Frequently Asked Questions About Our Biggera Waters Medical Centre
Everything patients most often ask about Harbour Town Doctors, the bulk billing doctors inside Harbour Town Premium Outlets in Biggera Waters. Below you will find clear answers on appointments, fees, opening hours, telehealth, parking and more. If your question is not covered, call our reception team on 07 5222 7117 or get in touch and we will help.
Jump Straight To Your Question
Appointments And Bookings
How do I book an appointment at Harbour Town Doctors?
You can book a GP appointment online 24 hours a day through HotDoc or HealthEngine. You can also call our reception team on 07 5222 7117 during our opening hours, or simply walk in. Every booking option, including live GP availability and SMS reminders, is on our appointment booking page.
Can I see a doctor without an appointment?
Yes. Harbour Town Doctors runs both a walk in and an appointment system, so you are welcome to drop in while you are at Harbour Town Premium Outlets. Booking ahead usually means a shorter wait, especially on weekends. Whether you plan ahead or walk in, you are seeing a GP near you in Biggera Waters.
How long is a standard GP appointment?
Standard appointments are scheduled 10 to 15 minutes apart. Please tell reception when you book if you are likely to need a longer appointment, for example a skin cancer check, a mental health care plan, a chronic disease care plan or a health assessment. Booking the right appointment length means your doctor has enough time to do everything properly.
Can I book one appointment for my whole family?
No. Each appointment is for one person. If other family members also need to be seen, please make a separate booking for each of them, or ask reception for a double appointment.
What happens if I need to cancel my appointment?
Please call us on 07 5222 7117 as soon as you know, so the time can be offered to another patient. Patients who do not attend a GP appointment, or who give less than 3 hours notice, are charged a $20 did not attend fee. Allied health appointments that are missed, or cancelled with less than 24 hours notice, are charged a $50 did not attend fee.
Can I request a particular doctor?
Yes. You can choose your preferred doctor when you book online or when you call reception. Read about Dr Haseeb Alam, Dr Mohammad Sadique, Dr Sarwat, Dr Nidah and Dr Adeel Tariq on our team page.
Why does the clinic sometimes run behind schedule?
We aim to keep to the appointment schedule, but the unpredictable nature of general practice means doctors occasionally run late, usually because another patient has needed urgent medical attention. Emergencies are always given priority. Please check with reception if we appear to be running behind, and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience.
Fees, Bulk Billing And Medicare
Is Harbour Town Doctors a bulk billing medical centre?
Yes. We are an accredited bulk billing practice, and Medicare eligible consultations are bulk billed for patients who hold a valid Medicare card. For most standard GP visits that means no out of pocket cost. There is more detail on our bulk billing doctor and bulk billing medical centre pages.
Do I need a Medicare card to be bulk billed?
Yes. Bulk billing requires a valid Medicare card or DVA card. Without one, a private fee applies and is payable on the day. We also accept overseas student health cover from ahm, Allianz, Medibank and Bupa, so please bring your policy details with you.
Do I have to pay upfront and claim the money back from Medicare?
No. When your consultation is bulk billed we bill Medicare directly, so there is nothing to pay at reception and nothing to claim back afterwards. You only need to present your valid Medicare card when you arrive.
Are skin cancer checks and procedures bulk billed?
All skin cancer consultations and procedures are bulk billed. Procedures that are not skin cancer related, and cosmetic procedures such as removal of a cyst or a benign mole, may carry an out of pocket cost, and the amount depends on the complexity of the work being done. DVA gold card holders are bulk billed for all procedures. See our skin cancer checks page for what is involved.
Is there a fee for new patients?
New patients who attend on a weekend are charged a $45.00 administration fee. Full details, along with the online registration form, are on our patient information page.
Are there charges for services Medicare does not cover?
Yes. Some services sit outside Medicare, including pre employment and workplace medicals and some travel vaccinations. Please tell reception when you book if your appointment is one of these, so the right appointment length can be arranged in advance.
Opening Hours, Weekends And Public Holidays
What are Harbour Town Doctors opening hours?
We are open 7 days a week. Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm, and Saturday and Sunday 9:00am to 1:00pm. All hours are Brisbane time. You can confirm current hours any time on our contact page.
Are you open on Saturday and Sunday?
Yes. Our doors are open on both Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am to 1:00pm, which makes us a convenient medical centre near you if you cannot get to a GP during the working week. Weekend appointments fill quickly, so booking ahead is worthwhile. Please note that telehealth appointments are not available on weekends, and new patients attending on a weekend are charged a $45.00 administration fee.
Are you open on public holidays?
We close on a number of public holidays. Our published closure dates are the King’s Birthday on 7 October, Christmas Day on 25 December, Boxing Day on 26 December, New Year’s Day on 1 January, Australia Day on 27 January, Good Friday on 18 April and Easter Monday on 21 April. If you are unsure, call reception on 07 5222 7117 or check what is new before you travel.
What should I do if I need a doctor outside your opening hours?
For a life threatening emergency always call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department. For urgent health advice overnight you can call 13 HEALTH on 13 43 25 84 in Queensland. For non urgent matters, our after hours GP and 24 hour medical centre pages explain the options available near Harbour Town.
How early should I arrive for my appointment?
Please arrive a few minutes before your scheduled time so reception can check your details. If you are a new patient, arrive a little earlier again, or complete the online New Patient Registration Form on our patient information page beforehand to save time at the front desk.
Telehealth And Phone Consultations
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Yes. We offer bulk billed telephone consultations to our existing patients. Booking one works the same way as booking a standard face to face appointment. When you book online, simply choose the appointment type phone consultation rather than a reason for the appointment, or call reception on 07 5222 7117.
Are telehealth appointments available on weekends?
No. There are no telehealth appointments on Saturday or Sunday. Weekend patients are seen in person at the clinic between 9:00am and 1:00pm. You can book a weekend appointment online.
How many telehealth appointments are available each day?
Each doctor takes a maximum of two phone consultations per day. Once that limit is reached, a further telehealth appointment is at the doctor’s discretion unless there is a substantial emergency, and you may need to wait until one becomes available. Medicare rules continue to apply to all telehealth consultations.
Can I get a prescription or a referral from a telehealth appointment?
Referrals and imaging requests can be sent to your email address or directly to your healthcare provider after the appointment. Prescriptions issued during a telephone consultation need to be collected from reception. Please also be aware that we do not prescribe S8 medications.
Who is eligible for a bulk billed telehealth consultation?
Telephone consultations are offered to existing patients of the practice, in line with the Medicare telehealth rules that require an established relationship with your general practice. If you have not been seen here before, please book a face to face appointment first. You can read more about how we care for patients on our about us page.
Will my doctor call at exactly the scheduled time?
Your GP will do their best to call you at the scheduled time, but unexpected delays do happen. Please keep your phone with you and answer calls from private or withheld numbers around your appointment time.
Our Doctors, Services And Allied Health
Who are the doctors at Harbour Town Doctors?
Our GP team is Dr Haseeb Alam, Dr Mohammad Sadique, Dr Sarwat, Dr Nidah and Dr Adeel Tariq. Each doctor has their own profile page setting out their areas of interest, and you can see them all together on our team page.
Do you have female GPs?
Yes. Dr Sarwat and Dr Nidah both consult at the practice, so you can request a female doctor when you book. Many patients prefer this for women’s health appointments such as cervical screening, contraception and menopause care.
What medical services do you offer?
We cover general practice and family medicine, skin cancer checks, women’s health, men’s health, childhood immunisations, travel vaccinations, pregnancy and antenatal care, chronic disease management, mental health care plans, weight management, sexual health and more. The full list is on our services page.
What allied health services are available on site?
Our onsite allied health team includes a podiatrist, a dietitian, an exercise physiologist and a physiotherapist. Our practice nursing staff are also trained in specialised care including wound care, burns, immunisations and complex and chronic disease management. More about the practice is on our about us page.
When is the podiatrist available and what does it cost?
Sharon, our podiatrist, is on site weekly on a Wednesday. General podiatry appointments are bulk billed for patients who have a current care plan in place. Without a current care plan, a general podiatry appointment is $90. Missed appointments, or cancellations with less than 24 hours notice, attract a $50 no show fee which is payable before another appointment can be made.
What happens during a skin check?
Our experienced skin cancer doctor will take 10 to 15 minutes for a full skin check, depending on your skin type. A thorough check means examining all of the areas that have been exposed to the sun. Please come without makeup so the skin on your face can be seen clearly. Skin cancer is diagnosed by examination and biopsy, and treatment options include surgery, cryotherapy, topical chemotherapy, and curettage and cautery. See skin cancer checks for more.
Do you do pre employment medicals and WorkCover appointments?
Yes. We provide workplace and pre employment medicals tailored to industry requirements. If you were injured at work, on the way to work or on the way home from work, you may be able to claim WorkCover. Please check with your employer whether they are covered by WorkCover Queensland or a self insurer, and tell reception that your consultation is work related before you see the doctor.
Do you provide travel vaccinations?
Yes. Book a travel vaccination appointment well ahead of your departure date, as some vaccines need a course of doses over several weeks. Bring your itinerary and your immunisation history with you. Some travel vaccines are not covered by Medicare, so ask reception about costs when you book.
Do you offer health checks and care plans?
Yes. We provide 45 to 49 year health checks, 75 year and over health assessments, heart health checks and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health checks, alongside chronic disease care plans for conditions such as diabetes, asthma and high blood pressure. These appointments take longer than a standard consultation, so please mention it when booking.
Finding Us, Parking And Accessibility
Where is Harbour Town Doctors located?
We are at Shop A054, 147 to 189 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters QLD 4216. You will find us on the edge of Harbour Town Premium Outlets, opposite the Harbour Town Discount Fruit Market. Directions and a map are on our contact page.
Where can I park?
Car parking is available in the Harbour Town Centre car park, and there is 2 hour parking in the South car park, which is the closest to our door. Parking is free, so there is no need to feed a meter before your appointment.
Is the clinic wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The practice is designed for wheelchair access and we have a wheelchair available if you need one. If you have any other access or mobility needs, please mention them when you book so we can make your visit comfortable, or discuss them with your doctor.
Which suburbs do you look after?
We care for families across the northern Gold Coast, including Biggera Waters, Labrador, Runaway Bay, Paradise Point, Coombabah and Hollywell, as well as visitors shopping at Harbour Town Premium Outlets. If you are searching for doctors near you or the best doctors on the Gold Coast, we are an easy stop while you are already out.
Results, Prescriptions And Referrals
How do I get my test results?
To monitor your health and meet our ethical and legal responsibilities, we ask that you attend an appointment with your doctor to receive results. Our reception staff are not able to give results over the phone. If your usual doctor is unavailable, another doctor at the practice will be happy to see you. You can book a results appointment online.
Can I get a repeat prescription without seeing a doctor?
No. Repeat prescriptions require an appointment, for the same reason as results and referrals. Booking a short appointment also gives your doctor the chance to check how the medication is working for you. Please note we do not prescribe S8 medications.
Can I speak to my doctor on the phone?
To protect patient confidentiality we avoid interrupting doctors with telephone calls, and it is practice policy that doctors do not take or return patient phone calls. Our nurse may be able to help, or reception can take a message and pass on your request, which the doctor will handle at their discretion. Urgent enquiries are put through to the doctor. If you need to speak to your GP directly, please book an appointment.
Can I get a specialist referral?
Yes. Referrals are written during a consultation, so you will need an appointment. Bring any previous letters, scans or results with you. Referrals and imaging requests can be sent to your email address or directly to your healthcare provider afterwards.
New Patients, Privacy And Feedback
I am a new patient. What do I need to do?
Make your first appointment, then complete the online New Patient Registration Form on our patient information page before you arrive. Bring your Medicare card, any concession or DVA card, a list of your current medications, and any referrals or recent test results. New patients attending on a weekend are charged a $45.00 administration fee.
How is my health information kept private?
Your medical records are private and confidential, and are only available to authorised members of staff. All information is managed in accordance with the National Privacy Principles of the Privacy Act. To request a copy of our privacy statement or your medical records, please ask at reception. Our full privacy policy is published on this site.
Do you use My Health Record and MyMedicare?
Yes. My Health Record is a secure online summary of your health information, and assisted registration is available at this practice. We can also upload a health summary from your records to your My Health Record. MyMedicare is a voluntary patient registration model that formalises the relationship between you and your general practice. Ask your doctor or receptionist about either at your next visit.
Why do I receive reminder letters or text messages?
Our practice is committed to preventive care, so we operate a recall and reminder system and may send you an occasional reminder about health services relevant to your care, such as a cervical screening test or an immunisation that is due. If you would prefer not to receive these, please tell our reception staff and we will opt you out.
What is your Zero Tolerance Policy?
Our Zero Tolerance Policy is designed to keep the practice professional, respectful and safe for everyone who enters, including patients, families, visitors, doctors and staff. Physical violence, verbal abuse, intoxication, drug seeking, disruptive conduct, discrimination, harassment and seeking medical services fraudulently are not accepted, and may lead to removal from the premises, termination of services or legal action. The full policy is on our patient information page.
Do you welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients?
Yes. We acknowledge the traditional landowners of Australia and warmly welcome all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to our services. Our doctors offer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health checks, Closing the Gap registration for eligible patients, child and maternal health care, immunisations and coordinated care for chronic conditions.
How do I make a complaint or leave feedback?
If you have any concerns, complaints or suggestions about our service we would appreciate hearing about them and will take them seriously. Call us on 07 5222 7117, email admin@htdoctors.com.au, use the suggestion box in the waiting room, or send a message through our contact page. Matters that cannot be resolved within the practice may be referred to the Office of the Health Ombudsman on 133 646.
Where To Go Next
Still Have A Question?
Our reception team is happy to help with anything this page has not covered. Harbour Town Doctors is open 7 days a week at Shop A054, Harbour Town Premium Outlets, Biggera Waters, with bulk billing, walk ins welcome and free parking.