FIRST VISIT GUIDE
Booking Your First Visit
To book an initial consultation, please call our practice or complete the Contact Us Form. When you call, be prepared to be asked a few questions about yourself, your symptoms and any recent investigations. This allows us to prioritise your appointment and schedule any necessary investigations prior to your consultation with Dr Ling. You will be sent a reminder via SMS 48 hours prior to your appointment.
Urgent Appointments
Rapid Access Appointments (within 48 hours) are available if you have a confirmed or strongly suspected diagnosis of breast cancer or melanoma. Please note Dr Ling operates exclusively in the private system on the Central Coast.
Cancellation Policy
Please call our practice and give at least 72 hours notice if you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment. This means your appointment time can be offered to another patient. Cancellation of your appointment with less than 72 hours notice will mean you will need to pay the full consultation fee at the time of booking of future appointments.
Referral Information
You can make an appointment to see Dr Ling without a referral. However, a valid referral is required for you to obtain a Medicare rebate for the consultation fee.
You can make an appointment and then arrange for your referral to be faxed through prior to your appointment date. A referral from your general practitioner is valid for 12 months, whereas a referral from another specialist is valid for 3 months.
What to Bring To Your First Visit
When you come for your first appointment please obtain and bring the following
- Referral letter
- Medicare card, DVA card, pension card
- Private Health Insurance information
- Copies of relevant test results including blood tests, imaging and biopsies. Note: Dr Ling has online access to imaging performed at PRP Diagnostic Radiology and I-MED Radiology but please bring hard copies of your films if your imaging was done at other radiology practices or BreastScreen.
- A list of your medications
- A list of questions: prepare a list of questions you wish to ask, as it is easy to forget what you wanted to discuss once you are at the appointment
Feel free to bring a support person.
Please wear a two-piece outfit to the appointment as you may be required to undress for a clinical examination.
During Your First Visit
During your visit, you will be greeted by Deborah or Katherine, who will collect any referral letters, test results and other relevant documentation you have brought with you. You will be asked to complete a New Patient Form. It is helpful if you can arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your appointment, and allow 60 minutes for the entire visit.
Punctuality is a high priority for our practice. We recognise your time is valuable, and you will be contacted if Dr Ling is expected to run more than 30 minutes late. New patients are allocated a 30-minute appointment slot, but some patients require a little more time and delays inevitably occur.
Dr Ling may sometimes be required to attend emergency surgeries. We apologise in advance if we keep you waiting or have to reschedule your appointment.
Common Questions
