessment?

Regular Health Assessments are designed to detect health problems before they become more serious. They provide an opportunity to review your overall health, ensure preventative care is up to date, and develop a plan that supports your long-term wellbeing.

For many patients, these assessments can:

• Detect health conditions earlier.
• Reduce the risk of preventable illness.
• Improve management of existing medical conditions.
• Ensure medications remain safe and appropriate.
• Support healthy ageing and independence.
• Connect you with additional health services and community supports if needed.

Annual Health Assessments for Older Adults

If you are 75 years or older, we strongly encourage you to have a Health Assessment every year.

As we age, our health needs can change, often without obvious symptoms. An annual Health Assessment gives you and your healthcare team the opportunity to identify any changes early and help you maintain your independence, safety and quality of life.

These yearly reviews can identify issues such as:

• Increased falls risk.
• Memory or cognitive changes.
• Weight loss or poor nutrition.
• Medication-related problems.
• Hearing or vision decline.
• Reduced mobility or frailty.
• Chronic disease progression.

Early identification means we can provide timely treatment, referrals and support to help you continue living safely and independently for as long as possible.

Who is Eligible?

You may be eligible for a Medicare-funded Health Assessment if you:

• Are aged 45–49 years and at risk of developing a chronic disease.
• Are 75 years or older.
• Live in a residential aged care facility.
• Have an intellectual disability.
• Are a refugee or humanitarian entrant.
• Are a former Australian Defence Force member.
• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
• If you are unsure whether you are eligible, our friendly reception team can assist you.

Book Your Health Assessment

If you are due for your Health Assessment or have received a reminder from our clinic, we encourage you to book an appointment.

Investing a little time each year in your health can make a significant difference to your wellbeing now and into the future.

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Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Patients

To help ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receive primary health care matched to their needs our doctors can assist with early detection, diagnosis and treatment for common conditions.

There are 3 health assessments available to different age groups to assist in their physical, psychological and social wellbeing. Health Assessments are available to children under 15 years old, adults between 15 and 55 years old and patients aged 55 years and older.
Once a health assessment has been completed, patients are eligible for further support and treatment from practice nurses or allied health services.

The closing the gap program is available to patients who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander living with, or at risk of, chronic disease. Once enrolled in the program, eligible patients will benefit from lower or no costs when purchasing PBS medications.

Book an appointment today with one of our doctors to find out how we can assist your healthcare needs.

Childhood and Adult Vaccination

Immunisation remains the safest and most effective way to stop the spread of many of the world’s most infectious diseases. Immunisation is a simple, safe and highly effective way of protecting children and adults from harmful diseases before they come into contact with them. We can provide childhood immunisation and assist in keeping your child’s immunisation status up to date with Medicare.

For more information on the current immunisation program please visit:
http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/Home

As an adult are you planning on travelling or do you need an immunisation for work or to prepare for the arrival of a new baby? We can provide a range of adult immunisations. Please book an appointment today to discuss this with your doctor.

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Iron Infusions

Iron Deficiency

Iron is an essential mineral that helps your body produce haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. When your iron levels are low, your body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells, which can lead to iron deficiency or iron deficiency anaemia.

Common symptoms of iron deficiency include:

• Persistent tiredness or fatigue
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Headaches
• Poor concentration or “brain fog”
• Pale skin
• Cold hands and feet
• Restless legs
• Reduced exercise tolerance

If you are experiencing these symptoms, your doctor may recommend blood tests to assess your iron levels.

What is an Iron Infusion?

An iron infusion is a treatment that delivers iron directly into your bloodstream through a small cannula inserted into a vein. This allows your body to replenish its iron stores much faster than taking oral iron supplements.

Your doctor may recommend an iron infusion if:

• Iron tablets have not improved your iron levels.
• You are unable to tolerate oral iron due to side effects.
• Your body is unable to absorb iron effectively.
• Your iron deficiency needs to be corrected quickly.
• You have significant iron deficiency or iron deficiency anaemia.

Iron Infusions at Nundah Doctors Surgery

At Nundah Doctors Surgery, iron infusions are performed by experienced General Practitioners in a safe and comfortable clinical environment.

Our doctors who perform iron infusions are:

Dr Margaret Cotter
Dr Jessica Campbell
Dr Praveen Jayaram

Each procedure is supported by our experienced nursing team, who monitor you throughout your treatment.

What to Expect

Your appointment will take approximately one hour.

Before your infusion

Your doctor will:

• Review your medical history and recent blood test results.
• Confirm that an iron infusion is appropriate for you.
• Explain the procedure, benefits and possible risks.
• Obtain your informed consent before treatment.
  

During your infusion

• A nurse will record your observations before commencing treatment.
• A small cannula will be inserted into a vein in your arm.
• The iron infusion will be administered over approximately 30 minutes.

After your infusion

Following completion of the infusion, you will remain in the clinic for approximately 30 minutes so our nursing staff can continue to monitor you before you leave.

Most patients are able to return to their normal daily activities afterwards.

Possible Side Effects

Iron infusions are generally well tolerated; however, as with any medical treatment, side effects can occur.

Common side effects may include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Muscle or joint aches
• Temporary changes in taste
• Mild discomfort at the cannula site
• Flushing

Rarely, allergic reactions can occur. For this reason, you will be monitored closely throughout your treatment by both your doctor and our nursing staff.

Cost

Fees: an iron infusion there is usually a consultation fee (private fee with a Medicare rebate ) and an infusion fee (no Medicare rebate) please contact reception to discuss further.

Booking an Appointment

If you think you may have iron deficiency, or your doctor has recommended an iron infusion, please contact Nundah Doctors Surgery to arrange an appointment.

Our team will advise you of any blood tests or other requirements before your visit and answer any questions you may have about the procedure.

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ECG, Spirometry & Ear Irrigation

Our treatment room has various equipment to help diagnose and treat a range of health issues. If you are experiencing chest pain, hearing loss or ear pain, problems with breathing or lung function please book an appointment with our doctors today.

Women’s & Men’s Health

Women’s Health
Our doctors are available to discuss, advise and treat all women’s health issues including breast health, endometriosis, menopause, cervical and ovarian cancer & sexual health. Our doctors can provide important preventative screening including breast exams and pap smears.

Men’s Health
Our doctors are available to discuss, advise and treat all Men’s health issues including male-pattern baldness, erectile dysfunction, prostate & bowel cancer, & sexual health. Our doctors can organise important preventative screening including prostate exams.

Workplace & Driving Medicals

Our doctors can complete different medicals upon request. If your employer requires you to complete a Pre-Employment Medical or you have to complete a medical for the Department of Transport please contact our reception team to book a time with our doctor and nurse team.
You will need to provide the paperwork to be completed for your medical.

Workers Compensation

If you have been injured at work our doctors are equipped to help you get back to work as soon as possible. If you have an approved Workers Compensation Claim please bring the details of your claim to your appointments. Please be aware the cost of the consultation will have to be paid for at the time of visit.

For more information regarding Workers Compensation Claims please visit:
https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au – Work Cover QLD

Minor Procedures & Removal of Skin Lesions

Have you had a skin check lately? Our doctors can perform minor procedures including removing skin lesions, warts, cysts and ulcers. Book in today to discuss your concerns with our doctors.

Ante-Natal & Maternity Shared Care

Are you expecting a new arrival soon? Book an appointment today with one of our doctors. We can help organise health screening for you and your baby as well as organise your maternal care at either a public hospital or a private obstetrician. There are many aspects of ante-natal care and our doctors can help you through all stages and symptoms of your pregnancy.

Aged Care

As we get older our health needs change. We can provide health assessments to patients aged 75 years and older. A health assessment provides a structured way of identifying health issues and conditions that are potentially preventable or amenable to interventions in order to improve health and/or quality of life.

Our doctors and nursing team may be able to organise assistance from Allied Health Professionals and in- home assistance if required. We can also assist in organising referrals to Aged Care Assessment Teams.

Skin/Melanoma & Sun Spot Checks

Doctors use a number of tools and techniques to examine skin thoroughly, beyond what the naked eye can see. In addition to self-checking regularly you should have a professional skin check once a year. It is also important to get a professional skin check by a doctor if anything suspicious appears, in addition to having your annual skin check.

For more information on skin health please visit:
https://www.qld.gov.au/health/staying-healthy/environmental/sun/checks/index.html

Family Planning

Family planning covers a wide variety of issues. Whether you are planning a pregnancy, have fallen pregnant unexpectedly or are trying not to fall pregnant; our doctors can give you support, advise and treatment options.

We have doctors who can perform Implanon and Mirena insertions and removals. If you are wanting this procedure please advise our reception team at the time of booking.

For more information on reproductive health and family planning please visit:
http://www.true.org.au – True Relationships and Reproductive Health

Emergency

If you require urgent medical attention, please dial 000 (Zero) for assistance and ask for Ambulance. If you are having any of the following, inform the receptionists without delay either in person or when phoning or presenting to the clinic:

• Chest Pain
• Difficulty Breathing
• Bleeding
• Convulsions
• Vomiting

Interpreter & Translating Services

If you require an interpreter for another language other than English we can arrange this for you through telephone or on site interpretation with the Translating Interpreter Service – 131 450

If you are hearing impaired and require an interpreter we can arrange this through telephone or on site interpretation with the National Auslan Interpreter Booking Service – 1800 246 945

Transferring Medical Records

To ensure we can provide you with comprehensive health care we advise patients to provide their previous medical records where possible. If you would like us to arrange to have your medical records transferred to the clinic simply advise our reception staff or complete our Request for Medical Records Form. All patients over 16 years of age will need to sign a consent form, parents or guardians can sign on behalf of patients under 16 years.

Please be aware that some clinics may charge a fee to have your records transferred, if you receive an invoice in relation to this you will need to contact the corresponding clinic.

We do not charge a fee to send a medical summary to other health professionals. A fee may be incurred if medical records are requested by insurance or work cover companies or if a patient requests copies of their records.

If you would like to request a copy of your medical records please do so in writing with your full name, date of birth, signature and contact details. A medical practitioner, solicitor or insurer may request records on your behalf but we will only accept written requests that include your written consent.

Medical Students

We believe we have a responsibility to participate in the education of the next generation of Doctors. From time to time throughout the year there may be a medical student on rotation with us from the University of Queensland.

You will be advised at the time of your appointment if this is the case and you permission will be sought to have the student present during your consultation.

Disclaimer of Non-endorsement:

In reference to any specific commercial products or services by trade name, trademark, manufacturer or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation or favouring by Nundah Doctors Surgery Wavell Heights.