Our Services at Saratoga Medical Centre

Women’s health checks

• Well women check – pap smear and breast check
• Contraception advice (including mirena and implanon insertion after consultation with your doctor)
• Preconception (pre-pregnancy) counselling
• Menopause advice
• Sexual health and STI checks

Men’s health checks

We offer comprehensive preventative men’s health checks. Men often don’t like to come to the doctors much and by the time we see them their physical health is not the best! We want to change that (hence the change in our practice name!). Ask our receptionist to book you in for a ‘Men’s health check’.

Childhood immunisations & checks

Our nurses provide childhood immunisations as recommended by the health departments standard immunisations schedule

• Newborn health check
• 6 week immunisations
• 4 month immunisations
• 6 month immunisations
• 12 months
• 18 months
• 4 year old immunisations 
• Catch up immunisations

As per the guidelines in the Blue Book. Please bring this book with you to the appointment.

Children will usually be seen by their doctor first, then the nurse will conduct the vaccination.

When you know you are travelling overseas, please come in with your itinerary to see the nurse. From there we can work out which immunisations and other care you may need. Don’t leave it to the last minute though as most immunisations need some weeks before they provide full protection.

Normally we will issue you with a script and you will need to return on a different day for immunisation.

We use an ECG to measure and record the electrical activity of your heart, placing 12 leads around your heart and on your limbs. The procedure takes around 15 minutes.

• You will be asked to lie on your back, and remove your top and bra (if wearing one)
• Please wear a two piece outfit to allow for easier access to your chest, and pants with a looser fit around the ankles
• Please make an appointment with your GP to follow up on the results

Adult health checks

45-49 year old health checks 

45 -49 year old health check – the federal government has introduced a preventative health check for everyone aged between 45 – 49 who may be at risk of developing health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. The health check will involve seeing our nurse initially who will conduct a thorough assessment including updating your medical history, checking your blood pressure, organising blood tests for cholesterol and diabetes, and give lifestyle advice. You will be reviewed by the doctor after this assessment. There is no cost for this health check as it is covered by medicare.

Over 75 year old health checks

A health assessment of an older person is an in depth assessment which helps identify health issues and conditions that are potentially preventable or can be treated in order to improve health and quality of life. The health check involves seeing our nurse initially to conduct the detailed assessment, followed by their regular treating doctor. The assessments are conducted yearly and the cost is covered by medicare. 

A chronic disease is one that has been present for at least six months or longer, such as:

• Asthma
• Cancer
• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Musculoskeletal conditions
• Stroke

Our doctors can design a GP Management Plan (GPMP) or develop Team Care Arrangements (TCAs) to help you coordinate care and manage your chronic disease.

Immunisations against influenza is available from March/April. We provide both private and government funded influenza vaccinations. The vaccination is provided free to those with certain chronic health conditions, aboriginal and Torres Strait islanders, those in their 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy and those over 65 years of age. We do provide private vaccination to those that don’t fall into these categories. Please book an appointment with the nurse to have your vaccination.

Saratoga Medical is equipped for our GPs to perform a range of minor surgical operations and procedures in-clinic, allowing our patients easy access to treatments and the comfort of dedicated treatment rooms. Procedures include:

Our nurses will provide support during the procedure and can answer any questions you have during your recovery. Please contact reception if you require a minor procedure or would like further information.

Cervical Screening Tests have replaced the older pap smears to protect against cervical cancer. While they feel the same for the patient, the results are more accurate as they look for evidence of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to cell changes in the cervix, rather than detecting changes after they happen.

Our doctors or nurses can perform the test, or you can choose self-collection if that is preferred.

If you are a person aged 25 to 74 with a cervix, you should have your first cervical screening test 2 years after your last Pap test. They will then need to be done every 5 years, provided your results are normal.

We use this common breathing test to assess how well your lungs work. You breathe into a small machine called a spirometer, which measures airflow in and out of your lungs. We use it to diagnose:

• COPD
• Asthma
• Restrictive lung disease, such as interstitial pulmonary fibrosis
• Other disorders affecting lung function

Spirometry allows our GPs to put together a treatment plan, and to check whether your current treatment is improving your breathing.

Includes employment and insurance medicals, these are not covered by medicare. Please enquire with reception when booking these about cost.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Australia, with 2 in 3 people diagnosed by the age of 70. And the nature of life on the Central Coast means skin cancer checks need to be a priority. While you should perform self-checks regularly to monitor for any changes, our GPs offer full skin examinations using dermoscopy, a technique that allows them to see the skin close up using a special device.

Early detection is key. We recommend scheduling a professional skin check at least once a year, or as soon as you notice a mole that has developed or changed shape.

The team at Saratoga Medical take a warm and compassionate approach to mental health conditions. Our GPs are trained to help when you’re feeling isolated, anxious or depressed, or struggling with dependence or addiction problems. They will assess your condition and make a plan to help you move forward. If necessary, they may refer you to a psychologist, put you on a Mental Health Plan, or prescribe medication.

If you have sustained a work-related injury, please contact us for advice. Our GPs can support you with workers compensation management, return to work plans and injury prevention programs within the SafeWork NSW guidelines.

We provide high quality, comprehensive medical care for corporate clients, ensuring the health & care of employees. Our GPs can assist with pre-employment medicals, workplace related illness and injury care, workplace drug and alcohol testing, vaccinations and more.

Saratoga Medical Centre has been administering the relevant COVID 19 vaccinations, if you know your current vaccination history, staff can advise if you are eligible and if we have the current vaccine in stock. Patients 65years and older and those aged 17-64 years who are immunocompromised should ring the surgery to check on the availability of vaccines and to book an appointment with a GP. Any queries for patients under 17years of age you will need to speak to your GP, pharmacist or nearest vaccination provider.

ESCRIPT – electronic prescribing, will provide patients with the option to receive either an electronic script which is diverted to your mobile phone, or a paper-based copy of your script. When next in consult talk to your GP to enable this direct to phone service.

Saratoga Medical Centre is accredited with the Translation and Interpretation Service (known as TIS). This service an online automated service by which you can request, manage and monitor your booking at our centre. TIS can be either contacted on line or phone 131450. Please advise our reception staff when booking if you or your family member requires an interpreter.