STIRLING Medical Centre offers free flu vaccines to patients over 65 years or patients with a chronic condition.
Principal doctor Dr Robert Tree said private patients pay $10 for the flu vaccine but the consultation is bulk billed – although conditions apply.
Flu vaccinations are just one of the services that the long-established Cranbourne-based centre provides along with childhood immunisations, accident and emergency, acupuncture, minor surgical procedures, mental health plans, care plans, women’s/men’s health, Implanon implants and removals, travel vaccines, joint injections, pathology, physio, a diabetes educator, exercise physiology and a hearing clinic.
“We are a well-established family practice,” Dr Tree said.
“We have looked after Cranbourne and surrounding suburbs for 21 years.
“Several of our doctors have been with the practice for a prolonged period of time.
“This provides a stable environment for ongoing patient care. The practice is purpose built, has seven consulting rooms and a dedicated treatment and procedures room with a defibrillator, ECG machine and Spirometer. Patients are required to make appointments, to minimise waiting times, with exceptions to emergencies.”
The clinic stocks all childhood immunisations – which are free – and they also stock travel vaccines. In fact they pride themselves in being a friendly family-orientated practice.
“We bulk bill children under 15 years of age, veterans and patients over 65 at all times,” Dr Tree said.
“Patients aged between 16 and 64 who are on HCC/Pension card are bulk billed Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. Patients on a Seniors Card are also bulk billed.
“Private fees apply to everyone else, standard consultation is $60 (medicare rebate $37.05) and long consultation $92 (medicare rebate $71.70).”
They have five doctors, Dr Robert Tree (principal doctor), Dr Pradeep Chhabra, Dr Jing Hu, Dr C.J. Okeleke and Dr Lalith Baduraliya, two practice nurses – Margot and Lorraine along with practice manager Cathy and very helpful reception staff, Kris, Julie, Sally, Jenni and Allison.
Find them at 32 Stirling Avenue, corner of South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne. Call on 5995 7777.
They are open 9am to 6pm Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5.30pm Friday and 9am-noon Saturday and closed Sunday.
