For Parents
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions parents most commonly ask before, during, and after their child’s care at Haven Paediatrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions, answered
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact our reception team – we’re always happy to help.
Appointments & Referrals
No, but it is definitely preferred, and we strongly encourage you to see your GP first.
Not only does a referral allow you to claim a Medicare rebate, but it also helps our paediatricians gain a better understanding of your child’s presenting concerns before the consultation. This ensures you get the most value from your appointment.
To make an appointment, please submit a request through our website, and one of our receptionists will be in contact within the next day or so.
You are also welcome to call our rooms to arrange an appointment directly.
If we have received a referral from your GP, we will also endeavour to contact you in the following days to discuss appointment availability.
How long is the wait time for new patients?
Wait times vary depending on the triage category assigned to each referral. The paediatricians at Haven Paediatrics see a wide range of patients and conditions, with some requiring more urgent assessment than others.
Infants and newborns are typically seen sooner than older children. Common conditions such as asthma, eczema, and constipation can often be managed through our Rapid Access Clinic, resulting in shorter wait times.
More complex conditions, particularly neurodevelopmental concerns, generally involve longer and more detailed consultations and may therefore have longer waiting periods.
Can I cancel or reschedule my appointment?
Yes, If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, that’s no problem at all.
All we ask is that you provide as much notice as possible before your appointment so that we can offer the available time to another child and family.
We do have a cancellation policy, which is outlined in the Welcome Letter sent when your appointment is confirmed. This policy is applied consistently to help ensure appointment times are used effectively and that children requiring care can be seen as promptly as possible.
Your First Visit
How long will the appointments take?
Initial appointments typically take 45 minutes for simpler presentations and 60 minutes for more complex concerns. Some appointments may run longer than 60 minutes, so we recommend allowing up to 90 minutes for your visit.
Follow-up consultations typically take between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the complexity of the condition and the findings from the initial consultation.
What documents and records should I bring?
For infants, we ask that you bring your child’s Personal Health Record (Red Book) to the appointment.
If your child has had any investigations performed, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or blood tests, please bring the results with you or send them to us before your appointment. Your GP will typically include the relevant information in the referral; however, it can be helpful to check that all reports have been provided.
For children with neurodevelopmental concerns, it is common to have reports from their school, kindergarten, and/or allied health providers. We encourage you to send these to us before your appointment so that we can add them to your child’s medical record.
Our paediatricians will review this information beforehand to gain a better understanding of your child’s strengths, challenges, and individual needs, helping to ensure your appointment is as productive and informative as possible.
Can I bring my other children to the appointment?
We recommend that only the child and their parent(s) or guardian(s) attend the appointment where possible, as this helps minimise distractions. We understand that this is not always practical, and you are welcome to bring other children or family members if needed, or if you feel their presence would be beneficial to your child’s care.
Children remain the responsibility of their parent or guardian at all times. For safety reasons, our staff are unable to supervise children under any circumstances.
What if my child is anxious about coming to see a doctor?
Haven Paediatrics is a warm and welcoming space designed with children in mind. If your child is feeling nervous about their appointment, we encourage you to show them photos of our rooms and the fun toys available in our waiting area. It can also be helpful to show them a photo of the paediatrician they will be seeing.
Helping your child understand where they are going and who they will be meeting can go a long way towards reducing anxiety and making the experience more comfortable.
You can also reassure them that there will be absolutely no needles during their visit!
Fees & Billing
Does Haven Paediatrics bulk bill?
No. Haven Paediatrics is a private billing practice, and out-of-pocket fees apply to all consultations.
Following your appointment, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate if you have a valid referral from your GP, specialist, or other eligible healthcare provider.
Detailed fee information will be provided when your appointment is confirmed, and our reception team is happy to answer any questions you may have.
Is a Medicare rebates available?
Yes, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate if your child has a valid referral from a GP or specialist. Without a valid referral, Medicare rebates cannot be claimed.
To receive a Medicare rebate, your child must also be present for the consultation.
If you are unsure whether your referral is valid or current, our reception team will be happy to assist you.
How and when do I pay for my appointment?
Fees are payable on the day of the consultation, immediately following your appointment.
For telehealth appointments, a deposit is required prior to the consultation.
Further details regarding our fees, payment options, and telehealth deposit requirements are provided in the Welcome Letter that will be sent to you once your appointment is confirmed.
Can I claim specialist consultations on private health insurance?
No. Haven Paediatrics is a private specialist practice, and outpatient consultations are not covered by private health insurance.
This applies to outpatient specialist appointments generally and is not specific to Haven Paediatrics. Medicare rebates may be available for eligible consultations if your child has a valid referral from a GP, specialist, or other eligible healthcare provider.
Conditions & Care
What conditions do our paediatricians see?
Our paediatricians are highly experiences in the assessment and treat a range of paediatric conditions. These fall into three broad categories; newborns and infants, chronic conditions, and neurodevelopment.
Do our paediatricians diagnose ADHD or Autism?
Yes, our paediatricians are highly experienced in the assessment and management of neurodevelopmental conditions, including ADHD and autism.
If you suspect that your child may have a neurodevelopmental condition, we encourage you to see us as your first point of contact. Our team can help guide you through the assessment process, coordinate any necessary investigations, and ensure that the most appropriate medical, educational, and allied health information is considered.
Early assessment and support can be important in helping children reach their full potential, and our paediatricians work closely with families to provide clear guidance and ongoing care throughout the journey
Can Haven Paediatrics coordinate with my child's school or therapists?
Yes and no. Haven Paediatrics is happy to share relevant information with your child’s school or teachers, and to receive information from them when it may assist with your child’s care. If other healthcare professionals are involved in your child’s treatment, we are also happy to include them in clinical correspondence where appropriate.
Effective communication between families, schools, healthcare providers, and allied health professionals is often an important part of supporting a child’s health and development.
Ultimately, you are your child’s best advocate. Our paediatricians will work with you to provide guidance, recommendations, and practical strategies to help you navigate the healthcare, education, and support systems relevant to your child’s needs.
What if my child needs urgent care between appointments?
For all medical emergencies, please call 000 or present to your nearest emergency department.
Our paediatricians are not in the practice every day, and it may not always be possible to contact them immediately. If your child requires urgent medical attention, please call 000 or seek care at your nearest emergency department.
If you have questions about your child’s treatment or would like to provide an update on their progress, please contact our reception team by phone or email. We will review your enquiry and advise you on the most appropriate next steps.
Ongoing Support
Will my child need to come back for follow-up appointments?
It depends on your child’s condition and the results of any investigations that have been completed.
At the end of the initial consultation, the paediatrician will discuss their recommendations with you and let you know whether a follow-up appointment is required. Some children may only need a single consultation, while others may benefit from ongoing review and management.
How are test results and letters communicated to us?
If your paediatrician orders any investigations, such as blood tests or imaging, the results are typically sent directly to them for review. In some cases the results are not automatically sent back to us. This is typically the case when having the tests at a public hospital. If you have not heard from us withing a week of having the test undertaken, please give us a call and we can follow up the results for you.
Once the results have been received, your paediatrician will review them and determine the most appropriate next steps. Either your paediatrician or a member of our team will then contact you to discuss the results and advise whether any further action or a follow-up appointment is required.
Your GP will also receive a clinical letter outlining your child’s assessment, treatment plan, and any significant investigation results relevant to their ongoing care.
Can I contact the clinic between appointments with questions?
Absolutely. Our administration team will be able to answer many questions directly or, if needed, escalate your enquiry to your treating paediatrician.
If we are unable to provide an answer immediately, we will respond as soon as possible once we have obtained the necessary information.
As our paediatricians do not work in the clinic every day, some enquiries may take up to a week to be reviewed and answered. We appreciate your patience and will do our best to keep you informed throughout the process.
