Practice policy

The practice policy for Tim Berry Psychiatry is set out below (Policy).  Throughout the Policy any references to “we”, “our” or “us” means Dr Tim Berry and Tim Berry Psychiatry (ABN 13 594 998 144).  The Policy can also be found on our website (www.timberrypsychiatry.com).  The Policy may be amended or updated by us from time to time.  Any amendments will be updated on the website.  It is your responsibility to check the website for any updates.

Fees

Tim Berry Psychiatry is a private practice.  We are not a bulk billing practice.  If you are suffering financial hardship, please discuss your options for psychiatric services with your GP.  Our fees will vary depending on the service being provided.  Our fees are privately billed and subject to change.  Fees are paid by credit card and attract a 1.6% processing fee.

A 50% deposit must be paid at the time of booking an initial consultation. This deposit is non-refundable if you decide not to proceed. Fees for follow-up appointments are due prior to or on the day of the appointment.  

You may be eligible for a Medicare rebate for part of the fees you pay us.  We are unable to assess your eligibility for any rebate as this will depend on your particular circumstances.  We will usually endeavour to process any Medicare claim on your behalf and you consent to us doing so.  We may from time to time elect to bulk bill a particular service provided to you (e.g. liaising with a relative) and you consent to us doing so.   

If someone else covers the cost of your appointment, we will notify them of any missed appointments.

Private health care funds will not reimburse you for any services provided by us. 

Documentation

You must return to us a completed new patient registration form and a signed copy of this Policy in order to confirm your appointment booking.  Failure to do so, may result in the cancellation of your provisional appointment and the forfeit of any deposit paid.  Completed and signed forms should be returned via email to admin@timberrypsychiatry.com.

Cancellation policy

You must give us a minimum of two full business days’ notice to cancel or reschedule your appointment.  If you cancel with less than two full business days’ notice you will be charged 50% of the consultation fee. If you cancel an initial consultation, you will forfeit your deposit.

Lateness

Please arrive on time for your appointment.  If you arrive up to 10 minutes late, your appointment time will need to be shortened but you will still be charged in full.  If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, the appointment is treated as a no show and you will be charged 50% of the consultation fee (for which you will not be eligible for a Medicare rebate). 

Video consultations

Most of our consultations take place via video conferencing.  You understand that this means you will not be in the same room as your clinician and that, whilst the consultation will take place over a secure communication system, there are potential risks to this technology including interruptions and technical difficulties.   

Contact with doctors

We regret that we are unable to respond to any enquiries (other than administrative ones) via phone or email.  If you have a question that relates to your medical condition or treatment, you must book an appointment to discuss these issues.  Dr Berry cannot send scripts without an appointment.

Follow-up appointments

Follow-up appointments are usually booked at the time of your last appointment. You are responsible for making a note of the appointment and ensuring that we have a current GP referral for any appointment.

If you wish to make a follow-up routine appointment at another time, we recommend that you get in touch two to three months prior to when you are seeking the appointment.  We are a very small practice and it is often not possible to accommodate urgent requests for appointments. These will depend on Dr Berry’s schedule.

ADHD

In the event that you are diagnosed with ADHD and treated with stimulant medication, you agree that:

·         prescriptions will be via electronic script or sent directly to your chosen pharmacy rather than your home address;

·         it is your responsibility to ensure you have sufficient medication to last until your next appointment – repeat prescriptions will not be issued in between appointments;

·         you have no prior history of significant drug use; you are not currently using illicit substances; and you will not use illicit substances at any time while you are being prescribed stimulant medication (including medicinal THC);

·         you will take the medication in the manner and at the dose agreed with us; and

·         you will not let anyone else use your medication.

 Please note that scripts for stimulant medications expire after six months.  It is your responsibility to ensure to have scheduled an appointment in a timely fashion to ensure you do not run out of medication. 

Privacy and consent

The Australian Privacy Principles set out rights and obligations about the collection of certain information, including personal, sensitive and health information (Information).  Tim Berry Psychiatry collects Information about you for the primary purpose of providing medical care.  You consent to us collecting, handling and storing the Information.  We may use text or email notification services to send appointment reminders.  You consent to receive such reminders. 

We may use the Information for reasons including, but not limited to:

·         running the administrative aspects of our practice;

·         billing purposes, including liaising with Medicare, WorkCover, any insurance provider or other similar body; and

·         liaising with others involved in your healthcare, including your GP, psychologist, support worker in any residential facility or group home, insurance case manager or any other health professional involved in providing you with care from time to time.  This may include providing written reports and communicating via telephone or email.  We may liaise with family members to arrange appointments or obtain collateral information. 

We will store the Information in accordance with applicable laws. 

Informed consent

Tim Berry Psychiatry assumes you have capacity to make decisions about your health and will endeavour to explain and communicate with you clearly about your diagnosis and treatment options.  We will endeavour to explain the likely risks and benefits associated with any suggested course of treatment.  We encourage you to ask questions and to take time to consider matters fully before commencing any treatment.  Any decisions you take about starting treatment are ultimately yours.  There is never any requirement for you to accept the recommendations we make.    

Emergency service

Tim Berry Psychiatry is not an emergency service.  We do not offer same day consults and do not admit patients to hospital.  If you are in crisis, please contact your nearest emergency department or local mental health service.  In an emergency dial “000”.  The following services may also be able to help you if you are in distress:

·         Lifeline – telephone 13 11 14

·         Beyond Blue – telephone 1300 22 4636

Termination

We reserve the right to terminate our relationship with you at any time by giving you two days written notice.  We may terminate our relationship immediately, without notice, if you act in an aggressive or disruptive manner or do anything which may bring us into disrepute.