Frequently Asked Questions

• You will need a referral from your regular GP to see the Geriatrician.
• If you have an Advanced Health Directive or Enduring Power of Attorney, please be sure to bring the paperwork with you. 

• There is an out-of-pocket expense for all consultations to see the Geriatrician.  Our practice fees are well below the AMA recommended rates. 
• We will lodge your Medicare claim electronically at the time of payment for your convenience. Medicare will then pay your rebate directly into your bank account.
• DVA patients are bulk billed if they are approved for medical care. We accept all major credit cards, and EFTPOS. It is our practice’s policy that payment for your appointment is made on the day.

• At THBMC, we recognise that unexpected circumstances may arise, requiring the cancellation of your appointment. If you are unable to attend a scheduled appointment, we kindly request that you provide at least 24 hours' notice. Given the high demand for appointments, this enables us to offer the time slot to other patients.
• Please be aware that if you fail to cancel within 24 hours or do not attend the appointment, a cancellation fee will be applied. This fee must be paid before any future bookings can be made.
• For psychology consultations, a deposit is required. This deposit will be kept as a cancellation fee if the appointment is cancelled on short notice or if you do not attend.

•  It’s essential to know that Medicare typically does not cover allied health services unless you have a Chronic Disease Management Plan arranged by your GP. This plan may allow Medicare to contribute to up to five allied health sessions per calendar year, though a gap fee still applies. 
• It isn't necessary to have a Care Plan to attend an appointment with our Allied Health Staff, but you won't receive the $60.35 rebate from Medicare.  
• Alternately, if you have extras cover through your private health insurance, you may also be eligible for partial reimbursement, depending on your level of cover. 

Public Transport
Located 200 metres south of Australia Fair. Two light rail stations are within 5 minutes’ walk, Broadwater Parkland station & Southport South station.

Parking

FREE PARKING UP TO 3 HOURS is available at Australia Fair Shopping Centre (off Marine Parade, Southport). If you have an authorised disabled permit, parking is FREE all day.

Yes we do! Therapeutic Goods Administration approved Donanemab (brand name Kisunla) for the treatment of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early Alzheimer's Disease.

The cost and associated expenses are not covered by PBS, Private Health Insurance, or Medicare.

It is important for patients and their families to be aware of the following:

• The treatment slows, but does not halt or reverse the progression of the disease. 
• It should be complemented by other treatments, such as exercise and brain health measures, which should be continued.
• Common side effects include mild infusion reactions that may be unpleasant.
• Serious but less common side effects include brain swelling and bleeding, which may require treatment to stop. These can lead to temporary or permanent cognitive decline, disability, or even death. Regular MRIs will be scheduled to monitor for these issues, but patients should seek assessment in between appointments if necessary. 

Eligible patients must:

•  There is a "rapid forgetting" pattern of memory impairment, or isolated cognitive impairment syndromes caused by Alzheimer disease (eg primary progressive aphasia, posterior cortical atrophy, etc)
• Have mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer disease
• There is minimal functional impairment
• Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score was 20-28 or above
• Have a confirmed amyloid presence in the brain, via cerebrospinal fluid from a lumbar puncture, or scans.
• Have undergone a blood test to check for ApoE4 genes (patients with double copies of ApoE4 are unsuitable for Kisunla).

Things to consider

• Patients are willing to pay for ApoE status test (~$200), donanemab (estimated to be $4700 per infusion = $56,400 per annum + GST), infusion costs typically $600 per session, typically for 18 months, amyloid-PET scans are $2500 each and one 6 monthly (to determine whether therapy can be ceased due to amyloid levels returning to normal) and safety MRIs (3-4 per year). Please note that none of these are subsidized by Medicare or private health funds
   

Social connections are crucial for seniors to maintain good mental and physical health. They can help prevent isolation and depression, provide a sense of purpose and belonging, and offer opportunities for learning and growth.