The Information Privacy Act 2009(Qld) (IP Act) recognises the importance of protecting the personal information of individuals. It contains a set of rules or ‘privacy principles’ that govern how Queensland Government agencies collect, store, use and disclose personal information.   

IAlthough in rare or emergency situations it may be necessary to get information about you from an acquaintance or relative without consent, but in these circumstances no information about you will be given to that person unless the emergency calls for it. 

As a part of your treatment, Dr Marsden may share your information with other doctors, hospitals or health service providers to help with any current or future medical treatment relating to the condition she is treating you for. This includes writing letters back to your referring doctor and other allied health supports.  

If you do not want Dr Marsden to communicate your health information in this way, you just need to tell her.   

There are sometimes legal circumstances where confidentiality is expected to be waived. If you have any questions about this, you can discuss them with Dr Marsden. 

For more information on what the law says about your privacy, you can visit www.privacy.gov.au. 

Dr  Marsden  believes in working collaboratively and sensitively with you and your community supports (including family members or other professionals) to help establish an appropriate individual treatment plan that is suitable for your needs. 

If you would like a significant support person to attend your appointment with you, please feel free to arrange to do so. 

What should I bring to my appointment? 

• Referral letter from your General Practitioner or referring Specialist 
• Prior treatment records 
• List of current medications 

Due to the costs associated with running a private medical practice, our practice does not bulk bill. The cost of your appointment will vary depending on the length and nature of the session. ‘The gap’ refers to the monetary difference between what our Specialist may charge you and the Medicare rebate – this is also referred to as the ‘out-of-pocket cost’. We do not accept payments from third parties like Insurance Companies, Law firms or Governmental departments.  

The fee for appointments is billed prior to your appointment and the reimbursement processed within 2 business days of the consult.  

A significant Medicare rebate is available for all clinical appointments with our Psychiatrists, provided you have a current referral at the time of consultation. This is particularly helpful if longer-term therapy or management is required.   A General Practitioner can provide a 12-month or an indefinite referral to a Psychiatrist, depending on your needs. 

Patients who require ongoing treatment are encouraged to register for the Medicare Safety Net, which is designed to protect high users of health services from large out-of-pocket expenses. 

For more information on the Medicare Safety Net, go to: https://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/forms/ms016

Please provide 2 business days’ notice in the event you wish to cancel your appointment. This is important for all appointments.  By giving us notice of your cancellation, you allow another patient in need on our waiting list to have the chance of a Specialist Appointment. Is there a waiting list to see a Specialist?  Yes. To ensure your appointment is given the priority it requires, please ensure that your referring doctor provides a detailed referral.   

 There is always an opportunity to be seen earlier by Dr Marsden, especially when we have a cancellation.   How do I pay for my appointment? Our practice only accepts debit cards or credit cards. We do not accept cheques or cash. If you are a parent/guardian and you are not present for your child’s appointment, you will be required to provide payment in full on the same day. Please contact our friendly reception staff ahead of the scheduled appointment time. What are my responsibilities as a patient? 

• Patients have a responsibility to provide a valid referral to the treating Specialist: we cannot process a Medicare rebate on your behalf unless you provide us with a valid referral at the time of the consultation. 
• Patients have a responsibility to provide an accurate and complete medical history, and to participate in a risk assessment and other matters relating to their health current health: failure to do so may result in adverse outcomes. 
• Patients have a responsibility to meet their financial obligations with regard to their appointment on the day, including fees incurred as per the cancellation policy. Fees cannot be waived or altered by reception staff. 
• Patients have a responsibility to conduct themselves in a respectful manner in communications and interactions with reception staff;  on the phone, via email, via messages or via text message. This means the use of inappropriate, threatening or abusive language and behaviour towards the Specialist or Reception Team will not be tolerated. 

Dr Marsden’s  Clinic is not resourced to provide acute emergency support. Due to limited practise time and appointments,  we might not always be able to offer support to you as quickly as we would like. With this in mind, please see the following suggestions to assist you and your loved ones in finding emergency support as quickly as possible while awaiting to see Dr Marsden. 

Emergency Services, 000 if you believe the situation is acute or worsening in nature.  

General Practitioner 

For Metropolitan Brisbane 

Metro North Acute Care Team Acute Care Team (Adult Service, 18 years and over) The Acute Care Team provides assessment and acute treatment services. They are responsible for the acute assessment area (Psychiatric Emergency Centre) based in the Emergency Department, the Community Assessment Service and the Mobile After Hours Service. T: 1300 MH CALL (1300 642255) or email RBWH-Feedback@health.qld.gov.au title  

“Mental Health Services” Metro South Acute Care Team (Adult Service, 18 years and over) The telephone triage service is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals who will undertake timely triage and initial assessment of any individual needing mental health assistance from one of our qualified staff. All initial assessments conducted by the triage team will assess the risk and immediate mental health needs of the individual. T: 1300 MH CALL (1300 642255) 

Child and Youth Acute Response Team (ART) based at the Lady Cilento Hospital This service provides support and assessment to young people and their families, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, who present to Emergency. ART also provides crisis telephone support line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to young people and their families. T: (07) 3068 2555 or email LCCH_ART@health.qld.gov.au

Dr. Marsden uses a variety of methods to manage and treat her patients, which may include medications, advice on adjunct psychotherapeutic interventions, and recommendations for lifestyle and social interventions. 

 Sometimes a one-off assessment is sufficient, but other times multiple sessions or ongoing treatment may be required. For those residing in regional and remote areas, you may qualify for an assessment under MBS Item number 291 with no out-of-pocket expenses. To determine eligibility, please visit the Health Workforce Locator webpage. If you require further information or wish to discuss a referral, please contact our clinic or speak with your GP.  

Dr. Marsden often collaborates with other multidisciplinary teams, including referring GPs and other mental health treatment providers such as Mental Health Registered Nurses, Clinical Psychologists, Dietitians, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, and Support Workers. 

Health Workforce Locator | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care