Faqs

We are a privately owned practice. A fee is applicable for all patients unless they are on a veterans card, or if the doctor specifies otherwise. Payment can be made by cheque or Eftpos.

Consultation	Fee*	Rebate
Standard Appointment 15 minutes (Item 23 )	$75.00	$37.05
Long Appointment 30 minutes (Item 36)	$110.00	$71.70
Prolonged Appointment 45 minutes or longer (Item 44)	$130.00	$105.55

*These prices are effective as of July 2017

*Please note that fees are subject to change and are slightly higher in the after-hours period – (after hours is between 6pm and 8pm on Weekdays and after 12pm on Saturday)

In Emergencies, telephone an ambulance - dial 000. Urgent after hours care is also available at the Emergency Department of the John Hunter Hospital or Belmont Hospital.

When we are closed, all medical calls are directed to a deputising service known as the After Hours Doctor Service. The phone number is 4943 6666. The doctor on call will attend to your needs at home, and send correspondence back to your doctor.

Monday to Thursday
8am to 8pm
Friday
9am to 5pm
Saturday
9am to 2pm

* Please note that fees are slightly higher in the after-hours period, which is between 6pm and 8pm on Weekdays and after 12pm on Saturday.

We are not open on Public Holidays. On a Public Holiday, please seek urgent care at the Emergency Department of the John Hunter Hospital or Belmont Hospital.

Our building has a basement car park on with entrance from Smith Street, and internal lift access to all levels. There is a free 2 hour limited council car park opposite Health Square. Free local on street parking is also available. See map for assistance finding parking.

Appletree Family Practice is located in the new Health Square building at 20 Smith Street, Charlestown, 2290, NSW.

If you cannot attend your appointment we request a cancellation phone call as early in advance as possible. This allows us to offer the appointment slot to another patient needing to see a doctor.

Our practice runs by an appointment system, which requires you to book an appointment for all consultations and procedures. When you arrive at the surgery, please check in with reception. Patients are encouraged to book their appointments as early in advance as possible. The duration of a standard consultation is 15 minutes. If you feel your consultation will take longer, or if you are getting a procedure done, please book a double appointment. As much as we try to maintain appointment times, it is not always possible, as some problems take a little more time to deal with than others. We do not like to keep you waiting, however please understand that delays may occur due to unforeseen emergencies and complicated medical problems. We ask for your patience and understanding.

In our practice, nurses play a huge role in helping us provide quality medical care. The doctors utilise the services of the nursing staff prior to their appointment. The doctors and nurses are working together with Chronic Disease Management, Diabetic Care, and Immunisations and patients will be directed to surgery-run clinics appropriate to these needs. The nurses also take height, weight & blood pressure measurements, INR and blood sugar level readings, wound care, removals of stitches, and updating of patient records as well as performing procedures, health assessments and Immunisations where, patients will be directed to nurse led clinics appropriate to these needs.

Although most problems are best dealt with in consultation, a doctor will always be available during normal surgery hours for emergency advice. Our staff are experienced in helping you decide whether the matter requires an appointment, a return phone call from the practice or urgent advice.

This practice is committed to providing comprehensive General Practice care to all individuals and families in this community. We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of your personal health information. Your medical record is a confidential document and it is the policy of this practice to maintain security of personal health information at all times and to ensure that this information is only available to authorised members of staff.