Appointment Toolkit
FAQs
Preparing your child
Talk to your child about the purpose of the appointment and what they might expect. Some children like to be involved in the "appointment toolkit" and can assist with gathering information and adding any questions they might have.
Children learn best during play, and this may be a time when they feel most comfortable asking any questions regarding fears they may have.
You can use a doll or teddy bear to show a young child how the doctor will measure height and weight or demonstrate parts of the routine exam.
Leading Steps Paediatric Clinic is purpose built and designed to be attractive and welcoming to children and our friendly team do all they can to make a visit to the paediatrician a really positive experience.
Do I need a referral?
In order to receive the full medicare rebate please make sure you have a current referral for your GP or other specialist.
Making an appointment
Please call 07 55649668 and our friendly receptionists will help your make or change an appointment. Alternatively please upload your referral (found on the contacts tab.)
What should I bring?
GP referral
List of main reasons for your visit and your three top concerns. List of relevant questions you want to ask.
List of any medications your child is taking, including complementary therapies. Include the dose (how much medicine) and how often.
Your child's health record booklet and any relevant medical results.
For school age children bring a copy of their report, educational assessment or letter from teacher if relevant.
Allied health reports (if applicable
Payment (EFTPOS, debit, or credit card)
Confirming or cancelling
All appointments are confirmed via SMS. Please reply ‘Y’ within 24 hours of receiving your reminder. If confirmation is not received, the appointment will be automatically cancelled and offered to another family on our waiting list.
We understand that circumstances change; however, late cancellations impact other families waiting for care.
Pre-Payment Requirements
To support appointment availability and reduce missed bookings:
• Child Safety appointments must be paid in full at the time of booking
• New 1-hour appointments booked within 5 days must also be paid in full at booking
• All previously confirmed appointments that were not attended
• Bookings requiring pre-payment will not be secured without payment
How long will the appointment take?
Paediatric health issues can be complex and getting the correct diagnosis and management plan for your child will make a difference into the future.
That’s why children seen in our clinic are generally given one hour as a new patient with a new problem and 30 minutes for a review consultation.
Teaching
Our clinic takes its responsibilities to improve the health of children very seriously and this includes teaching medical students from Bond University and Advanced Training Paediatric Registrars.
If you prefer not to have a student or registrar present during the consultation, that is absolutely fine. Please just tell the secretaries or Paediatrician.
Location
With clinic locations at Benowa, Southport and Tugun it’s important to check the location so you can arrive for your appointment at the right place and time.
New behaviour or schooling difficulties.
Please consider requesting feedback from the school and your child’s teacher outlining any concerns. Please request the teachers complete the following forms:
Cancellation Policy
1. Same-Day Cancellations
If a family cancels on the day of their appointment, they will be offered a video consult at the same fee as their scheduled review appointment in rooms.
2. If a video consult is not feasible:
The family will be booked into next available appointment, however family will be required to:
Pre-pay the usual consultation fee, and
Pay a cancellation fee of:
$50 for a 30-minute review
$100 for a 1-hour new appointment
This policy is intended to reduce avoidable late cancellations and support more efficient use of clinic time across the team.
OngoingPre-Payment Guidelines
All 1-hour new appointments booked within 5 days of the appointment time
Must also be pre-paid in full at the time of booking. (reception please do not book if payment not taken at time of booking)
These changes are designed to reduce avoidable late cancellations, protect clinical time, and ensure fair access to appointments for all families.