Preston Family Medical 2025

11/11/2025

it's exactly 6 years since we opened at our current site.
Thanks to all our lovely previous patients for coming along with us and to all those who found us since.
Thanks to our great team for all your hard work.
You are all welcome.
We hope we have many more years working and helping each other.

06/11/2025

It’s that time of year again — when razors take a vacation and upper lips get their moment to shine! 🥸
Welcome to Movember, where moustaches grow wild and proud for a cause that truly matters. This year we're changing the face of men's health by talking about what really matters.🩵
Movember isn’t just about facial hair — it’s about raising awareness and funds for men’s health, including mental health, su***de prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.
How to get involved:
Grow a mo and wear it proudly.
Move for Movember — walk, run, cycle, or just get active.
Donate or fundraise for the cause.
Start conversations that matter.

Here is the link to the Movember website for donations or support about all matters surrounding men's health!
https://au.movember.com/

06/11/2025

💬 Important Changes to Mental Health Funding

From November 1, 2025, the government is cutting key Medicare items (2712 & 2713) that used to support longer mental health consultations and reviews.

These changes mean that the time and care required for mental health support are no longer properly funded — even though 1 in 5 Australians experience mental health challenges each year (and 1 in 4 women).

At Preston Family Medical, around a quarter of what we do involves mental health care — and we’re not willing to rush or reduce the quality of that care.

Because of these government changes, we’ll need to charge private fees for all consultations so that we can:
💬 Give you the time and attention your mental health deserves
💡 Provide proper assessment, planning, and follow-up
❤️ Continue offering holistic, high-quality care to our community

This isn’t about profit — it’s about sustainability and ensuring we can continue to be here for you.

If you believe mental health deserves better funding, please contact your local MP and share your concern.

👩‍⚕️ We remain committed to your mental and physical wellbeing — every day.
www.prestonfamilymedical.com

30/10/2025

We hope everyone enjoys the long weekend ahead! Our Preston Family Medical team will be taking a short pause to spend time with family and friends. See the poster below for more details.

30/10/2025

💬 Why We’re Not Changing Our Billing Policy

You might’ve heard that from November 1, 2025, the government is rolling out new bulk billing incentives — and some clinics will switch to 100% bulk billing.

At Preston Family Medical, we’re not changing our current private billing model — and here’s why:

💰 The new rebates still don’t cover what it costs to deliver quality care.
⏱️ “All or nothing” bulk billing means less time per patient — and that’s not how we work.
💡 We’d rather stay sustainable, invest in great staff and equipment, and keep providing the care you deserve.

If you care about fair funding for general practice, let your local MP know the Medicare rebate must reflect real costs — we’ve got a letter template ready at reception and on our website.

👩‍⚕️ We’re here for your health — not political headlines.
www.prestonfamilymedical.com

28/10/2025

🔍 Lung Cancer Screening – Know Your Risk

There is now a national lung cancer screening programme in Australia. Eligible patients will be referred for a low dose CT scan, with the aim of early lung cancer detection.

You may be eligible if you:

1) Are aged between 50 and 70 years,
AND
2) Currently smoke, or have quit within the past 10 years
Lung Foundation Australia
AND
3) Have a smoking history of ≥ 30 pack-years

👉 Use this calculator to estimate your pack-year history, or let us do it for you : https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/10187/pack-years-calculator

📖 Learn more about the screening programme here: https://lungfoundation.com.au/protect-your-lungs/national-lung-cancer-screening-program/

If you think you meet the criteria (or are unsure) please book an appointment with one of our doctors. We can assess your eligibility, and if appropriate, refer you for the free scan.

We can always help you to stop smoking when you feel ready, it's never too late!

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program identifies signs of lung cancer before symptoms appear. Find out if you're elligible.

22/10/2025

Please ignore the government & media hype & misinformation. We will continue as usual and offer thorough care and preventative medicine.

18/09/2025

In Dementia Action Week, we come together to raise awareness, offer support, and stand in solidarity with those affected by Dementia. ❤️

Dementia is a leading cause of death in Australia, with almost 1 in 10 people dying from it in 2023, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Dementia Action Week is run by Dementia Australia, an organization dedicated towards funding research, advocating to the government and educating communities about Dementia. Preston Family Medical is part of a research trial about a dementia blood test (ADNET trial), ask one of the GPs if you have memory or concentration concerns. There are lots of lifestyle hazards we can tackle to reduce your dementia risk.

04/09/2025

In light of the recent events in Melbourne, we want to take a moment to affirm who we are as a clinic and community.

At Preston Family Medical, we welcome and care for people of all backgrounds, cultures, ages, genders, and sexualities. Everyone deserves safe, respectful, and compassionate healthcare, no matter their walk of life.

Our doors are open to you. Always.

— The Preston Family Medical Team

22/08/2025

https://www.mamamia.com.au/female-doctor-shortage/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMVLbJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFnYjhxSXVCTDVQSG9YQlhYAR4vV1O5DaEZp_btp0aNDNlwzNSbiN7BJJEBcwrLSz8BIVkHCy7fke-GC8GFFw_aem_K4Rr9j9qUqigITwioNCU1A

"Really thorough, affordable ones who bulk bill or have a minimal gap fee? They're unicorns."

14/08/2025

Yellow may not be everyone’s colour, but on Daffodil Day, it looks good on all of us. 🌼

Daffodil day is a special day organized by the Cancer Council; A day that symbolizes hope and celebration for those living with cancer. On August 21st, people all over Australia wear yellow, as a reminder on the people who have been lost and a celebration of those who are still alive.
Daffodil day has many facets including an annual dip (cold swim), a series of stalls selling daffodils, and a fundraising drive. All the money donated goes to support cancer patients and cancer research, creating an wave of goodwill that will save lives. Last year, Australians donated over 3.3 million dollars to the Cancer Council! We know that 1 in 12 people will be diagnosed with cancer before they are 85, so your vital support is still greatly needed and appreciated!
Check out the Cancer Council website for more information!

07/08/2025

💓Your blood pressure has a lot to say — are you listening?"

Blood pressure checks involve measuring the pressure of your blood against the walls of your arteries. The trouble with high blood pressure is it does not have any symptoms but long term can lead to heart disease or a stroke if left untreated. When you get a blood pressure check, the doctor or nurse will fasten a inflatable cuff with a device that measures the pressure to your upper arm. This is called a sphygmomanometer, and it will inflate, compressing your arm before deflating. It doesn't hurt and regular checks provide a baseline for your blood pressure, allowing you and your doctor to monitor any significant changes over time.
Get a blood pressure check today, as it could save your life one day!