HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?

• Patients should have discussed their condition with their health practitioner, who can then provide a referral to be seen at Nephrology West
   

• Appointments can be made directly by the referring doctor, or, you can email the referral, fax it or bring it in person - details available here​
   

• We can provide a consultation without a doctor's referral. However, Medicare does not provide a rebate without a valid referral - in which case you would need to bear the full cost of the consultation

• You will usually be seen within 15 minutes of your appointment time. Occasionally, there may be unforeseen delays. Appointments will generally be between 15 to 45 minutes long, but it is reasonable to allow approximately 1 hour of your time.
   

• Your referrals, prior results and diagnoses will be noted, then a discussion of specific history and relevant examination will be undertaken.  Any specific questions/issues you may have can be discussed. Further tests may be requested before your next follow-up appointment.
   

• You are encouraged to bring a family member or friend that you are comfortable sharing medical information with.

• On the day of your appointment please bring the following 

  • Current referral letter; and other relevant documentation of past medical conditions, illnesses and operations

  • Copies of any relevant blood tests, x-rays or scan reports

  • A list of your medications

  • A list of questions / issues you wish to discuss during the consultation
     

  • Medicare card

  • Private Health Fund Card

  • Debit/Credit Card or cash for payment

• Nephrology West is a private specialist clinic and, in addition to the Medicare rebatable fees, there is a gap payable - please contact reception prior to your appointment to know the approximate cost of your consult. Please note that most private health funds/insurers do not cover outpatient private specialist consultations.
   

• Eligible Medicare rebates are usually refunded to your bank account within 1 working day
   

• If you are experiencing financial hardship, please let your referring doctor know to specify this in the referral for a concessional rate or bulk-billed consult

• If you cannot attend an appointment please notify us via phone at least 24 hours before the scheduled time, this will allow us to streamline care for other patients. 

• An on-call service (24/7) is not provided by Nephrology West. After hours care for urgent concerns or unexpected illness is provided by your local hospital via the Emergency Department. For non-urgent medical issues or concerns, please see your GP.​