Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about appointments, fees, referrals and our services.
About the Collective
What is the difference between the Paediatric Health Collective, Spectrum House and Thrive Paediatrics?
The Paediatric Health Collective has been created by co-directors Emma-Rose Parsons, Tanya Newnham and Anisha Pillay with a shared vision to create a space where different paediatric disciplines can practise within the same space, share resources and most importantly share the same core values of respect, integrity, collaboration and empowerment.
Spectrum House and Thrive Paediatrics are independent entities operating within the Paediatric Health Collective.
Spectrum House is a small, passionate and dedicated team of psychologists founded by psychologist Emma-Rose Parsons.
Thrive Paediatrics is an associateship between paediatricians Dr Tanya Newnham and Dr Anisha Pillay. Both Tanya and Anisha run independent practices under the umbrella of Thrive Paediatrics.
Appointments & Referrals
What should I expect at my first appointment?
When booking your first appointment, our practice team will ask about the nature of the issue requiring an appointment to ensure we provide you with the best possible service. Paediatric initial appointments are between 45 minutes to one hour. Please bring your Medicare card, a referral from your GP, and all relevant blood test results, X-rays, previous medical and allied health assessments and reports. For young children please also bring their 'My Health, Learning and Development Record' (Green Folder). Psychology initial appointments are usually 50 minutes.
Do I need a referral?
Please bring any relevant documentation or referrals if you have these. For paediatric services, we encourage GP referrals as this not only enables you to claim Medicare rebates for your appointment but also ensures continuity of care. GP referrals are valid for 12 months and specialist referrals for 3 months. For Medicare purposes, referrals are specific to the issue stated on the referral. For psychology services, Medicare rebates may be relevant; please speak with your GP or psychologist to understand how these work.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring your Medicare card and a referral from your GP, as well as all relevant blood test results, X-rays, previous medical and allied health assessments and any reports your child may have had. For young children please also bring their 'My Health, Learning and Development Record' (Green Folder).
Do your appointments run on time?
All our clinicians are aware that your time is valuable and endeavour to run on time. However, some patients require extra time due to the complexity of their situation. We will try wherever possible to inform you if a clinician is significantly delayed.
How long will my appointment be?
Paediatric new appointments are usually 45 minutes for the initial consultation and 30 minutes for a review appointment. Psychology appointments are usually 50 minutes of one-on-one time and 10 minutes is allowed for note-taking and follow-up tasks. Psychological assessments range from 1 to 3 hours. You will be informed of the appointment length at the time of booking.
How do I cancel my appointment?
To cancel your appointment, we ask that you phone or email our practice as soon as possible and at least 48 hours before your appointment. This allows us to offer your appointment time to another family. Failure to attend or cancellation within 48 hours will incur a cancellation fee.
How do I contact my clinician between appointments?
For non-urgent matters, please contact the practice by phone or email and the practice team will pass your message on. For urgent medical matters, please contact your GP or in an emergency dial 000.
Do I need an appointment for repeat prescriptions?
Yes. When required, prescriptions will be given to you at the time of your appointment. Unless pre-arranged with the clinician, repeat prescriptions will require a review appointment. Phone requests for repeat prescriptions may incur a fee.
What if I am calling with an emergency?
Our clinicians do not provide an afterhours or emergency service. For emergencies, please see your GP, go to your nearest hospital emergency department, call 000, or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Fees & Payment
Is there a fee for service?
Paediatric Health Collective clinicians provide private fee-for-service practice. Accounts are payable on the day of the consultation. There is a cancellation fee if you fail to attend your appointment or cancel within 48 hours. Fee structures will be explained when you book your appointment and our practice team is available to help with any questions.
What are your fees?
All practising clinicians have different fee structures and fees vary depending on the service provided. Fees will be explained at the time of booking your appointment. We are a private fee-for-service practice and do not routinely bulk bill. Patients are able to claim a portion of the consultation fee back as a Medicare rebate for paediatric medical consultations and many psychology consultations, provided they have a valid GP referral or Mental Health Care Plan.
Do I need private health insurance?
No, you do not need private health insurance. Paediatric medical consultations are not claimable through private health insurance.
How do I pay?
Accounts are payable on the day of your consultation. We accept cash, EFTPOS or most credit cards (not American Express).
Practical & Feedback
What is the procedure for working with separated families?
We commonly see children with separated parents. We believe the best outcome for our patients is when we can work together with both parents towards shared goals. Ideally, both parents will be present or have their view represented for all consultations. We realise this is not always possible, especially where there is a high degree of conflict.
Parents are required to inform us of any Court Order that restricts access of either parent or guardian to the child's personal information. We also encourage parents to share any history of family violence so we can provide appropriate support.
We have a separate form for separated parents to complete, which acknowledges the complexities that may occur. By completing the form, you acknowledge that we will provide advice and care based on what we professionally believe is in the best interest of your child, and that it is not our role to mediate any dispute or difference of opinion between parents.
Where do I park when attending the Paediatric Health Collective?
There is ample street parking close to the practice, for example in Cherry Road or on Whitehorse Road. The practice is also accessible by public transport: the number 109 tram runs along Whitehorse Road and the practice can be accessed from tram stop 47.
How do I give feedback about my experience?
We will constantly strive to improve our practice and all constructive feedback is encouraged. Our preference is that feedback be given in writing so it gets actioned. We welcome feedback by email or in writing. All feedback will be documented and addressed at our monthly staff meetings, or sooner if appropriate.
What if I am not happy with the care I have received?
We encourage you to raise your concerns with us directly so that we can address any issues early. Open communication is paramount. We welcome and encourage written feedback either by email or by posting it in our feedback box located within the practice. All feedback will be documented and addressed at our monthly staff meetings, or sooner if appropriate.
I am a health professional. How do I contact you about a patient?
Please contact us by phone on 03 8574 1220 or by email at info@phcollective.com.au and our practice team will assist you.