New Patient FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
New Patients FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
🩺 1. Appointment & Consultation Process
- What are the wait times for appointments?
Wait times vary depending on the doctor and can range from one to three months. Please note that a doctor with a shorter wait time may not always be the best fit for your needs, so it’s important to consider each doctor’s accepted conditions and state coverage when booking. - Why is the first appointment 50 minutes and the follow-up 30 minutes?
The first appointment lasts 50 minutes and during that, is a comprehensive assessment to understand your medical history, symptoms, and treatment needs. Follow-up appointments are 30 minutes, focusing on reviewing your progress, making any necessary adjustments, and providing ongoing support. - Can everything be done in a single appointment, or are follow-ups required?
A diagnosis is only the first step. ADHD is a lifelong condition that requires an ongoing treatment plan and monitoring. Most doctors will only provide an assessment if there is a plan for follow-up care, as it is not safe or ethical to offer a one-off diagnosis without ongoing support. - Can I receive a diagnosis at my first appointment?
Usually, it takes 2–3 appointments to confirm a diagnosis. In some cases, a diagnosis may be made during the first appointment if sufficient information is available, but this is not guaranteed. - Will I receive medication at my first appointment?
Typically, it takes around 2–3 appointments before medication can be prescribed. Your doctor will first need to complete a comprehensive assessment to understand your medical history, current symptoms, and determine whether medication is appropriate and safe for you. In some cases, a prescription may be provided at the first appointment, but this is not guaranteed. - Can the doctor continue the same medication I was prescribed by my previous GP or psychiatrist?
Often, doctors aim for continuity of care, but they will review your previous treatment and assess your current situation before deciding whether to continue the same medication. - Are pathology tests required, and should I complete them before my initial consultation?
Pathology tests are usually required prior to prescribing medication. However, it’s recommended to wait for guidance from your doctor on which specific tests are necessary before having them done. - Can I bring a family member or support person with me?
Yes, patients are generally welcome to bring a family member or support person to their appointment. However, if the clinician feels it’s important to speak with the patient privately or address certain matters one-on-one, they may ask the support person to step out for part of the consultation. - Are interpreters or family members/friends allowed to translate during the consultation?
Yes, patients may have an interpreter or support person to assist during their consultation. Patients must notify us after booking if an interpreter is required. Doctor approval is needed before confirming, as some clinicians prefer not to see patients with interpreters. Please note that adding another participant to a Telehealth session can sometimes cause technical issues, so compatibility must be checked beforehand.
💊 2. Prescriptions & Medication
- How long can my prescription last? Can I get medication for a whole year without follow-ups?
Prescription length depends on safety, medication type, and legal regulations. For stimulant ADHD medications, follow-up appointments are required at least every 6 months, as prescriptions are only valid for 6 months. Non-stimulant medications can be prescribed for up to 12 months. Long-term prescriptions without regular reviews are generally not provided, particularly for controlled medications like stimulants. - How will I receive my prescriptions?
All prescriptions are sent electronically via SMS or email. If you have Medicare, you automatically have an Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI), which enables you to receive e-scripts. If you are not registered with Medicare, you’ll need to apply for an IHI, as it’s required for all patients at our clinic. You can apply for one through the Services Australia website: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individual-healthcare-identifiers - Can everything be done in a single appointment, or are follow-ups required?
A diagnosis is only the first step. ADHD is a lifelong condition that requires an ongoing treatment plan and monitoring. Most doctors will only provide an assessment if there is a plan for follow-up care, as it is not safe or ethical to offer a one-off diagnosis without ongoing support.
👩⚕️ 3. Doctors & Clinical Coordination
- Do you coordinate care with my GP or psychologist?
Yes, our doctors communicate with your treating or referring GP as part of your care to ensure continuity and coordinated treatment. - Do you have child or adolescent psychiatrists?
We do not have dedicated child or adolescent psychiatrists. However, we have a paediatrician who can see patients aged 14 and under, and a few doctors who accept older adolescents:
Dr Maxine Cheung – 15 years old
Dr George Evans – 16 years old
Dr Marco Tiscione – 16 years old
Dr Mosadek Miah – 16 years old
Dr Oliver Burgess – 17 years old - Can you diagnose or assess Autism (ASD)?
We do not have clinicians who provide formal Autism assessments. Some psychiatrists may manage ASD only if it occurs alongside other conditions they are able to treat. You can check which clinicians accept comorbid ASD using the filter options at the top of the new patient booking section. - I’ve already been diagnosed by a psychologist or another psychiatrist. Do I need to be re-diagnosed?
If you already have a diagnosis, please send through any relevant reports or documentation to support it. This information can greatly assist the doctor and help streamline your assessment. However, as a new patient, the doctor will still need to complete their own assessment during the 50-minute initial consultation to ensure they have a full understanding of your history and current situation.
💰 4. Fees, Rebates & Insurance
- What is the consultation fee?
Consultation fees vary depending on the doctor you see. You can view each doctor’s individual fees here: https://mindoasis.com.au/for-patients/fee/ - Does Medicare cover any costs?
Yes, a Medicare rebate is available for every session, provided you have a valid GP referral and Medicare card.
Rebate for the initial consultation: $262.10.
Rebate for follow-up consultations: $130.85
If you have reached the Medicare Safety Net Threshold, you may be eligible for a higher rebate. Please note that we cannot confirm the exact rebate amount, so this should be checked directly with Medicare. The Medicare Safety Net Threshold helps reduce out-of-pocket costs by increasing rebates once your total eligible expenses in a calendar year reach the threshold, which is generally around $2,600 for singles and $850 for concession card holders or families with a concession card. - Will Mind Oasis process my Medicare rebate, or do I need to submit it myself?
Mind Oasis can process the rebate on your behalf. However, it is the patient’s responsibility to ensure that the correct details are linked to their Medicare card. - When will my Medicare rebate be processed?
Medicare rebates are typically processed a few days after you attend your appointment. Please allow 7–14 days for the rebate to be completed and received. Rebates are processed after attendance is confirmed. For face-to-face consultations, the front desk processes the rebate immediately after your appointment. For telehealth appointments, the rebate is usually processed within a few days following the session. - Does private health insurance cover any costs?
Outpatient psychiatric visits are typically not covered by private health insurance. Patients should check with their provider to confirm if that is something they can assist with. - Do you accept overseas student health insurance (OSHC)?
Yes, we accept overseas student health insurance from Medibank (OSHC). This insurance meets visa requirements and helps cover hospital and medical costs while studying in Australia. The rebate or benefit amount depends on your OSHC level (Essentials or Comprehensive) and the services you use, so we recommend checking your policy or contacting Medibank for details. Please note, the patient must claim the rebate themselves; Mind Oasis does not process it on their behalf. - How do I claim a rebate from my insurance company?
After you pay for your appointment, an automated invoice with the item code will be sent to you. You can provide this invoice to your insurance company to process your rebate. - Do you accept work cover?
No, we do not provide work cover for new patients. - Do you offer bulk billing?
No, bulk billing is not available for new patients. - Do you accept DVA (Department of Veterans’ Affairs) coverage?
No, we do not accept DVA. - Do you offer concession discounts or accept payments from Centrelink or other government programs?
No, we do not provide discounts for concessions or accept payments from Centrelink or other government programs.
📄 5. Referrals & Documentation
- My referral is addressed to a different doctor or clinic. Does it need to be for Mind Oasis or the specific doctor I’m seeing?
No, we can accept a referral addressed to another doctor or clinic, as long as it hasn’t already been used for a Medicare claim elsewhere. - Do I need to include all my past or existing conditions on my referral?
It’s important to list all relevant conditions on your referral, even if they were diagnosed a long time ago or no longer feel significant. Some doctors specialise in certain areas, and missing information may result in being matched with a clinician who isn’t able to provide the right care.
If we notice that something might be missing, our team may ask to review your referral before confirming your booking to make sure you’re placed with the most suitable doctor. - Do I have to complete the patient intake forms?
Yes, completing the patient intake forms is mandatory. These forms include two consent forms and three screening questionnaires, which help the doctor gain a thorough understanding of your background and potential diagnosis before your appointment. - What if I am unable to provide someone to complete the observer forms?
While observer forms are strongly recommended because they provide valuable collateral information that can assist in the doctor’s ADHD assessment and streamline the diagnostic process, they are not mandatory. If you cannot provide an observer, the doctor will gather the necessary information through alternative assessment methods during your consultation.
💻 6. Telehealth & Online Appointments
- How do telehealth or online consultations work?
To attend a telehealth appointment, you’ll need an internet connection and access to email or a web browser such as Google or Safari. After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to our telehealth waiting room. Click the link 5–10 minutes before your appointment to enter the virtual waiting room. If you can’t find the email, visit mindoasis.com.au and click the “Telehealth Waiting Room” button. Select your clinician and enter their virtual waiting room which should either launch Zoom or Google Meet. At your appointment time, the clinician will admit you into the call. If you have any difficulties connecting, please contact reception — our team is trained to assist you. - Will the doctor call me for my telehealth appointment?
No, the doctor will not phone you directly. You must log into the telehealth waiting room at the scheduled time. If you forget your appointment or do not attend, the doctor may attempt to contact you from a private or unknown number. - What happens if I forget my appointment, am very late, or don’t attend?
If you are more than 15 minutes late, miss, or forget your appointment, you will have to forfeit 50% of the consultation fee. The remaining 50% can be applied to a rescheduled appointment or refunded. This policy applies to both new and existing patients.
💵 7. Cancellations & Refunds
- Can I receive a full refund if I cancel my appointment?
Yes, if you cancel more than 48 hours before your scheduled appointment, you are eligible for a full refund. Please note that any bank processing fees will not be refunded. - What happens if I forget my appointment, am very late, or don’t attend?
If you are more than 15 minutes late, miss, or forget your appointment, you will have to forfeit 50% of the consultation fee. The remaining 50% can be applied to a rescheduled appointment or refunded. This policy applies to both new and existing patients.
⚕️ 8. Additional Information
- Do you coordinate care with my GP or psychologist?
Yes, our doctors communicate with your treating or referring GP as part of your care to ensure continuity and coordinated treatment. - Can I bring a family member or support person with me?
Yes, patients are generally welcome to bring a family member or support person to their appointment. However, if the clinician feels it’s important to speak with the patient privately or address certain matters one-on-one, they may ask the support person to step out for part of the consultation.