• (02) 4911 2346

Inside the Clinic

Raymond Terrace Family Practice would like to acknowledge the Worimi land on which we work and live. We wish to pay our respects to the Traditional Custodians and to Elders past and present. 

RTFP offers bulk-billed health care to all First Nations patients who have a current 715 at the practice. 

A 715 is a Medicare funded Health Assessment for First Nations patients of all ages. These assessments can be completed via video health or face to face with our practice nurse and your regular GP. 

Bulk Billing for First Nations People

To support Closing the Gap and allow us to bulk bill your care, we require:

  • Practice registration: Must be a registered patient
  • Annual 715 Health check: Required every 9-12 months
  • Management Plan: For those with chronic conditions

Please note: All medical procedures incur a gap fee due to inadequate government funding.

Learn more

Chronic Health Plans

A GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP) is a structured, personalised plan designed to support you in managing long-term health conditions (lasting 6 months or more), such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or mental health conditions.
Developed collaboratively with your GP, the plan outlines: 
  • Your key health issues and personal health goals.
  • Agreed treatment strategies and lifestyle measures.
  • Medication management and monitoring requirements.
Benefits & Requirements
  • Coordinated Care: Ensures all your health providers are working towards the same goals.
  • Medicare Rebates: Patients with a GPCCMP may be eligible for Medicare rebates for up to 5 allied health services per calendar year.
  • Regular Reviews: We recommend a review every 3–6 months to keep your plan relevant and effective.
Important: MyMedicare & Your Care Plan
From 1 July 2025, to ensure high-quality care, your GPCCMP must be prepared and reviewed at the practice where you are registered for MyMedicare (your nominated regular practice). 
If you register with another practice, your GPCCMP reviews will not be funded by Medicare here. To ensure your care continues smoothly, please discuss your registration status with our reception team if you have recently changed practices

My Medicare

MyMedicare: Better Care, Together
Why join MyMedicare?
MyMedicare is a voluntary, Australian Government initiative designed to strengthen the relationship between you, your preferred GP, and our practice. By formally registering, you help us provide more personalized, consistent, and proactive care tailored to your specific health needs. 
What are the benefits for you?
Registering with MyMedicare allows you to access additional government funding and support:
  • More Personalised Care: Greater continuity of care with your preferred GP and team, leading to improved health outcomes.
  • Better Access to Telehealth: Access to Medicare rebates for longer telehealth consultations (Levels C and D) with your registered practice.
  • Enhanced Chronic Disease Management: Improved support for ongoing conditions, with specialized care planning for complex needs from 1 July 2025.
Important to know
  • Exclusive Registration: You can only be registered with one practice at a time.
  • Flexibility: If you register with another practice, your MyMedicare benefits (such as longer telehealth rebates) will no longer be available through us.
  • Existing Care: You can still see other GPs; however, the enhanced benefits only apply to services with your registered practice. 
Why it matters in a mixed-billing practice
MyMedicare helps us manage your care more effectively by identifying us as your regular team, reducing fragmented care, and enabling better planning, particularly for long-term health management. 
How to register
You can register:
  1. In person with our reception staff.
  2. Online via your Medicare Online Account or Express Plus Medicare App. [1]

Mental Health

Mental Health Care 
Medicare funding for mental health in general practice has been reduced, resulting in necessary private fees. As a private practice, government rebates—even with incentives—do not cover our operating costs, creating an out-of-pocket expense
Mental health appointments are often long (or prolonged)  and require advance booking; multiple consultations may be needed to establish a new mental health plan for psychologist referrals.
We want you to access timely, affordable care. If public or community-based services are insufficient for your needs, we are available for specific, tailored support.
For alternative, free or low-cost care, the government suggests calling their dedicated support line at Medicare Mental Health 1800 595 212 (Mon-Fri, 8:30am–5:00pm excl PH) for connection to local providers. Note: This is not a crisis service. 
Learn more

Non-Attendance Policy

At Raymond Terrace Family Practice we require a minimum of 2 hours notice when cancelling or rescheduling an appointment. Failure to provide this notice or to attend your booked appointment will result in a $50 account to be paid before you or a family member can book another appointment. 

Fee Changes

As of July 1st 2025, the fees for consultations will increase. Please see the fee table on the “Our Services” page for prices or phone our friendly reception team if you would like to discuss. 

Staff Updates

We would like to send our congratulations to our RN and admin Julia who was married to her partner Kent last week. We wish you a lifetime of happiness. 

Health Myths - Debunked

Being in the cold does NOT make you catch a cold!

Bulk Billing and Closing the Gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Patients

Our practice is dedicated to Closing the Gap in health outcomes and life expectancy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. To ensure we can provide sustainable, high-quality, and culturally safe care at no cost to you, the following requirements apply for bulk billing:
  • Practice Registration: You must be a registered patient at our clinic.
  • Annual Health Assessment (715): Completing an annual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Assessment (MBS Item 715) is required to enable bulk billing for your ongoing consultations. This assessment is a vital tool for early detection and prevention of chronic conditions.
  • Chronic Disease Management: If you have chronic health needs, a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan will further support your care and help maintain your eligibility for bulk-billed services.
Why is this required?
Current government funding models primarily support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health through these specific services. Regretfully, because the government chooses to fund care this way, we are unable to bulk bill consultations without the financial support these assessments and plans provide.
 
Fees for Procedures:
Please note that all medical procedures will incur an out-of-pocket expense.
While we aim to keep general consultations accessible, government funding for procedures is currently inadequate to cover the high costs of specialized medical supplies, equipment maintenance, and nursing support. A gap fee applies to services such as minor surgeries, biopsies, and iron infusions.
 
By participating in your annual 715 assessment, you help us work together to Close the Gap and ensure we can continue offering bulk-billed regular care to First Nations people throughout the year.

Crisis Options for Patients

Crisis options include:
Government-Funded Mental Health Support — 
Phone Support (Free & Confidential)
24/7 statewide and national crisis & wellbeing lines:
Professional support (online and telephone ) without a GP referral include:
Hospitals with acute mental health units:
‍ How to Access Services:
Emergency and Crisis