A quick stop here may assist you in your queries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book an appointment?
The preferred method for booking an appointment is either via the link “Book an Appointment” on this website or via HotDoc. You may also call the clinic on 03 4416 1044 to book.
What kind of appointment should I book?

In most instances you will only require a standard appointment.

Some consultations such as mental health care plans, complex or multiple issues and procedures require longer appointments. Our receptionists are skilled in helping you navigate this.

I am a new patient - can I make an appointment?

Currently our doctors have closed their books to new patients. Do keep an eye on this website as we will endeavour to let you know as this changes. Alternatively you may contact our reception and make an enquire.

How are TAC and WorkCover appointments charged?

All WorkCover and TAC consultations will incur a gap on top of the fee paid from the scheduled. This full fee (not just the gap) needs to be settled in full on the day. The gap will not be reimbursed by any third party such as Medicare, WorkCover or TAC. The reimbursement of their schedule fee will be between yourself and your TAC or WorkCover agent. We do not directly liaise with them on your part so any queries regarding this should be directly communicated with them.

How do I access after-hours care or medical advice in an emergency?

In the event of an emergency, please dial 000 or present to the nearest Emergency Department.

If you are already a patient at our clinic, you may obtain after-hours phone advice from 5 pm -11 pm on weekdays and from 8 am – 12 noon on Saturday by calling the on-call doctor on 0426 362 186 and you will be directed to the on-call doctor. If you require any urgent advice outside these hours, please present to your nearest Emergency Department.

What are Lucan St. Medical's opening hours?

Our clinic’s operating hours are from 9 am to 5 pm.

Currently we are not open on weekends.

  • Dr. Buddhi Wickramasinghe – 9 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday
  • Dr. Manjula Kodippiliarachchi – 9 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday
  • Dr. Darshi Wickramasinghe – 9 am – 2 pm Monday to Friday 
Is on-site parking available?

We do have limited parking, including one disabled car park space, on our premises, with access through the Uley Street entrance. In the event this is not available, there is time-restricted free street parking available near the clinic.

You may wish to park at the multi-storey car park (fees apply), which is almost directly opposite the clinic’s Lucan Street entrance (at the site of the old Bendigo hospital).

Can I get to Lucan St. Medical on public transport?

There is a bus stop almost directly opposite the Lucan Street entrance of the clinic. You may use bus routes 50, 51, 52 and 63 to get here.

How do I arrange for my records to be transferred?

If you are an existing patient of one of our doctors, you may be eligible to have your records transferred to Lucan St. Medical ahead of your appointment.

In other instances, your medical records can be transferred once you have come in for your appointment.

How do I obtain my results?

Our clinic policy is for you to make an appointment with your GP to discuss all results and plan any further management required.

Please be mindful that results are unavailable without a consultation. You will require a consultation with your GP. We recommend booking ahead if you are having tests done.

In the case of urgent results, you will be contacted for an urgent appointment. Please ensure your contact details are up to date and advise our staff if they have changed.

Other results which require review may result in an SMS being sent to you if you are registered for this service.

Your cooperation by making a follow-up appointment (unless your GP specifically advises you otherwise) is appreciated.

How may I get my script renewed?

Our clinic policy is that a consultation is required prior to script renewals.

You may be able to have your script issued without consultation in a few exceptional situations. It depends on the medication you require and whether the original script was dispensed at our clinic. You must have seen your GP within the preceding 3 months to be eligible.

Please note that a minimum of 48 hours (business hours) is required to process your request. You will be charged a fee at the discretion of your doctor (this fee does not attract a Medicare rebate). Some of our doctors are listed on HotDoc, via our online booking service, to provide scripts with the restrictions mentioned.

Under no circumstances will restricted medications such as opiates be issued without a consultation. If you are on these medications, it is your responsibility to book ahead with your regular GP to ensure you receive your scripts without delay.

What should I do if I need a referral to a specialist ?

Your condition may require referral for a specialist opinion. This could be either to a public hospital or to a private specialist.

We are fortunate to have built good relationships with local specialists and are able to provide you with referrals for any issues requiring a second opinion. In the event you wish to consult with a specialist outside of Bendigo, this can be arranged.

What should I do if I require an interpreter?

We prefer the use of qualified medical interpreters when this service is required. Please inform reception at the time of booking so this can be arranged ahead.

Available services include

  • National Relay Service (NRS) is an Australia-wide phone service for patients who are deaf, have hearing impairment and/or speech impairment and people wanting to communicate with them.
    (www.relayservice.com.au)
  • Translation and Interpreter Service (TIS National) for patients from a non-English speaking background.
    (www.tisnational.gov.au)
  • 131 450 for translation and interpreter service.
    (www.tisnational.gov.au)
Do you provide medical certificates?

We understand you may not be able to see your doctor on the day you are unwell.

We may still be able to provide you with a certificate if you present within a few days of your illness. As it is a legal document, we are not able to issue you with a certificate without a consultation.

In the instances of WorkCover and TAC certificates, it is recommended you make these appointments in advance.

Do you offer pathology collection (blood tests)?

We are happy to be housing pathology services under our roof. Melbourne Pathology is offering collection services from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm on Mondays through to Fridays at the Lucan St. Medical premises (Phone: 03 9277 9050).

For all general enquires, please call

03 5444 2382.

What are your fees?

epending on the type and duration of your appointment, the charges will vary. Some items do not attract a Medicare rebate. Please check with our helpful reception staff if you are uncertain and they will advise you.

Fees are payable on the day of consultation. You may make this payment via EFTPOS, credit card or cash. We prefer not to accept cash at this time due to the risks with COVID-19.

Please ensure you bring with you a valid Medicare card as well as any pension and healthcare cards. This will enable us to process your rebate on the day. This rebate can be put back onto your card if you use a valid EFTPOS method for payment.

If for some reason, you are unable to make the payment on the day, you may be eligible to obtain an account, which may incur an administrative fee.

We would recommend you make a longer appointment if you have more than one issue to discuss; else you may be requested to rebook a subsequent appointment to address these.

Billing Prices 2023

Billing may vary according to doctor.

General Medical Appointments Fee Schedule

Appointment Duration Up to 15 mins 15 – 20 mins Over 20 mins
Medicare Rebate ($) 41.20 41.20 79.70
Full Private Fee ($) 83.20 88.20 132.70
Out Of Pocket ($) 42.00 47.00 53.00
Concession fee ($) 73.20 78.20 122.70
Out of pocket ($) 32.00 37.00 43.00

 

Telehealth Medical Appointments Fee Schedule

Appointment Duration Up to 15 mins 15 – 20 mins
Medicare Rebate ($) 41.20 41.20
Full Private Fee ($) 79.20 84.20
Out Of Pocket ($) 38.00 43.00
Concession fee ($) 69.20 74.20
Out of pocket ($) 28.00 33.00

 

Please note these rates are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change. Please inquire at reception; our staff will update you on any changes.

How will I get billed for procedures?

This will depend on the duration of your procedure and cost of supplies utilised. You will be given a quote prior to the appointment.

Wound dressings, Implanon insertions, cryotherapy, steroid injections into the knee and shoulder, skin biopsies and excisions are also included in procedures. Due to the extensive nature of the list, we request you discuss this when you are asked to make a booking.

What is your billing policy for DVA card holders?

For DVA cardholders, conditions covered under the card will not incur a separate charge. This excludes any procedures. Consultations regarding conditions not covered by your DVA card will be billed in accordance with the usual clinic policy.

What is your billing policy for children under 16?

We bulk bill children under 16 years of age for routine appointments. Procedures are exempt from this.

What is the fee schedule for medicals, commercial driver’s licenses, and paperwork such as forms (insurance, superannuation etc.)?

We provide a variety of services where you will be billed privately and no Medicare rebate is available. 

This includes: Pre-employment medicals and commercial driver’s licenses. Currently we are not offering pre-employment medicals. Insurance, income protection, superannuation paperwork. 

You may require tests for study placements. These tests will be billed privately (no Medicare rebate) by your pathology provider. 

Do I incur an out-of-pocket cost for care plans, health assessments or mental health plans?

These are directly billed to Medicare (bulk billed).

What should I do in an emergency?

If you require after-hours medical advice, call 03 4416 1044 and you will be directed to the on-call doctor (this service is only for existing patients of Lucan St. Medical).

This service is available from 8 am to 11 pm on weekdays and from 8 am to 12 noon on Saturdays. If you require any urgent advice outside these hours, please go to your nearest emergency department.

Are walk-in appointments and home visits available?

We request you call to book or make an online booking for all general appointments.

We do not offer routine walk-in appointments but triage any patients who present to the clinic accordingly.

Home visits are at the discretion of the treating doctor and are not routinely offered.

Can I contact the doctor during consulting hours?

If you are experiencing an emergency, please ring 000 instead or present to the local emergency department.

If required, your phone call will be put through to our triage nurse, who will advise accordingly. The nursing staff will liaise with your GP to help you. We do not put calls through, as a general rule, to the medical practitioners during working hours to avoid unnecessary interruptions. Matters such as scripts and referrals will necessitate an appointment.

Most medical queries will require an appointment, which our receptionist will arrange for you. Please note that a voice mail service is unavailable. If you are calling to make a booking, this can also be done conveniently via our website or Hot Doc.

How do I cancel my appointment and what is your cancellation policy?

We require at least 2 hours notice to cancel your booking. Cancellations are not possible online. In the event you have not cancelled your appointment, a charge will be levied. (This fee is not covered by Medicare, and applies to any missed appointments)

If you are unable to make it to your appointment, do contact our friendly reception team ahead of time to organise an alternative booking.

How do I provide feedback or make a complaint?

We endeavour to provide efficient, high-quality medical care at all times. In the event you have any concerns, please contact our Practice Coordinator. This can be done by contacting the clinic directly.

You may email us at feedback@lucanstmedical.com.au

We rely on feedback to keep improving our practice.

If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may direct your complaint on to the Health Complaints Commissioner.
Level 26, 570 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Phone: 1300 582 113

I am transferring to another clinic. How may I have my records transferred?

While we are sorry to see you go, we like to make your transition a smooth one. Please request a records transfer form from the clinic you wish to transfer to, authorise it in writing and have them send it to us. On receipt, we will arrange for your records transfer, which will incur an administrative fee. Please note that all outstanding accounts will need to be paid in full prior to this.

If you are transferring to us from another clinic, once you have discussed this with your new GP at our clinic, you may request transfer of your records. You will be asked to fill out a form, which we will send to your previous clinic and they will arrange for this in accordance with their clinic policy.

What is your privacy policy?

We strongly believe in protection of patient privacy in accordance with legislative requirements.

A copy of this policy can be found here.

What is Lucan St. Medical’s email policy?

Our email address is reception@lucanstmedical.com.au. You may use this email address to communicate with our practice, subject to the terms and conditions discussed below.

Can I use it for urgent queries ?

We do not use email as a preferred means of communication. Please do not use email to request referrals or prescriptions. For urgent enquiries, contact Lucan St. Medical via phone on 03 4416 1044.

When should I expect a reply ?

If you have corresponded with us via email, we aim to respond to your query within 3 business days of receiving the email.

Can I cancel, change my appointment time or make a booking via email ?

Bookings, appointment changes and cancellations are not possible via email.

What security is available around email communication?

Our email service is not encrypted. What this means is that we cannot ensure security of our email correspondence. This poses the risk of emails and attachments being read by someone other than the intended person.

This is why we do not encourage correspondence of personal information via email.

Are there some exceptions?

The clinic may, in certain situations, agree to email you a reply, information or documentation at your request. This may include personal information including health information.

We shall request confirmation of your identity and email address. You will be required to confirm that you have been made aware of the risks and consented to and accepted the risks involved with email correspondence.

I am a health professional. Can I contact you via email ?

The same applies here in that we request you do not contact us via email with any personal information belonging to a patient.
We are set up to receive secure messaging via Argus and HealthLink (Healthlink EDI – lucanstm).
As we prefer paperless communication, the above methods are preferred. If unavailable, you can either fax us on 03 4416 1045 or post addressed to;
Lucan St. Medical, 89-91, Lucan St., Bendigo VIC 3550.

This policy is correct as of September 2020.

Do you have a smoke free environment?

There is strict “no smoking” policy on our clinic premises, including our car park.

What is your code of conduct policy?

We believe in making our workplace a safe place for our staff and clients. Under no circumstances will verbal or other abusive behaviour be tolerated as we seek to create a safe and respectful place for all.

Do you use security measures on the premises?

CCTV cameras are installed both outside and inside the premises to surveil public areas as part of our security system. This is to deter unwanted behaviour of persons, events or activities, and to assist in timely and effective response to incidents. Any use of this material is in accordance with the clinic’s security monitoring policy.

What is Lucan St. Medical's COVID-19 management plan?
Due to the current pandemic, our clinic aims to protect our patient community and staff by implementing changes to safeguard it. We are working hard to continue to provide services to all our patients while minimising the risk of a clinic closure as we know this will impact everyone. This is an evolving plan and is in conjunction with recommendations by the DHS.  

Any legal obligations immediately apply even if they are not updated here in a timely fashion. 

Currently we recommend you wear a face mask while you are on our premises.  

We request you attend face-to-face consultations by yourself (unless you need a support person or need to bring in a child) where possible. Anyone accompanying you to an appointment will be subject to the same screening criteria. 

You will be asked screening questions when booking an appointment and on arrival at the clinic. 

If you are unwell with respiratory symptoms or a fever, please get COVID-tested and isolate as per DHS guidelines until your results are available. All such consultations will be Telehealth. If you are acutely unwell, you should go to the local emergency department instead. Please note this applies to children as well. We do not offer COVID testing at our clinic. A list of venues is available on the DHS website. 

If you are uncertain whether you need a face-to-face appointment, please contact our reception and they will be happy to help you. 

We appreciate your continued support to us and the community at this challenging time. If you have any concerns, do contact our friendly reception team and they will be happy to assist you. 

Our Services

General Medicine
General Practice - Bendigo GP Clinic - Lucan St Medical Clinic
Women's Health
Women's Health - Bendigo GP Clinic - Lucan St Medical Clinic
Children's Health
Paeditatrics - Bendigo GP Clinic - Lucan St Medical Clinic
Mental Health
Mental Health - Bendigo GP Clinic - Lucan St Medical Clinic
Men's Health
Men's Health - Bendigo GP Clinic - Lucan St Medical Clinic
Skin Health
Skin Health - Bendigo GP Clinic - Lucan St Medical Clinic
Chronic Disease
Chronic Disease - Bendigo GP Clinic - Lucan St Medical Clinic
TAC / WorkCover 
TAC / Medicare / Medicals - Bendigo GP Clinic - Lucan St Medical Clinic