Your very first appointment
Learn what to expect during your first visit to the Hunter Diabetes Centre and how we can help you. We aim to make your initial appointment informative, comfortable, and a positive step toward better diabetes care.
IMPORTANT! Once we have a copy of your referral, it will be triaged, then we will contact you regarding an appointment. An appointment will not be made until we have triaged the referral.
What are the payment options?
- An initial consultation letter will be sent outlining fees. We are a private practice.
- We do not bulk bill, and full payment would be required at the time of the consultation.
- We accept Visa, Mastercard, EFTPOS, and cash – please give the correct amount as change is limited.
- If you are a DVA card holder, the account will be issued directly to the Department of Veterans Affairs. A D904 form from your GP will be needed to see our Dietitian.
- If you have an Enhanced Primary Care Plan (EPC) from your GP to see our Dietitian, Medicare will reimburse you for each visit covered by your EPC. If you have any questions regarding an EPC contact your GP directly.
- An initial consultation letter will be sent outlining fees.
Cancellation, Rescheduling & Scripts
If you cannot attend your appointment, please advise 48 hours prior, so we can fill your appointment as appointments are in demand. If you did not attend / Cancellation Fee will be charged.
If you haven’t seen the Doctor for over 3months or any lost scripts, will incur a $20 fee.
Medicare Rebate
- A valid referral from a medical practitioner is essential for processing the Medicare rebate. GP referrals are valid for 12 months, Specialist referrals are valid for 3 months.
- The rebate will be claimed after paying for the consultation, the reimbursement will be transferred to the bank account you have registered with Medicare.
- For more information on Medicare claims – visit Services Australia website.
Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes
A comprehensive assessment will be undertaken, which includes your glycaemic management, secondary complications from diabetes mellitus and risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
- Blood glucose records (from finger-prick capillary glucose checks) and / or the glucometer.
- A food diary – download diet / glucose record
- Latest blood test results.
- Optometry report.
- Podiatry report.
Fitness Assessment for Drivers Licence
If you are required to undergo a diabetes fitness assessment as instructed by your workplace or Roads and Maritime Services, These are the essential requirements for the fitness assessment.
- A valid referral from your general practitioner, if you would like to claim the Medicare Rebate.
- Blood test, including a HbA1c within 3 months of the appointment.
- Blood glucose records (from finger-prick capillary glucose checks).
- Optometry report within 3 months of the appointment.
- Podiatry report within the last 3 months of the appointment (not essential).
- Additional information/tests may be required depending on individual circumstances.
Gestational Diabetes
Our experienced team comprising of an Endocrinologist, NP, CDE and Dietitian will provide a comprehensive management plan that will take you through this journey.
During the initial assessment, you will be provided with the required equipment for monitoring and managing your condition, and we will be assessing your progress fortnightly. We will ensure continuity of care during your inpatient stays at the private hospital as well during birthing. The last review in this care cycle will be 6 – 8 weeks after birth to discuss the post-partum glucose tolerance test results and future risk of gestational diabetes and type 1 / type 2 diabetes.
Dietitian
What to expect with your initial consultation with our dietitian:
- To discuss the reason for your referral and set health focussed goals realistic to your lifestyle and other chronic diseases.
- To have your measurements taken (if appropriate) and look at your blood test results, including your BGL book.
- Conduct a nutrition assessment based on your anthropometric, biochemistry, social and diet history.
- To decide if you need to have further consultations with our Diabetes Nurse Practitioner or your Endocrinologist.
- An easy to follow individualised nutrition care plan to support your chronic disease and improve your outcome
Parking
We have a carpark at the rear of the building with 5 car spaces and one disability space. Park along the rear wall, please do not park along the building side as these parks are for other offices. Otherwise there is plenty of on street parking.