FAQs
Have a question about visiting NEST, booking an appointment or accessing our services? Find answers to some of the questions we hear most often below.
Appointments & Booking
Does NEST accept new patients?
Yes, NEST welcomes new patients.
For services available to book online, you can book your appointment online.
If you're unsure which appointment or service you need, call 9528 5882 and our reception team can help.
How do I book an appointment?
You can book online for eligible services, including GP, Nutritionist, Nurse, Dietitian and Lactation appointments.
Psychology and Psychiatry appointments are booked through the NEST team.
Psychiatry appointments require a referral to be reviewed before an appointment can be offered.
If you're unsure which service or appointment you need, call 9528 5882 and our reception team can help.
Why do I need a longer appointment when I see a GP for the first time?
New patients are asked to book a 30-minute appointment with a GP.
This gives your GP enough time to take an appropriate medical history and understand your health needs.
After your first consultation, 15-minute appointments may be booked where appropriate.
If you do not need the full 30 minutes, your GP may reduce the consultation fee at their discretion.
Can I get a same-day appointment?
Can I see a GP on the weekend?
Yes. Weekend appointments are available at NEST.
NEST is open:
Monday–Friday: 8:30am–6:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am–1:00pm
Sunday: 9:00am–1:00pm
Public holidays: 9:00am–1:00pm
Weekend appointments can be in high demand, so we recommend booking ahead where possible.
Can I book appointments for more than one family member?
Yes.
If more than one family member needs to see a doctor, please let our reception team know when booking so that enough time can be allocated for the appointments.
Call 9528 5882 if you need help arranging appointments for multiple family members.
What happens if I need to cancel or change my appointment?
Please give us as much notice as possible if you need to cancel or change an appointment. This gives us the opportunity to offer the appointment to another patient.
For GP appointments, a $25 late cancellation fee applies when an appointment is cancelled within two hours of the scheduled appointment time. A $50 fee applies for non-attendance.
For Saturday, Sunday and public holiday appointments, a cancellation within two hours or non-attendance attracts the full consultation fee plus GST.
Allied Health, Psychiatry and other specialist clinicians have their own cancellation policies. Please check your appointment confirmation email or contact reception for details.
What happens if my doctor is running late?
Our doctors do their best to run on time, but occasionally appointments take longer than expected or an urgent situation needs attention.
If you would like to check how your doctor is running before your appointment, please call reception on 9528 5882.
When booking, let reception know if you think you may need a longer appointment so enough time can be allocated.
Services & Referrals
Which services does NEST offer?
NEST brings together a range of health services for individuals and families.
Our services include General Practice, Nursing & Immunisation, Psychology & Mental Health, Psychiatry, Paediatrics, Nutrition & Dietetics, Lactation, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, General Physician and Integrative Nutritionist & Health Coach.
You can view our services to find out more about each service and our practitioners.
You can also meet our practitioners and find out more about their areas of care before booking.
Which NEST services can I book online?
You can book online for eligible services, including GP, Nutritionist, Nurse, Dietitian and Lactation appointments.
Psychology appointments are arranged through the NEST Mental Health Intake Form.
Psychiatry appointments are arranged through the NEST team and require a referral to be reviewed before an appointment can be offered.
If you're unsure how to book, call 9528 5882 and our reception team can help.
Do I need a referral to see a NEST practitioner?
Referral requirements vary depending on the service.
For Psychiatry, a medical referral is required and must be reviewed before an appointment is offered.
For Paediatrics, a medical referral is required for new patients to access the Medicare rebate.
For Obstetrics & Gynaecology, a referral is required.
For Psychology, referral requirements depend on whether you are seeking a Medicare rebate.
If you're unsure whether you need a referral, call 9528 5882 before booking.
Can healthcare practitioners refer patients to NEST?
NEST accepts referrals from healthcare practitioners for appropriate services.
Referral requirements vary depending on the service. If you are a healthcare practitioner and would like to discuss referring a patient to NEST, please contact the team on 9528 5882 or info@nestfc.com.au.
Fees & Medicare
What does an appointment cost?
NEST is a privately billing clinic, so an out-of-pocket cost applies to appointments.
Fees vary depending on the service, appointment type, length and time of the appointment.
You can view our current fees on our Practice Information page.
Payment is required at the time of your appointment.
Can I claim a Medicare rebate?
Medicare rebates are available for eligible services when the relevant Medicare requirements are met.
For GP appointments, Medicare rebates apply where you have a valid Medicare card.
For some specialist services, a referral may be required to access a Medicare rebate.
For Psychology, a valid referral from a GP or psychiatrist is required to access a Medicare rebate. If you are not seeking a Medicare rebate, a referral is not required.
Medicare claims can be processed through Medicare EasyClaim at NEST, or you can claim through Medicare using your NEST invoice.
Can I claim through private health insurance?
Some NEST services may be eligible for a private health insurance rebate, depending on your level of cover and your insurer.
Your eligibility and rebate amount will depend on your individual policy, so please check directly with your health insurer before your appointment.
What is the Medicare Safety Net?
The Medicare Safety Net provides additional financial assistance to eligible individuals and families who have high out-of-pocket medical costs during a calendar year.
Once you reach the relevant Medicare Safety Net threshold, you may receive a higher Medicare benefit for eligible services for the remainder of the calendar year.
For current information about Medicare Safety Net thresholds and eligibility, visit Services Australia or contact Medicare directly.
Prescriptions & Results
Can I request a repeat prescription or referral without an appointment?
Yes. Repeat prescriptions and referrals can be requested without an appointment.
A $30 private fee applies.
You can make your request through reception.
I’ve had blood tests or other investigations. What happens with my results?
Please allow 5–7 business days for your results to be reviewed.
Your doctor will review your results and decide the best next step.
You may receive an SMS from 0400 835 406 if your results are normal or if your doctor would like you to book a non-urgent appointment.
A nurse may contact you by phone if your results need to be discussed.
Your doctor may ask you to book an appointment to discuss your results.
Please don't assume that no contact means your results are normal. If you haven't heard from us, allow 7 days before contacting the Practice Nurse.
Practice Nurse results hours:
Monday–Tuesday: 1:30–2:30pm
Wednesday–Friday: 2:00–3:00pm
How will I know when an immunisation is due?
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Visiting NEST
Is parking available at NEST?
Parking is available at the Elsternwick clinic.
Entrance to the clinic is from the car park, off Edward Street
Does NEST offer home visits?
Home visits may be available in some circumstances.
Please contact NEST on 9528 5882 to discuss your needs and whether a home visit is available.
Privacy & Other Questions
Can I request a copy of my medical records?
Yes. You can request a copy or transfer of your medical records.
A $30 private fee applies, and NEST aims to process requests within 7 business days.
Please contact NEST on 9528 5882 to discuss your request.
How do patients aged 14–18 years old obtain their results?
From around 14 years of age, teenagers have the right to consent to simple health care treatment and from 16 years, they have the same right to consent as adults.
NEST understands that adolescents may find it difficult to contact the nurse for results or may want a parent or guardian to talk on their behalf. However, it is important to respect the privacy of young people.
For patients aged 14 years and above, verbal or written consent is required for a parent or guardian to obtain their results on their behalf. This consent must be provided for each set of results.
Does NEST only provide care for young families?
No. NEST provides healthcare for people of all ages, with services tailored to the needs of individuals and families.
Our team provides care across different stages of life, from babies and children through to adults and older patients.
To find the right practitioner for you, meet our practitioners and learn more about their areas of care before booking.
How can I provide feedback about my experience at NEST?
We welcome feedback about your experience at NEST.
You can email info@nestfc.com.au with your feedback, or speak with our reception team.
We appreciate hearing what is working well and where we can improve.
Still have a question?
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, our reception team can help


