247 Doctor

FAQ For Practices

Is 247 Doctor Service an approved after-hours service?

Yes, of course. We are accredited by AGPAL and contracted by the Department of Health and Medicare Local South Brisbane to provide this service. This means that we are compliant with all the AMDS guidelines set out by the government.

Does 247 Doctor Service meet the commonwealth definition of a medical deputizing service as set out in AMDS guideline?

In order to receive the accreditation, all After Hours deputising services need to meet the AMDSP guidelines and we have passed this stage successfully.

Can we obtain PIP benefits and fulfill accreditation requirements by using 247 Doctor Service?

Yes, 247 Doctor Service is an approved after-hours deputizing service and  by using this service, you become eligible to apply for PIP benefits and clear the accreditation requirements.

Will your generally bulk-billing policy affect our day-time number of patients?

No, Because we are not fully bulk billing all patients at all times. We only bulk bill patients who are in certain areas and at certain times of the day.

Therefore, our billing policy is more in favour of Medical Cantres compared to other after-hours companies that are currently 100% bulk-billing all their patients. A fully bulk bill after hours service may discourage patients to see their own day-time GPs.

Do you own and operate a day-time medical practice?

No, 247 Doctor Service does not own a day-time practice. However, we are required by law to answer the phones 24/7 during when we usually refer patients to their normal GPs and answer questions or respond to inquiries from patients or health centres.

We are already subscribed with other Medical Deputising Services; Do we need to pay a penalty to move from their service and is there any requirement to give a notice prior to that?

Generally not. As far as we are aware of, there is currently no such a signed agreement between the medical practices and Deputising Service Providers to bind a medical centre to use a certain service or pay a penalty. Unless you have signed such an agreement; there is no need for a medical practice to pay a penalty fee or give a notice prior to leaving their service.

Obviously, we do not force your business to sign an agreement for early termination penalty and we do not recommend you to sign such an agreement with other after hours services.