Hill Street Medical Centre is a fully accredited General Practice in Port Macquarie and Hastings. It offers services including Family Medicine Skin Cancer screening and treatment,Health Assessment, and Chronic Disease Management. Emphasizing comprehensive care, the centre encourages healthy lifestyles, regular check-ups, and positive attitudes to support optimal well-being for patients throughout their lives.
Fees and Billing Arrangements
From November 2025, our practice is a Medicare Bulk Billing clinic. Patients with a valid Medicare card will be bulk billed for eligible services. Some procedures may not be bulk billed, and private fees apply for patients without Medicare. Fees are displayed at reception and payment is required at the time of the visit. Additional out-of-pocket costs may apply for external services (e.g. specialists, pathology, radiology). Please check with your doctor or reception for details.
After hours and Emergency Care
For urgent medical concerns outside regular hours, call our number for appropriate redirection. For emergencies like chest pain, call an ambulance immediately. Home visits are available within Port Macquarie for regular patients unable to visit the practice. Emergencies will always be given priority. Patients are entitled to respectful, dignified, and safe care, and must show respect to doctors, staff, and fellow patients.
Test Results
Patients are advised to proactively inquire about their test results. While the practice provides an estimated timeframe, patients can call anytime to check. Some results can be given over the phone if pre-arranged. An appointment isn’t solely for bad news; it may be for further discussion or clarification. Patients with concerns about their results should schedule an appointment with their doctor.
Recall And Reminder System
The practice sends reminders via SMS, letters, or calls for missed reviews of abnormal tests or follow-up appointments.
Reminders for preventative health measures like CST and flu vaccinations may also be sent. The practice participates in state and territory reminder systems for screenings, such as mammograms and bowel scans, to encourage proactive healthcare management.
For this reason, it is important that you inform us of change of address or phone number (or email).
PLEASE TELL US IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO RECEIVE RECALLS.
Referrals and engaging with other services
Referral letters require up-to-date information and thorough preparation, so patients must undergo an assessment beforehand. Referrals cannot be backdated. Additional tests, such as X-rays or pathology, may be necessary for a complete referral. If the referral process isn’t completed during the consultation, patients should discuss a timeline and delivery method with their doctor.
Patients are welcome to request a specific specialist if they have a preference.
Communicating With the Practice
Patients at Hill Street Medical Centre can receive timely clinical advice or information over the phone if deemed safe. However, full consultations are not conducted via phone, and patients will be informed if an in-person appointment is required. For discreet matters, receptionists can take messages, or arrangements can be made for later contact. Patient information may be transmitted electronically when clinically appropriate. These communication options are available to patients with special needs, including disabilities, hearing impairments, or non-English speaking backgrounds.
Patient Feedback
Hill Street Medical Centre values patient feedback and encourages open communication. Patients dissatisfied with any aspect of care can share concerns with a member of the clinical team or the administrative staff. If issues remain unresolved and patients wish to escalate externally, options include contacting the Medical Registration Board, AMA, or the Health Care Complaints Commission (www.hccc.nsw.gov.au).
Practice Communication Policy on Receiving and Returning Electronic Communication
Hill Street Medical Centre prioritizes information security and electronic communication standards, led by the Practice Manager. Employees are educated on data security principles, and outgoing emails include confidentiality notices. Best email practices include caution with unexpected emails and antivirus filters. Patient information is securely protected separately. Patients can contact the Practice Manager with concerns.
Walk In Appointments Availability
Walk-in patients at Hill Street Medical Centre undergo assessment and triage based on the Triage Support Guide and criteria for suspected cases. Non-urgent walk-in patients may be accommodated if there are available appointments at the time of arrival. Otherwise, they will be scheduled for the next suitable appointment slot.
Telehealth Appointments
Hill Street Medical Centre offers telephone as safe and convenient alternatives to face-to-face visits. The Principal Doctor oversees telehealth, ensuring quality and providing training. Patients are informed about telehealth availability, with appointments following specific criteria and privacy protocols. Electronic prescriptions and request forms are provided. Continuous improvement is driven by risk management, patient feedback, and clinical audits in telehealth services.
Management of Patient Health Information
Hill Street Medical Centre prioritizes patient privacy and confidentiality, adhering to state privacy laws and its privacy policy. Medical records and consultations are kept confidential. Doctors participate in clinical audits for professional development, using anonymous data from health records to improve patient care. Patients can speak with you doctor regarding this if there are any further questions.