News
As of 11 December 2023 we are able to offer the new Monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccine.
All currently available COVID-19 vaccines are anticipated to provide benefit to eligible people, however the monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccines are preferred over other vaccines for the use in children aged 5 years or older and adults who are currently recommended primary or additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
A 2023 COVID-19 vaccine dose is recommended for the following groups, to be given at least 6 months after their most recent COVID-19 vaccine dose/infection:
- All adults aged ≥65 years,
- adults aged 18 - <65 years who have medical comorbidities that increase their risk of severe COVID-19, and
- adults who have a disability with significant or complex health needs.
A 2023 dose may be considered for other adults aged 18 - <65 years, based on an individual risk-benefit assessment.
A second 2023 COVID-19 vaccine dose, is recommended for all adults aged ≥75 years if 6 months have passed since their last dose.
People who become eligible for 2023 doses should continue to receive these doses until updated advice becomes available in early 2024.
For those who have had the recommended 2023 dose/s of COVID-19 vaccine, ATAGI is not recommending further doses or re-vaccination with an XBB.1.5-containing vaccine at this time.
There are no monovalent XBB.1.5-containing vaccines registered for use in children aged 6 months to 4 years.
Book an appointment online via our website or call us to book. Please note stock will not be received until 11 December 2023.
What is MyMedicare?
MyMedicare is a voluntary patient registration model that aims to formalise the relationship between patients, their general practice, general practitioner (GP) and primary care teams. The Australian Government has introduced MyMedicare as part of an ongoing commitment to strengthening Medicare for all Australians.
What are the benefits of registering?
Registering in MyMedicare helps strengthen the relationship with your GP and practice, which leads to better care. By registering as a patient, additional funding becomes available to your healthcare provider to deliver the care you need.
MyMedicare patients will have access to:
• longer MBS-funded telephone calls with your usual general practice
Who is eligible for MyMedicare?
MyMedicare is open to Australians with a Medicare card or a DVA Veteran Card and is voluntary.
You’re eligible to register if you’ve had two or more face-to-face appointments at your regular practice in the past 24 months. People who are facing hardship are exempt from all eligibility requirements. This includes people experiencing domestic and family violence and homelessness. Parents/guardians and children can be registered at the same practice, if either is eligible and registered. A parent/guardian must register a child under 14 years and provide consent on their behalf. Young people aged 14 to 17 years can register and provide consent without a parent/guardian.
How do I register?
From 1 October 2023, eligible patients can:
• Start the registration process in your Medicare Online Account or Express Plus Medicare Mobile app. Practice staff will then accept the registration in the MyMedicare system.
• Fill out a registration form at your practice. By signing the form, you are giving your consent to participate in MyMedicare with that practice. Practice staff will then complete the registration in the MyMedicare system
The Extended Medicare Safety Net supports individuals and families with-out-of- pocket health costs.
Once you reached the threshold each calendar year, Medicare will pay 100% of the schedule fee PLUS 80% of the gap for Medicare rebatable items. For example, If you are usually charged $98 for a level B consultation, your gap is $56.80. Once you hit the Safety Net, your gap will be reduced to $11.35.
What is the threshold?
This depends on your financial situation. If you have a concession card or if you receive Family Tax Benefit Part A your extended Medicare Safety Net will be activated once you and your family have spent $697.00 in out-of-pocket expenses in a calendar year. For all other people/families the Medicare safety Net is activated once they have spent $2184.30 in out-of-pocket expenses in a calendar year.
What expenses applied?
All out of hospital expenses where a Medicare number is used, which includes out of pocket costs for GP consultation, non-GP specialists, psychology with a Mental Health care Plan, radiology, and pathology.
What do I have to do?
If you are an individual, you do not need to do anything. You will be notified automatically once you reach the threshold. As a family you need to register. Register your family, learn how to check your balance or learn more:
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare/medicare-safety-nets
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With the flu season fast approaching it is important to get vaccinated against Influenza. The flu season generally peaks between April to October so it's essential to get vaccinated prior to this to ensure have the best protection.
There are 4 appointment types in which you can book:
- 6 months- under 5 years old
- 5 years- 64 years- GOVT Funded
- 5 years - 64 years- PRIVATE
- 65 years and over
What makes you eligible for a Govt funded Influenza vaccine?
Criteria patients must meet in order to receive the 5 to 64 yr GOVT funded fluvax:
- ATSI
- Pregnant (any state of pregnancy)
- Children aged 6 months to 10 years on long term aspirin therapy
Have any of the following conditions:
- cardiac disease, including cyanotic congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure
- chronic respiratory conditions, including suppurative lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), severe asthma (for which frequent medical consultations or the use of multiple medications is required), cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis and chronic emphysema.
- chronic neurological conditions, including hereditary and degenerative central nervous system (CNS) diseases (including multiple sclerosis), neuromuscular disorders, spinal cord injuries and seizure disorders
- immunocompromising conditions, including immunocompromised due to disease or treatment (e.g. malignancy, transplantation and/or chronic steroid use), asplenia or splenic dysfunction and HIV infection
- diabetes and other metabolic disorders, including Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes and chronic metabolic disorders
- chronic renal failure
- Haemoglobinopathies
The above criteria is outlined by the government and we must abide by this. Please see further information regarding eligibility for a government funded vaccine here
If you do not meet the above criteria, please book under the appointment type Influenza Vaccine 5 - 64yo PRIVATE. There will be a fee of $20 per vaccine which is due on the day of consultation.
What are the strains within the 2023 Influenza vaccine?
- an A/Sydney/5/2021 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus – new strain for 2023.
- an A/Darwin/9/2021 (H3N2)-like virus;
- a B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus; and
- a B/Phuket/3073/2013 (B/Yamagata lineage)-like virus
If you are having difficulty booking online please call our reception team on 02 9087 4600 to assist.
This is a fast paced clinic so if you have any questions regarding the vaccine or if it's appropriate for you please book a consultation with your regular GP to discuss prior to the appointment.
Rozelle Total Health is now offering the latest COVID-19 Vaccine, Pfizer Bivalent BA.4-5.
The Pfizer Bivalent BA.4-5 COVID-19 vaccine targets the Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5
Who is eligible?
- Those aged 18 years and over who are due for their booster dose and have completed their primary course of a COVID-19 vaccine (Dose 1 and 2) who have not had a COVID-19 vaccine or been infected with COVID in the past 6 months.
- Those aged 12 years - 17 years old who are severely immunocompromised who have completed their primary course of a COVID-19 vaccine (Dose 1 and 2).
Please note we will no longer be offering Pfizer for those aged 12+ as primary dose. Please visit your local pharmacy if you wish to obtain this.
When can I get a Booster dose?
- Pfizer Bivalent BA.4-5 booster clinics will be run on a Monday and Friday afternoon with our Nurse.
- Paediatic Pfizer remains available for those aged 5 - 11 years (Dose 1 and 2) on a Thursday afternoon.
The Doctors, Specialist, Allied Health professionals, Nursing and Reception staff would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a safe New Years. We thank you for your support during another trying year. We are closed all NSW public holidays and will have reduced hours over the Christmas/New Year period with normal trading hours recommencing Monday 9 January 2023.
If you are needing after hours care we advise to contact Sydney Medical Service on 1300 466 347. For emergencies please phone 000. If you require antiviral medication for COVID-19 infection we recommend contacting Balmain Hospital who have advised they will be able to assist with this. Our after hours provider are also able to prescribe antiviral medication. You can contact them on the above number. Please note you are able to access this medication within 5 days of the onset of symptoms.
We are looking forward to another year of caring for our community in 2023.
Rozelle Total Health is a private billing practice. Offering a high standard of medical care requires substantial resources and time. Unfortunately, the Medicare rebates have not kept pace with the costs involved in delivering quality care. As a result, there is a gap fee between the fee charged and the rebate the patient receives from Medicare (see table below).
As of 1 January 2023 our fee structure will be the following:
| Consult Type: | Initial Fee: | Medicare Rebate: |
LEVEL A: Less than 5 minutes |
$40.00 |
$18.20 |
LEVEL B: STANDARD - 15 minutes |
$98.00 |
$39.75 |
LEVEL C: COMPLEX- More than 20 minutes |
$180.00 |
$76.95 |
LEVEL D: COMPREHENSIVE- More than 40 minutes |
$250.00 |
$113.30 |
Saturday Fee Structure:
| Consult Type: | Initial Fee: | Medicare Rebate: |
LEVEL A: Less than 5 minutes |
$50.00 |
$18.20 |
LEVEL B: STANDARD - 15 minutes |
$110.00 |
$39.75 |
LEVEL C: COMPLEX- More than 20 minutes |
$198.00 |
$76.95 |
LEVEL D: COMPREHENSIVE- More than 40 minutes |
$275.00 |
$113.30 |
Medicare rebates are available for eligible consultations. Certain consults and procedures attract additional fees and rebates. The final fee will depend on the level of complexity of your presentation, not just the time taken.
It is our principle that patient health care should not be disadvantaged because of financial difficulty. Please discuss alternative arrangements with your practitioner if you are in this situation.
If you are frustrated by your Medicare rebate amount, we strongly encourage you to take this up with your local federal member.
Rozelle Total Health is now offering Moderna SPIKEVAX Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine.
The Moderna bivalent COVID-19 vaccine targets the original 2020 strain and the Omicron variant BA.1.
Who is eligible?
- Those aged 18 years and over who are due for their booster dose and have completed their primary course of a COVID-19 vaccine (Dose 1 and 2)
Please note we will no longer be offering Pfizer for those aged 12+ and/or as a booster dose. Please visit your local pharmacy if you wish to obtain Pfizer.
When can I get a Booster dose?
- Moderna SPIKEVAX bivalent booster clinics will be run on a Monday and Friday afternoon with our nurse Vicky.
- Paediatic Pfizer remains available for those aged 5 - 11 years (Dose 1 and 2) on a Thursday afternoon.
Over the past few months, over 200 feedback surveys from a (random) selection of RTH patients were completed. We thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. As a practice, we always welcome feedback and are committed to constantly improving the service we offer you! We were thrilled to to find that for the most part the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
There were a few areas that came up which we would like to address here.
Waiting time:
While all efforts are taken to stay on time, sometimes Doctor’s run late for reasons beyond our control. You have told us you understand this but you would like to be notified when delays are to be expected.
We TOTALLY get this!
What we will do:
Reception staff will endeavour to phone patients when it becomes apparent that a doctor is running late.
Our GPs will try and notify reception if an appointment is looking like it will go significantly overtime. This will allow reception to communicate with patients in the waiting room to better manage expectations.
What you can do to help:
Please consider your needs when booking an appointment. If you have multiple or complex issues, would like a care plan, or think you may like more time, please book a long appointment. We only ever charge for the length of your actual consultation, so don't hesitate to allow more time just in case. This will ensure your appointment doesn’t run over for the next person and we can better manage the schedule.
More availability:
Wow, we really do hear you on this one!
The practitioners at RTH have been working extremely hard to meet the increasing needs of our community in the past few years. As well as causing a surge in sick patients - Covid brought many workforce challenges to the health industry. We have been heavily booked for months now as we have a growing number of patients who are inviting us on their health journey. We feel this is an honour and are committed to doing our best for all our patients. We are currently on the hunt for a new GP to join our team. This process takes time as we only work with GPs that are of the highest standard and are aligned with our values. We will keep you posted when we find our next amazing GP.
To ensure that we can still see you in your time of need we always keep a few slots up our sleeve for those “on the day” appointments that can not be planned for. If you have an unexpected and urgent need to be seen - please call the reception team and we will do our best to accommodate you on the day.
Pathology results
Some patients have suggested that a copy of their pathology results be sent to them directly. Did you know you can access pathology on your My Health record? Alternatively - please discuss with your doctor at the time the test is ordered.
Improvements to the outside waiting area
We did not anticipate the the outside waiting area would be a long term concept but safe to say it is here to stay! We invested in a heavy duty marquee to protect you from the elements, and recently replaced the deck and painted the building to improve your safety and enjoyment. We are looking for some improved seating options that can withstand the weather. We also installed some furniture and plants out the back for your conveninece.
ATAGI has updated its recommendations for a winter dose of COVID-19 vaccine to help reduce severe disease from the emerging surge of Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariant infections, and to reduce the burden on Australian hospitals and the healthcare system in coming months.
The updated recommendations are:
- Adults aged 50 to 64 years are now recommended to receive a winter booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
- Adults aged 30 to 49 years can receive a winter booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, however the benefit for people in this age group is less certain.
- The interval recommended between a recent SARS-CoV-2 infection or the first booster dose and a winter booster dose is now 3 months.
ATAGI emphasises that people previously eligible for a winter booster dose remain at higher risk of severe disease and death from COVID-19 and should receive a winter booster dose as soon as possible. They include:
- all adults aged 65 years or older
- residents of aged care or disability care facilities
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years or older
- people who are severely immunocompromised (this will be their fifth dose)
- people aged 16 years or older with a medical condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness
- people aged 16 years or older with disability, significant or complex health needs, or multiple comorbidities which increase the risk of a poor outcome.
ATAGI emphasises that individuals who have previously been infected with SARS-CoV-2, irrespective of which variant it may have been, should continue to receive recommended vaccine doses, after an interval of 3 months, as prior infection alone will not provide sufficient protection against severe disease.
Appointments are available online
NSW Health has announced a free influenza vaccine will be available to all NSW residents from 1 June 2022 to 17 July 2022 to help combat this year's expected severe influenza season.
If you have not yet received your influenza vaccine this year we recommend you book an appointment as soon as possible.
Please note that if you are unable to book at your preferred time, NSW Health have also permitted pharmacies to adminsiter flu vaccines to those aged 5 years and above.
ATAGI has expanded the recommendations on winter COVID-19 booster doses for people at increased risk of severe COVID-19. See statement
Fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine Pfizer are available now for :
- Adults aged 65 years and over
- Residents 16 years and older of aged care or disability care facilities
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 50 years and older
Additional groups recommended (from 25 May 2022)
People aged 16-64 years who have complex, chronic or severe conditions that are considered to increase their risk of severe illness from COVID-19 such as:
- Cancer
- Chronic inflammatory conditions requiring medical treatment with disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or immunesuppressive or immunomodulatory therapies.
- Chronic lung disease
- Chronic liver disease
- Severe chronic kidney disease (stage 4 or 5)
- Chronic neurological disease
- Diabetes mellitus requiring medication
- Chronic cardiac disease
- Severe obesity with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2
- Severe underweight with BMI < 16.5 kg/m2
The following groups are currently not yet recommended to receive an additional winter booster dose:
• Healthy people aged 16 to 64 years of age who do not have any risk factors for severe COVID-19
• Women who are pregnant without any other comorbidity that increases their risk of severe COVID-19
• People from occupational groups, such as healthcare workers, who do not have any other comorbidity that increases their risk of severe COVID-19.
If you do meet the criteria for a winter dose of COVID-19 vaccine:
- These appointments can be booked online via our website under the 'Booster dose' appointment type.
- The interval is 4 months after your 3rd dose. Please ensure you only book if you are eligible.
COVID-19 Vaccine- Winter doses available!
Fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine Pfizer are available now for those aged 65 and over and those who are severely immunocompromised. See criteria here
- These appointments can be booked online via our website under the 'Booster dose' appointment type.
- The interval is 4 months after your 3rd dose. Please ensure you only book if you are eligible.
Booster doses remain available
Booster dose clinics remain available. Click the link to book now
Who is currently eligible?
- Patients who are 16 years and older and who received their second dose of any COVID-19 vaccine at least 3 months ago.
- Severely immunocompromised patients who have received their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months ago.
- Theses appointments can be booked online via our website under the 'Booster dose' appointment type.
Influenza Vaccines- Available now
Influenza vaccines are available now. There are 3 appointment types in which you can book:
- 6 months- under 5 years old
- 5 years- 64 years
- 65 years and over
Please ensure you book under the correct appointment type. If you are having difficulty booking online please call our reception team on 90874600 to assist.
For those aged 5 years- 64 years there may be a fee of $20 per vaccine. Please see the eligibility for a government funded vaccine here
If you meet the criteria for a government funded vaccine you will not be charged.
If you have any questions about whether the vaccine is appropriate for you please book a consultation with your regular GP to discuss prior to the appointment.
We would like to sincerely thank all our loyal patients who have continued to adapt along with us to the changing way we deliver healthcare due to the pandemic. We have recieved so many lovely messages of thanks and encouragement which have kept us all going.
Our last fee review was 2016 and while we have tried very hard to minimise out of pocket costs to patients, significantly increased running costs during the pandemic can no longer be absorbed. Thank you for your understanding.
If you are frustrated by your medicare rebate amount we strongly encourage you to take this up with your local federal member.
Our full list of fees are on our website and also at our front reception desk. Thank you for your ongoing support.
As of 3 February 2022 ATAGI have recommended a booster vaccination for all adolescents aged 16 -17 years.
Bookings are available online
- Pfizer is the only brand currently registered for use as a booster dose in this age group.
- Must be 3 months after receiving 2nd dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
- Adolescents who have recently had COVID-19 infection are still recommended to receive a booster dose. The booster dose can be administered immediately after recovery from acute illness or can be deferred for up to 4 months.
RTH would like to wish you and your family a Happy New Year. COVID - the gift that keeps giving! 2022 has seen record numbers of cases. We hope those of you affected are recovering quickly. A quick update in relation to stock of the COVID-19 vaccine Pfizer and Rapid Antigen Tests.
COVID-19 Vaccine- Children aged 5-11 years old
Paediatric doses of COVID-19 vaccine Pfizer are available now for those aged 5 - 11 years.
- We have very limited stock allocation of just 50 doses per week
- The interval for doses is 8 weeks. Please ensure you book both dose 1 and 2 at the same time.
- If there are no available appointments online please check back later. We are only opening up a few weeks in advance until we are certain that the supply is stable.
We understand parents are anxious to get their children vaccinated before school resumes. We are doing what we can with the supply we have. If you are able to access the vaccine earlier at a hub or pharmacy we encourage you to do so.
Booster doses- Pfizer
Booster dose clinics remain available. Click the link to book now
Who is currently eligible?
- Patients who are 18 years and older and who received their second dose of any COVID-19 vaccine at least 3 months ago.
- Severely immunocompromised patients who have received their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months ago.
Positive Rapid Antigen Test (RAT)?
Most people can be safely managed at home with rest, fluids and paracetamol. Please ensure you are registering your positive result with the Service NSW website or App.
People at a higher risk should consider booking a Telehealth (Video) appointment with their GP to ensure the best care.
This includes those who:
- are unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated
- are aged >65 years
- are pregnant
- have comorbidities
- have significant frailty or disability
- have severe mental health conditions.
Vaccination after COVID 19 infection
If you are due your initial or booster vaccine, it is safe to have them as soon as you are feeling well and out of isolation. It is also reasonable to wait a few months if you prefer as you will have good cellular immunity from the recent infection. It is believed that immunity is likely to be reduced by 6 months so we would strongly encourage you to have the vaccination by then.
If you are at all concerned please book a Telehealth (Video) consultation with your GP now
For further information please go to NSW Health website
Positive RAT?
Most people can be safely managed at home with rest, fluids and paracetamol. Please ensure you are registering your positive result with Service NSW website or App.
People at a higher risk should consider booking a Telehealth (Video) appointment with their GP to ensure the best care.
This includes those who:
- are unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated
- are aged >65 years
- are pregnant
- have comorbidities including
- lung disease, such as COPD, asthma or bronchiectasis
- cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension
- obesity (body mass index > 30kgs/m2)
- immunocompromising conditions
- have chronic kidney disease
- have diabetes (type 1 or 2)
- have liver disease
- have significant neurological disorders, such as stroke or dementia
- suffer from some chronic inflammatory conditions
- have significant frailty or disability
- have severe mental health conditions.
If you are at all concerned please book a Telehealth (Video) consultation with your GP now