FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What does NEST stand for?

    NEST stands for “Nurturing and Enhancing Smooth Transitions” and refers to the wide range of services offered at NEST Family Wellness Clinic that are geared towards assisting families and “families to be” in the transition to parenthood both physically and emotionally, so that the best possible outcomes are achieved.   

  • Does NEST accept new patients

    We absolutely do! Please call our reception team to enquire about making an appointment with a member of our team. 

  • Why do I have to book a long appointment to see a GP for the first time at NEST?

    To maintain best practice, we require new patients to book a long (30 minute) appointment in order for our GPs to obtain an appropriate medical history. Following the initial consultation, standard visits (15 minutes) can be booked (where appropriate). If you do not end up requiring the full long appointment, the consultation fee may be reduced (at the GPs discretion). 

  • How do I access NEST services?

    NEST Services can be accessed by clicking on the contact us page where you will find the details on how to phone or email our friendly reception team to arrange an appointment for a consultation. When booking an appointment, please advise our reception team if the matter is urgent, if you need a longer appointment, or if more than one family member needs to be seen by a doctor, to ensure adequate time is allocated for your appointment.


    You do not need a referral to see our GPs, Physiotherapists, Dietitian, Chinese Medicine Practitioner or Lactation consultants.


  • When is a referral required?

    A referral is required from your treating doctor to access all NEST specialist services such a Psychiatry, Obstetrics and Paediatrics. A GP referral in the form of a “Mental Health Care Plan” or a Psychiatrists referral is required to access the Medicare rebate for NEST Psychology services.


    For your convenience, particularly if you do not have your own doctor already, the GP service at NEST is also able to assist with the referral.


  • Can I be seen today?

    We understand from time to time you may need to see a doctor on the same day, and in every instance we will endeavour to accommodate appointments in a timely manner.  We are particularly dedicated to the health and wellbeing of babies and children and will do everything within our control to accommodate same day appointments for them.

  • Does NEST Family Clinic Bulk Bill?

    NEST is a privately billing clinic.

    Our fees vary according to the duration, nature and complexity of the consultation. Fees also vary according to the type of service accessed.  We request all fees be paid on the day of consultation.


    If an account needs to be rendered because it is not paid on the day of an appointment an administration fee of $10.00 is added to your account. 


    The fees for some of our services can be found on the Practice information page (link to this page). 


  • Do I need to make an appointment for referrals and prescriptions

    Many patients ask if they need to make an appointment for a repeat script or referral. The short answer is YES. NEST strives to maintain excellence in all aspects of health care and in order to achieve this we require appointments to be booked with your doctor for all referrals, prescriptions and test results. If this is an uncomplicated appointment in which instance the only task of the appointment is to receive a repeat prescription or referral, in some cases you may be charged a reduced fee. 


    Requests for scripts or referrals outside of a consultation takes time. We ask that you respect your GPs time and make an appointment for anything you need, whenever possible. All services, such as repeat scripts and referrals, without a consultation, attract a private fee.


    The fee for a repeat script or referral, without an appointment is $25.00. You may request this via our reception team or via opur online booking system (AutoMed Systems) - https://automedsystems.com.au/ams/clinics/4201/nest-family-clinic-elsternwick-vic-3185-3185/doctors/ 


    These requests are subject to terms and conditions. 

    There may also be a fee for the completion of forms.   


  • What happens if I cancel or miss my appointment?

    We understand life can become busy and, on some occasions, it may be difficult to attend a scheduled appointment. In these circumstances, we would appreciate as much notice as possible of your inability to attend an appointment so your appointment time can be allocated to another patient. We will also reschedule your appointment to a more convenient time.


    In order to provide the best possible service to patients, all aspects of NEST including GP services, predominantly operate on an appointment basis, which we endeavour to run to time. Therefore, we are generally unable to fill appointment spaces that are cancelled late or not attended, disadvantaging other patients and our doctors. Accordingly, NEST has a late cancellation and non-attendance policy.  


    For GP services:


    A $20.00 fee applies to late cancellation of appointments (within two hours of your appointment), and in the instance of a non-attendance a $40.00 fee applies. 


    Our Saturday appointments are in high demand. Therefore, late cancellations and non-attendances on a Saturday are particularly unfair for all concerned. Accordingly, on a Saturday, an appointment cancelled within two hours of the scheduled appointment time or not attended attracts the full fee of the consultation missed (plus GST). 


    For Allied Health Services:


    Psychology, Physiotherapy, Chinese Medicine, Dietetics, Lactation Consultations 


    Appointments need to be cancelled by 5.00pm, two business days prior to the appointment. A late cancellation or non-attendance after this time will incur a $50.00 (plus GST) fee. A non-attendance (which includes a late cancellation made within two hours or less of the appointment) will incur a fee of $100.00 (plus GST). These fees cannot be claimed for with Medicare or private health insurance.


    For Psychiatry and other specialist appointments:


    A fee equal to 50% of the missed consultation fee applies to late cancellation of appointments (within 48 hours of your appointment - this relates to business days, for example,  in cancelling  a Monday appointment, we expect the cancellation be made by the Thursday prior), and in the instance of a non-attendance you forfeit the entire consultation fee. 


    GST is applied to all late cancellation and non-attendance fees as a medical service has not been rendered and only medical services are GST exempt. No part of the late cancellation and non-attendance fee is rebatable via Medicare.


  • What are NEST's opening hours?

    NEST Family Clinic hours of operation are:


    8.30am - 6.00pm Monday to Friday

    9.00am - 1.00pm Saturday & public holidays 

    Closed on Sundays 






  • Does NEST offer an after-hours service?

    Please call us to enquire whether your GP can offer this service. 


    ALternatively, please call the National Home Doctor Service on 13 SICK (13 74 25). 

    If you have a valid Medicare card, you will be bulk billed for the home visit.


    Closest emergency departments are:

    Cabrini Hospital 

    183 Wattletree Road, Malvern - T: 9508 1222


    Monash Medical Centre 

    246 Clayton Road Clayton - T: 9594 6666


    Sandringham Hospital

    193 Bluff Rd Sandringham VIC 3191 - T: 9076 1000


    The Alfred Hospital 

    Commercial Road, Prahran - T:  9076 2000 


    Holmesglen Private Hospital

    490 South Road, Moorabbin VIC 3189 – T: 9567 9000 


  • How will I know if I need a follow up test or when my next immunisation is due?

    NEST Family Clinic uses Auto Med Systems to send you text messages regarding important clinical reminders for things like; 

    • Immunisations

    • Blood tests

    • Review of symptoms


    WHAT HAPPENS…… 

    1. You receive an SMS from NEST from 

    0400 835 406 (this number is unique to NEST)

    2. Read important health message. 

    3. Book appointment 

    (directly from your phone!) 



  • Why do I have to send my referral for a psychiatrist before making an appointment & how long will I have to wait?

    Our psychiatrists must review your referral before offering an appointment to ensure that they are the right person to look after you and that they have the capacity to accept new patients.  


    As our specialists have different caseloads and appointment availability, the wait times can vary. We do our best to assist patients as quickly as possible and have a waiting list process as well. 

  • How do I get my results?

    Your doctor may advise you how they would like you to obtain your result during a consultation. If not, once you have completed your tests your doctor will review your results and decide the best course of action. 


    Results can take up to 5-7 business days to be available even if you have been advised by pathology or radiology otherwise. 


    Depending on the outcome of your test results, your GP may require you to attend an appointment and these results cannot be given to you over the phone by the nurse. If your GP requires you to make an appointment you will receive a secure SMS from our booking system - Automed.


    The SMS will state ‘Your recent results have been reviewed by your Doctor. They have requested that you make a non-urgent appointment to discuss your results within 2 weeks’. Normal fees apply for this appointment. 


    You may also receive an SMS advising that your results are normal. However, even if your results are normal, you are encouraged to book an appointment if you wish to discuss them further or if you are still experiencing symptoms. 


    It is always important to follow up your pathology results.  Never assume that if you have not heard from us that your results are completely normal. Reception do not have access to any results and will not give results over the phone. If you wish to follow up results we ask you allow seven days before calling the Practice Nurse to obtain your results between the allocated time of 1.30pm-2.30pm (Monday & Tuesday) and 2pm-3pm (Wednesday, Thursday & Friday).


    Our Nurse cannot discuss results that have been ordered by doctors that are not associated with NEST and if you require clarification or discussion about these types of results then we ask you make an appointment with your GP. 


  • 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 it is often difficult for adolescents to contact the nurse for results or may not fully understand the content and would like a parent to talk on their behalf however it is important to respect the privacy of our younger ones. Children aged 14 years and above will be required to provide verbal or written consent for a parent or guardian to obtain their results on theirbehalf and this consent must be obtain for each set of results. 


  • Can I speak to my doctor without an appointment?

    The short answer is no, as they are usually in the middle of a consultation. And if you need to discuss something with your doctor, we would prefer you schedule an appointment. However, please advise us if something is of an urgent nature so we can work out how to assist you.  

  • Why is the doctor running late for my appointment?

    Our doctors try their best to remain on time. However, sometimes an urgent situation arises that the doctor has to attend to. At other times, a patient make book a short appointment however end up needing more time with their doctor. Our doctors try to accommodate the patients needs at the time of their appointment so if you are unsure about the time you need for your appointment, please ask reception.

    Please call us prior to your appointment if you would like to check how your doctor is running for time. 

  • Do you have pathology services?

    Yes. Dorevitch Pathology are onsite at NEST. Their opening hours are: 


    MONDAY - FRIDAY = 8.30am-4.30pm

    SATURDAY = 9.00am-12.00pm 

    SUNDAY & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS = Closed 

  • How do I leave feedback about the clinic?

    We understand that sometimesyou would like to share your thoughts on our service (both positive and negative). 

    We would prefer that this was done in writing via email to info@nestfc.com.au attention to our Practice Manager Nasra Hussein or our Operations Manager, Clare Chisholm. 


    If you need to take matters further, you may contact the Health Services Commissioner, Level 26, 570 Bourke Street, Melbourne Vic 3000. T: 1300 582 113 or www.hcc.vic.gov.au 

  • Do you only provide services for young families?

    No not at all! Whilst NEST was founded by two perintatal Psychiatrists and they have created a clinic designed to help new and expecting parents navigate this period of life, NEST offers services for patients of all ages! 

  • Can I arrange a home visit?

    Please call reception to discuss eligibility and availability. 

  • What is the Medicare Rebate and how do I access it at NEST?

    The Medicare Rebate refers to the partial funding of private medical services provided by the Australian Federal Government.  Medicare rebates apply to all GP consultations and all NEST services provided by specialist medical practitioners when you have the appropriate referral.


    The rebate will vary according to the specialty and type of service provided but is generally 85% of the Schedule Fee for medical specialists and 100% of the Scheduled Fee for General Practice services. The Scheduled Fee is a figure determined the by the Department of Health and Aging and usually represents a compromise between what the Medicare Fee is and the Fee that the various professional bodies believe is fair and appropriate for the services provided. For more information about Medicare visit www.medicareaustralia.gov.au


    The Medicare rebate also applies to NEST psychology services and can be accessed if you have a GP referral in the form of a “Mental Health Care Plan” or a Psychiatrist’s referral. The Medicare rebate is currently accessible for up to:


    • 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year.; and
    • 10 group therapy sessions per calendar year

    An assessment is required by your referring GP or Psychiatrist after the first 6 individual sessions and then again after 10 sessions. 


    You may still see your Psychologist after you can no longer access your Medicare rebate and may be entitled to further rebates from your Private Health insurer if you have one. The details of how much their rebate is and for how long you can access it will depend on your insurer. You will have to contact your insurer to clarify this.


    Private health rebates are also usually available for other NEST services such as Physiotherapy. Again you will have to clarify this with your individual insurer.


    Once the full fee is paid for NEST medical and/or psychology services, the Medicare rebate can be claimed in one of two ways:


    • Via the Medicare EasyClaim facility at NEST that allows claims for rebates to be lodged at the time of payment and reimbursed electronically by Medicare into your nominated bank account, OR
    •  In person at your local Medicare office on presentation of your NEST invoice, or by the post, phone or internet as per usual.


  • What is the Medicare Safety Net (Extended Medicare Safety Net)?

    Access to the Medicare Safety Net makes the cost of medical and psychology services at NEST even more affordable.


    The Medicare Safety Net provides patients with financial assistance when out-of-pocket medical costs for a given calendar year reach a certain threshold. 


    What this means is that once non-hospital out-of-pocket medical costs for families and individuals reach this threshold, Medicare will pay 80% of all future out-of-pocket medical costs (Gap payments) for that calendar year. There are some exceptions to this whereby a cap is placed on refunds for some specialist services such as obstetrics, pregnancy ultrasound and IVF treatment.  


    For more information about the Medicare Safety Net and to find out the current threshold amounts, please visit https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare/medicare-safety-net/thresholds/original-threshold

  • What does 'peri-natal 'mean?

    Peri-natal refers to the period of time leading up to, around, and following a baby’s birth. This includes preconception, pregnancy, birth and the post-natal period.

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