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Medicare Bulk Billing for all eligible patients· Mon–Fri 8:00am–5:00pm· Muswellbrook Fair, Tenancy 16–17, Rutherford Road· (02) 6530 7404
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All Medicare-eligible consultations are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card. Some items, including privately purchased vaccines and consumables, attract a fee.

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Spirometry,a breathing test that takes minutes.

Spirometry measures how much air you can move and how fast. It is the test that turns “a bit short of breath” into an actual diagnosis — and in a coal and dust region, that matters.

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What to know
Book the right lengthTell reception what it is about so enough time is set aside.
No referral neededThis is general practice care — you can book directly with us.
Ask for who you preferMale and female GPs are available. Say who you would like when you book.
One practiceYour history in one place, so nothing has to be explained twice
Longer if you need itAsk reception for a long appointment when there is more than one thing
Bulk billedStandard consultations, for everyone with a valid Medicare card
Medicare Bulk Billing PracticeStandard GP consultations are bulk billed for everyone with a valid Medicare card.
What it isIn plain languageOn the dayStep by stepQuestionsThe things people askBookMake an appointmentRelatedOther services

How much air,and how fast.

You breathe in as deeply as you can and then blow out as hard and as long as possible into a mouthpiece. It is repeated several times to get a reliable result. The main numbers are FEV1 — how much air you blow out in the first second — and FVC, the total you can blow out.

The defining feature of obstruction, as in asthma and COPD, is a reduced FEV1 to FVC ratio. Sometimes the test is repeated after a puff of reliever to see whether the numbers improve, which helps distinguish asthma from COPD. Spirometry can suggest a restrictive pattern but cannot confirm one — that requires fuller lung function testing at a specialist laboratory.

Preparation changes the resultYou will usually be asked to withhold certain inhalers before the test — how long depends on which one. Avoid a heavy meal, vigorous exercise and smoking beforehand. Reception will give you the specific instructions when you book.
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Why does it need repeating?

Technique matters enormously. Several attempts are done so the best reliable result is used.

Is it hard?

It is effortful rather than painful. People often feel briefly light-headed or cough. Both settle.

Why does my work history matter?

Dust exposure from mining, farming, welding, quarrying and construction all affect the lungs, sometimes decades later. In the Hunter that history is a real part of the picture.

Used for

Diagnosing asthma

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Used forDiagnosing asthma

Particularly with reversibility testing after a reliever.

Used for

Diagnosing COPD

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Used forDiagnosing COPD

Where obstruction persists despite a reliever.

Used for

Monitoring

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Used forMonitoring

Tracking lung function over years, which is more informative than one result.

Used for

Occupational health

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Used forOccupational health

Baseline and ongoing testing where there is dust exposure.

Worth knowing

Technique is everything

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Worth knowingTechnique is everything

A poorly performed test can look abnormal when the lungs are fine.

Worth knowing

It cannot confirm restriction

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Worth knowingIt cannot confirm restriction

A restrictive pattern needs fuller testing at a specialist laboratory.

Technique is most of the result.You will be coached through it, and you will do it more than once.

Several attempts,best result used.

The whole appointment takes 20 to 30 minutes.

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Should I take my inhalers first?

Usually not — you will be told which to withhold and for how long when you book.

Can I eat beforehand?

A light meal is fine. Avoid a heavy one, and avoid vigorous exercise and smoking beforehand.

When do I get the results?

Usually the same visit, explained alongside your symptoms and history.

1Book and prepareYou will be told which inhalers to withhold and for how long.Before the day
2The testDeep breath in, blow out hard and long. Repeated several times.15 minutes
3Reversibility if neededRepeated after a reliever to see whether the numbers improve.+15 minutes
4The resultExplained alongside your symptoms, work history and examination.Same visit

Spirometry on site

Asthma & COPD diagnosis

Dust exposure history

Occupational lung health

Reversibility testing

Bulk billed

Book ahead

Results explained

Spirometry on site

Asthma & COPD diagnosis

Dust exposure history

Occupational lung health

Reversibility testing

Bulk billed

Book ahead

Results explained

Spirometry on site

Asthma & COPD diagnosis

Dust exposure history

Occupational lung health

Reversibility testing

Bulk billed

Book ahead

Results explained

Spirometryquestions, answered.

Does spirometry hurt?

No, but it is effortful. Light-headedness and coughing are common and settle quickly.

How long does it take?

Twenty to thirty minutes, longer with reversibility testing.

Do I take my inhalers first?

Usually you withhold certain ones. You will be given specific instructions.

Is it bulk billed?

Standard consultations are bulk billed with a valid Medicare card.

Can it diagnose asthma?

It is a key part of diagnosis, especially with reversibility testing, alongside your history.

What if I cannot manage the technique?

It is common to need practice. The staff will coach you, and it is repeated until a reliable result is obtained.

Does dust exposure matter?

Very much. Tell us about mining, farming, welding, quarrying and construction work, however long ago.

Do I need a referral?

No. Your GP can arrange it here.

General information onlyThis page is general health information for anyone who finds it useful. It is not advice about your own situation and it does not replace a consultation with a doctor who knows you. If you are worried about a symptom, book an appointment or call (02) 6530 7404. In an emergency, call 000.

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All servicesThe full list of 38 services offered hereChronic disease managementAsthma and COPD care plansPre-employment medicalsIncluding lung function testingPatient info & feesBulk billing, appointments and practice policies
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Bulk billed with a valid Medicare card · Mon–Fri 8:00am–5:00pm · Muswellbrook Fair, Rutherford Road.

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