Politics, Clear as Mud — and What You Can Learn from a Mud Kitchen-Good Medicine takes time- Not rushed 6 minute medicine

We love watching children play in our front garden with our mud kitchen. It’s a wonderful reminder that good things take time — just like good medicine.

Unfortunately, recent government changes to Medicare are pushing towards shorter, rushed consultations — often called “six-minute medicine.” These rebates simply don’t cover the true cost of providing high-quality, personalised care.

At Eleanor Clinic, we believe your health deserves time, attention, and genuine care — not rushed consultations. Under the current Medicare system, the rebate per minute actually decreases for longer appointments. This affects complex consultations such as chronic disease management, women’s health, and mental health care — precisely where time and understanding matter most.

Providing High-Quality Care Takes More Than a Few Minutes

Delivering safe, comprehensive medical care involves many essential costs, including:

• Highly trained contract doctors, nurses, and reception staff
• Modern medical equipment, technology, and clinical supplies
• Rent, electricity, insurance, and administrative costs

Why We Charge a Gap (Out-of-Pocket Fee)

Charging a gap allows us to:

✅ Provide longer, more thorough consultations
✅ Maintain a safe and welcoming environment for patients
✅ Continue offering a wide range of services, including:

• • Chronic disease management
  • Preventative health checks
  • Mental health support

Making Healthcare Accessible

We understand that rising living costs are putting pressure on families. That’s why we’re committed to offering:

• Online repeat script and referral requests
• Telehealth appointments for busy days
• Bulk billing for most Care Plans and Health Assessments
• Quick bulk-billed consults for same-day medical certificates

By registering for MyMedicare, we may also be able to bulk bill you for certain items in the future.

Our Promise to You

Our goal is simple: to continue providing safe, high-quality, and compassionate care for every patient — now and into the future. Because your health deserves care without compromise, not “six-minute medicine.”

Advocating for a Better-Funded Primary Health System

At Eleanor Clinic, we strongly believe that all Australians deserve access to quality, timely, and comprehensive primary healthcare.

We call on the government to:

• Increase Medicare rebates for longer and more complex consultations
• Provide better funding for mental health care and chronic disease management
• Support community health providers such as Cohealth, who care for our most vulnerable patients

We encourage you to contact your local Federal Member of Parliament to share how these Medicare changes affect you. And please speak to your GP about whether you qualify for a Care Plan to help manage complex or chronic conditions.

Fina bulk billing clinic’s in the area.

We’ll continue to advocate for a healthcare system that values both patients and the clinicians who care for them.

Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support.
Together, we can keep delivering the high-quality care you deserve.

Nurse power at Eleanor Clinic!

Here nursesrock #healthassesments #chronicdiseasepreventionnd Eunice, enjoying a quick pause in our front garden 🌿 before getting back to caring for you at Eleanor Clinic.

You’ll often meet their smiling faces when you visit – whether it’s for:

💉 Immunisations (they’re fully accredited vaccination providers)

🩺 Health Assessments (bulk billed for ages 45–49 or 75+)

💙 Support you with managing chronic conditions like asthma, chronic pain, hypertension, osteoporosis, endometriosis, ADHD, or coeliac disease

📋 Chronic Disease Management Plans – giving you access to 5 allied health visits each year

✨ Assistance in our procedure room for iron infusions, Mirena insertions, mole removals, and wound care

🌟helping you to stay up to date with cancer screening, CST, FOBT etc

Contact our friendly reception team if you would like to book a health assessment or care plan, or to find out if you may be eligible.

We are incredibly grateful for their skill, kindness, and dedication – our clinic team wouldn’t be the same without them. 💐

Next time you visit Eleanor Clinic, don’t forget to say hello to your nurses -they’re here to make your healthcare journey easier and brighter! 🌟

ADHD Care at Eleanor Clinic

At Eleanor Clinic, our doctors are committed to providing high-quality, compassionate ADHD care. We recognise the growing awareness around neurodivergence and understand that for many people, especially adults, discovering ADHD is a life-changing moment.

For some, an ADHD diagnosis helps explain lifelong struggles with focus, organisation, and energy regulation. For others, it becomes an important part of understanding who they are and finding the right supports. Our role is to walk with you on this journey, offering holistic care that addresses both medical and lifestyle needs.

How ADHD Care Works in Victoria

ADHD care is guided by strict regulations in Victoria. At Eleanor Clinic, our doctors are experienced in providing support within these rules and ensuring safe, patient-centred prescribing.

1. Patients Seeking an ADHD Diagnosis

• Step 1: Book a 30-minute appointment with your GP to discuss your concerns and assessment options.
• Who can diagnose: In Victoria, only a psychiatrist (for adults) or paediatrician (for children) can make a formal ADHD diagnosis and initiate stimulant medication.
• Psychologist support: Psychologists can provide detailed ADHD assessments, strategies, and therapy, but they cannot prescribe medication. With a GP Mental Health Plan, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates on up to 10 sessions per calendar year (6 + 4).
• Our role: Eleanor Clinic GPs can guide you through the referral process to psychiatrists and psychologists, but we cannot provide the first formal ADHD diagnosis or start stimulant treatment ourselves

2. Patients with a Psychiatrist’s Diagnosis & Stimulant Recommendation
If you already have a psychiatrist’s ADHD diagnosis and recommendation for stimulant medication, our doctors can continue your care:

1. Psychiatrist’s Letter: A written confirmation of your ADHD diagnosis and authorisation for GP prescribing.
2. Initial Checks: Blood tests, ECG, blood pressure, height & weight.
3. Permit Application: Your GP applies to the Victorian Department of Health for a 2-year prescribing permit.
4. Permit Approval: Processing usually takes around 2 weeks.
5. First Prescription: Requires an in-person or telehealth appointment for blood pressure, weight check, discussion of treatment, and SafeScript approval.
6. Ongoing Care: Each repeat prescription involves monitoring your blood pressure, weight, and wellbeing. Early on, repeats are limited until the correct dose is established.

3. Important Information

• Regulated Process: Stimulant prescribing is tightly controlled in Victoria; not all GPs provide this service.
• Commitment: Our doctors are happy to provide ADHD care as long as patients are willing to follow the required process.
• Billing: This is a privately billed service, but Medicare rebates are available.
• Consultation Required: Prescriptions cannot be issued online without an in-person or telehealth consultation.
• Alternative Care: If you prefer not to follow this process, your psychiatrist can continue managing your ADHD treatment directly.

Why Choose Eleanor Clinic?

• Compassionate & skilled doctors who understand the complexities of ADHD.
• Holistic support that looks beyond prescriptions to lifestyle, mental health, and wellbeing.
• Respect for your journey, whether you’re newly exploring ADHD or already diagnosed.
• Safe and structured prescribing that complies with Victorian health regulations.

At Eleanor Clinic, your doctors are here to support you as you discover what ADHD means for you — and to help you build strategies, treatments, and confidence for the future.

More information: https://www.adhdaustralia.org.au/