General Questions

Is there a charge when I attend the Urgent Care Centre?

No, there is no charge to attend the Urgent Care Centre.

What are the visiting hours of the Inpatient Unit?

Visiting hours are 9.00 am 8.00 pm.

How do I go about providing feedback?

Compliments or Concerns forms are located in all areas of the Health Service. When completed they can be returned using a ‘reply paid envelope’ or handed to a member of staff. You may also provide feedback on our website www.eghs.net.au or contact the Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive directly on 5352 9303.

How do I make an appointment with the Dentist and do I need a Health Care Card?

To make an appointment with the dentist you can call the Community Heath Centre on 5352 9327 or come in to see our receptionist. All adults need a concession or health care card to attend our public dental service. Children 1-12 years of age are all eligible and 13-18 year olds must have a health care card OR be receiving Family Tax Benefit part A (to be eligible for Commonwealth Dental Benefits Schedule).

How do I arrange a visit from Community Nurses?

The Community Nursing department offers a range of different services and programs designed to support and assist people. Visits can be arranged by calling the office on 5352 9328.

Can I see the Physiotherapist without a referral from my doctor?

Yes, you can self-refer to the physiotherapist. Please call the Community Health Centre for an appointment. Appointments will be made according to prioritised need.

How do I get an operation at East Grampians Health Service?

Please speak to your Doctor who can refer you to the specialist who has an appointment at the Health Service.

If I need an X-ray or other Medical Imaging study done while in the Urgent Care Centre will there be an out-of-pocket expense?

No out-of-pocket expenses will be invoiced for your Medical Imaging exam that is referred from the Urgent Care Department and completed during your admission if you hold a valid Medicare card. If you do not have a Medicare card, an invoice will be generated for full payment of the medical imaging examination which can be claimed through personal private health insurance if valid. If the exam is completed out of the UCC admission there is an out-of-pocket charge as an outpatient.

Do I need an appointment to have an X-ray or other Medical Imaging study?

Yes, but there are exceptions. The Medical Imaging department will always endeavour to accommodate examinations of various modalities where time allows and will triage cases deemed urgent for bookings.

Does East Grampians Health Service provide 3D/4D obstetric ultrasound imaging?

Yes 3D/4D obstetric ultrasound imaging is available. There is an out-of-pocket expense with no referral as Medicare will not cover this. If the patient is having a routine scan obstetric scan during this period, images can be acquired in the scan and our normal charging rule applies. The best time for this scan is between 28-32 weeks gestation.

Does East Grampians Health Service have a CT scanner?

Yes – we have a Siemens go.Top 128-slice CT scanner, with the latest low-dose radiation technology for optimization of the patient experience. We have the ability to perform both non contrast and contrast enhanced scans as well as CT guided intervention studies when our radiologist is on site.

Does East Grampians Health Service have a Bone Density scanner?

Yes – we are able to perform Bone Density (DEXA) scans on our Osteosys Primus Bone Density scanner. Billing is completed in accordance with Medicare guidelines. If there are no eligible criteria to meet bulk billing coding through Medicare there is an out-of-pocket cost for outpatients; patients will be made aware of payment if required prior to the commencement of the scan.