Information and Practice Policy

Below is some information on what to expect and some policies to be aware of. This includes information regarding late or frequent cancelations, additional fees, privacy and confidentiality. Please read through these carefully and feel free to ask any questions.

Appointments 

Standard appointments are 50 minutes in length.  

The practice is located at two sites please check which practice your appointment is at.

Appointments at Sound Psychology, Unit 2, 23 Chalgrove Avenue, Rockingham, 6168.

There is a number of parking spaces in front of the building, and there is ample free car parking in the surrounding area. Please come in and take a seat in the waiting area and you will be collected at our scheduled time.

Appointments at The Lighthouse Clinic, Suite 61, Level 3, Wexford Medical Centre, 3 Barry Marshall Parade, Murdoch, 6150.

There is parking available in front of the Wexford Medical Centre, charges are displayed on entry. Please come in and take a seat in the waiting area and you will be collected at our scheduled time.

Confidentiality 

As part of providing a Nurse Therapist service to you, personal information is collected and recorded that is relevant to your current situation. All your personal information and the content of our discussions will be kept strictly confidential and secure, except when: 

1.       Failure to disclose this information would place you or another person at serious risk of harm. 

2.       The information is subpoenaed by a court.  

3.       Your prior approval has been obtained to: 

a.          Consult with another professional or agency (e.g., your referring GP). 

b.          Discuss with a significant other person that you have nominated (e.g., parent or teacher). 

4.     A Chronic Disease Management Plan is in place, in which case a written letter is required to be sent to your GP regarding your progress.

Eating Disorder Referrals

Due to the co-occurring and medical risks that can be associated with eating disorders, it is essential a medical assessment is completed by a GP who can provide ongoing medical monitoring where necessary, for the duration of our work together. We can discuss this further in our appointment, and if you do not have a regular or suitable GP recommendations can be provided.   

Fees

Payment 

Each consultation cost is outlined below, fees are payable on the day of your appointment. Payment can be made by either providing your bank card details via a secure online management system, which is then processed on the day of your appointment, or by direct bank transfer. Please note if paying by card there is a processing fee, the amount depends on the cost of the appointment.  

If you wish to pay via bank transfer, payment is required 24hours prior to the appointment to ensure this is received on the day of the appointment. 

Please note that if payment is not received by the next appointment this will be cancelled until the account has been settled, preventing debt accumulation.

Medicare Rebates

A Medicare rebate of $60.35 may be available, to be eligible for the rebate, Medicare requires both of the following:

·        A valid GP Chronic Disease Management Plan.

·        A referral letter detailing the number of sessions required.

Additional Fees  

Should additional time be required outside of the sessions, additional fees may be changed. This would be discussed and agreed prior, examples of additional fees include:

·        Multidisciplinary team meeting.

·        Phone call contact extending beyond 10-15 minutes.

·        Extensive reports or letters above what is typically required within a private practice setting.

Schedule of Fees 2024-2025 

Please contact Nicola to discuss should you have any concerns or queries about fees.

Session Type                                                                           Fee                    Medicare Rebate           Medicare Item Number

Standard Consultation (50 mins)                                         $190                  N/A                              N/A

Standard Consultation (50 mins)                                        

with a Chronic Disease Management Plan                           $190                   $60.35                          10956

Extended Consultation/Initial Assessment (90 mins)           $285                   N/A                              N/A

Extended Consultation/Initial Assessment (90 mins)

with a Chronic Disease Management Plan                           $285                   $60.35                          10956 

Cancellation Policy 

Whilst we fully encourage you to come to all of your appointments to facilitate a faster recovery, we understand that occasionally things may happen beyond your control. Should you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please provide as much notice as possible. You will receive a text message reminder about the appointment; however, this is a courtesy and fees will not be waived should you not receive it for any reason.

A full 24 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule an appointment, if this requirement is not met, a late cancellation or non-attendance fee of the full session amount will apply.

Please note cancellation/non-attendance fees cannot be rebated by Medicare. If there have been three non-attendances/cancellations consecutively, all future booked appointments will be cancelled.

For clients who are unwell and unable to attend their scheduled appointment in person, a Telehealth (video or phone) appointment will be offered.

Please do not attend the practice if you are unwell/experiencing Covid-19 symptoms. Please notify me as soon as possible so we can arrange for your appointment to go ahead via Telehealth (video or phone) instead. 

Clients may choose not to engage in a Telehealth appointment. However, the normal cancellation fee policy will apply if less than 24 hours’ notice is given. 

Frequent Cancellations/Discharge from the service 

Frequent cancellations even with 24+ hours’ notice may be an indication that this is not the right time for you to be engaging in therapy. If appointments are frequently being cancelled, we can discuss if there are more suitable care options for you at this stage in your journey.

Discharge from the service or file closure may be required in the following instances:

·        Frequent late cancellations or non-attendance.

·        Session fees remain unpaid.

·        Frequent cancellations even with 24+ hours’ notice.

·        If the clinical needs of a client exceed the professional’s expertise and capacity in a private practice setting or the client no longer needs the service.

·        Clients who have not attended for 3+months will not be contacted prior to file closure. Clients are welcome to return to therapy at any time but may need to wait until an appointment becomes available.

·        Physical intimidation and harassment from the client/supports/family towards staff.

Please click on the policy to download a copy of the Information and Practice Policy.