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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
Muswellbrook
Doctors.

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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Family planning,whichever way you are leaning.

Family planning covers both directions: choosing contraception that fits the life you actually live, and getting a body ready when you decide you do want a pregnancy.

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.

Both directions,without judgement.

Contraception is not one decision made once. It changes with age, with relationships, with whether you have finished having children, and with how much you want to think about it day to day. The most effective methods are the ones you do not have to remember.

Preconception care is the other half. Folate started at least a month before conception reduces the risk of neural tube defects, and iodine is recommended too. Checking immunity to rubella and chickenpox, reviewing medicines that are unsafe in pregnancy, and getting long-term conditions stable all work better before conception than after.

Effectiveness in real life is what countsMethods are quoted two ways: perfect use and typical use. For anything you have to remember daily, the gap between the two is large — which is why long-acting methods come out ahead.
Which contraception is most effective?

Long-acting methods — implants and intrauterine devices — are the most effective, because they do not depend on remembering anything.

Can I change my mind?

Yes, with every method. All are reversible except sterilisation, and fertility returns after removal.

When should I start preconception care?

About three months before trying. Folate should be started at least a month before conception.

Long-acting

Contraceptive implant

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Long-actingContraceptive implant

A small rod in the upper arm, lasting up to three years. Most effective category.

Long-acting

Hormonal IUD

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Long-actingHormonal IUD

Placed in the uterus. Approved for five or eight years for contraception depending on which device is used, and five years when used for heavy bleeding. We will tell you which applies to yours.

Long-acting

Copper IUD

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Long-actingCopper IUD

Hormone-free, effective for up to ten years, and usable as emergency contraception.

Shorter-acting

The pill, ring or injection

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Shorter-actingThe pill, ring or injection

Effective when used consistently. Suits people who want more day-to-day control.

Permanent

Sterilisation

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PermanentSterilisation

For those certain they have finished. Referral to a specialist, and a decision worth taking time over.

Planning a pregnancy

Preconception check

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Planning a pregnancyPreconception check

Folate and iodine, immunity checks, medication review and getting conditions stable.

Three months before, not the month of.Preconception care starts earlier than most people think.

A conversation first,then the method.

Contraception appointments are longer than a standard consult, because the decision is worth talking through.

Do you fit implants and IUDs here?

Ring and ask. Some procedures are done in the practice and some require referral, depending on the method and doctor availability.

Is it bulk billed?

Consultations are bulk billed with a valid Medicare card. Devices themselves may have a cost — you will be told before anything is arranged.

How long before I can get pregnant after stopping?

It varies by method. Most return to normal quickly; the injection can take longer. We will explain what applies to yours.

1Book a long appointmentSay it is about contraception or planning a pregnancy.Book ahead
2The conversationYour health, your plans, and what you can realistically keep up with.20 minutes
3The methodStarted, prescribed, fitted, or referred depending on what you choose.Same or next visit
4ReviewA check that it is working for you, and a change if it is not.Weeks to months

Contraception advice

Every method compared

Implants & IUDs

Emergency contraception

Preconception care

Folate & iodine

Bulk billed

Male & female GPs

Contraception advice

Every method compared

Implants & IUDs

Emergency contraception

Preconception care

Folate & iodine

Bulk billed

Male & female GPs

Contraception advice

Every method compared

Implants & IUDs

Emergency contraception

Preconception care

Folate & iodine

Bulk billed

Male & female GPs

Family planningquestions, answered.

What is the most effective contraception?

Long-acting methods — implants and IUDs — because they do not depend on remembering.

Do you fit implants and IUDs?

Ring and ask. Some are done here, some referred, depending on the method and doctor.

Is it bulk billed?

Consultations are. Devices may have a cost, which you will be told beforehand.

Can I get emergency contraception?

Yes, and the sooner the better. The emergency contraceptive pill is available from any pharmacy without a prescription, so get it there first if you cannot be seen today. A copper IUD is the most effective option and can be fitted up to five days after.

When should I start folate?

At least a month before conception, and continue through the first trimester.

Do I need a preconception appointment?

It is worth having, especially if you take regular medicines or have a long-term condition.

Can I see a female doctor?

Yes. Say so when you book.

How soon can I get pregnant after stopping?

It depends on the method. Most return to normal quickly; the injection can take longer.

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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Bulk billed with a valid Medicare card · Mon–Fri 8:00am–5:00pm · Muswellbrook Fair, Rutherford Road.

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