Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an effective, natural and increasingly popular form of health care that is being used by people from a wide range of cultural and social backgrounds.

Acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific sites (acupuncture points) along the body's meridians to clear energy blockages and encourage the normal flow of qi (pronounced "chee") energy through the individual.

Alternative approaches such as low level laser acupuncture and electrical acupuncture are also available depending on individual needs and specific indications.

Antenatal Shared Care

Your pregnancy can be managed at AFMP by several of our GPs who provide Antenatal shared care. This service is available if you are attending a public maternity hospital clinic or some private obstetricians. It allows you to see your own GP for many of your routine antenatal visits.
You will be seen every month for the first six months, fortnightly for the next two months and then every week for the last month. Your GP will arrange all necessary blood tests, ultrasounds, hospital visits etc during this time and communicate this information to your midwife and/or specialist obstetrician.
All doctors can confirm and estimate dates for your pregnancy and arrange early testing if problems arise.

Blood Tests

AFMP is a collection centre for SDS pathology. Our nurse Cristina is a very experienced blood collector who makes this procedure as painless and anxiety free as possible.

Childhood Immunisation

All babies are born with minimal natural immunity to disease, but immunisation can offer considerable additional protection against infectious diseases. Without immunisation, children are much more vulnerable to serious infections such as whooping cough and meningitis. The benefits of immunisation far outweigh the small risk of side effects. Your baby's immunisation will start at two months of age. This is when a baby's natural immunity to illness, obtained from the mother, begins to diminish.
Your doctor at AFMP will guide you through the Immunisation Schedule for your child.

Children's health

The doctors at AFMP have extensive experience in paediatrics and can provide comprehensive care for all of your child's health and medical needs.
This may include well baby checks, monitoring of growth and development, immunisations, management of minor injuries and general medical problems.
For urgent problems or where surgery attendance is difficult, advice can be given over the phone. Our waiting room has a dedicated children’s play area.

Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a system of primary health care that includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, remedial massage, exercise and breathing therapy (such as qigong), and diet and healthy lifestyle advice. Dr Fred Junguang Liu is a highly qualified and experienced practitioner, who can provide treatments specifically tailored for each individual’s requirements

Counselling

Doctors at AFMP have experience in counselling and can support you and your family during stressful life events. Some of the doctors have extra training and qualifications in psychological medicine. If further assistance is required our clinical psychologist Susie Croll is available by appointment.

ECG Heart Test

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of your heart.
It is used to measure the rate and regularity of heartbeats as well as the size of the chambers, the presence of any damage to the heart, and the effects of drugs or devices used to regulate the heart (such as a pacemaker).
An ECG may be included as part of a routine examination in patients over 40 years old.

Exercise Physiology

Neil Russell is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, graduating from the University of Technology, Sydney with Honours. Neil has worked as a strength and conditioning coach with elite athletes and sporting teams, an exercise rehabilitation officer for workers compensation and private clients, and as an exercise professional training healthy populations. From this experience he has developed a passion for maximizing his clients physical and psychological wellbeing through research based assessment, program design and coaching. Exercise Physiologists provide physical activity and behavior change support for clients with conditions such as; cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, depressions, cancer, arthritis, musculoskeletal injuries/pain and many more.

Geriatric care

Older members of the community often have complex medical problems which require involvement of multiple health practitioners. The doctors and nurses at AFMP are sympathetic and understanding of these requirements and have the necessary experience to ensure they are optimally managed.
Home visits and visits to Aged Care Facilities are regularly undertaken.

GP Management Plans

For patients with chronic medical conditions your GP is now able to create an individual management plan through Medicare, in order to achieve optimal treatment outcomes.
This process encourages a team approach and so may involve allied health practitioners including nurses, physiotherapists etc, as well as medical specialists.
Patients who have a current GP Management plan are able to receive rebates from Medicare when they see an allied health practitioner.

GP Mental health plans

For patients with mental health disorders your GP is now able to create an individual management plan through Medicare in order to achieve optimal treatment outcomes.
Patients who have a current GP Mental health plan are able to receive rebates from Medicare when they see a registered clinical psychologist.

Gymnasium

A well-equipped gymnasium is available for patients to use under the supervision of our exercise physiologist, physiotherapist, podiatrist or osteopath.

Individual assessment and supervision in the gym is a very practical and effective way to develop a successful programme for your personal needs.

Potential benefits include:

• Improved aerobic fitness
• Improved strength and balance
• Weight loss
• Pain reduction in degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis
• Enhanced recovery from sports injuries
• Reduced risk of osteoporosis, diabetes, high blood pressure

Appointments can be made directly with one of our Allied Health practitioners, or through your GP if you have any significant medical problems.

Health assessments

The department of health is encouraging annual more extensive check ups in the over 75 population. This service is fully Medicare rebatable. The focus is on detection of problems early and prevention if possible. These assessment usually require a more prolonged consultation.

Another group where preventative health issues is being addressed is patients aged 45 to 49, where a risk factor for significant disease exists. Such risk factors include a history of smoking, excessive weight, high cholesterol, a family history of heart disease or diabetes, and many other factors. Again this a fully Medicare rebatable service.

Home Visit

If you are too sick to come to the Surgery, we can visit you at home if you live in the local area. Please phone early in the morning to arrange this. Doctors regularly visit patients in hospitals and nursing homes.

Immunisations

A comprehensive range of immunisations is available for all ages, including seasonal vaccines such as influenza and pneumococcal as well as travel vaccines. New vaccinations such as the vaccinations against wart virus (Human Papilloma Virus) can also be organised.

Insurance / Employment medicals

The doctors at AFMP are able to complete insurance and employment medicals. A long appointment is preferred for these services.

Liquid Nitrogen Therapy

Cryosurgery using Liquid Nitrogen is commonly used to treat warts and sunspots.

In cryosurgery, liquid nitrogen is applied at an extremely low temperature causing the skin below the wart/sunspot to blister.and then scab. Usually after a week or two the scab flakes off resulting in removal of the wart or sunspot.

Medical Check Ups

We all know "prevention is better than cure" and Abbotsford Family Medical Practice recognises the crucial importance and need for preventive health care.

For a majority of people, yearly or regular health screening provides you with reassurance that your Doctor will pick up any potential medical problems early, thereby increasing your chances of successful treatment.

If a potential problem is detected, you will have the opportunity to take effective action straightaway, with the full guidance and support of your Doctor.

Men's Health

Men are often neglectful of their personal health ,and long working hours often make medical attendance difficult. Men, especially over 40 years of age, are encouraged to attend their doctor regularly in order to identify and treat potential health risks before they become a problem. Appointments are available on Saturday mornings as well as before and after work most days of the week. Our experienced GPs are able to help with all areas of men's health (including the more specific areas of prostate screening and erectile difficulites.)

Minor Surgery

Doctors at AFMP are able to perform minor surgery if required. Surgical procedures include stitching lacerations, removing suspicious moles and small skin cancers, draining abscesses ,cysts etc. Treatment of minor injuries and wounds, skin ulcers, and removal of stitches is routinely performed by our nurse.

Nutrition Advice

Abbotsford Family Medical Practice offers the services of Nutritionist, Paula Tazzyman. Paula provides advice on weight management, diabetic and cholesterol lowering diets, food allergies, food and cancer and many other diet related conditions.

Obstetrics Shared Care

See Antenatal Care

Osteopaths

Abbotsford Family Medical Practice offers the services of two qualified Osteopaths.

Narelle Manwaring is a manual therapist who takes a holistic approach to treating the body, improving function by normalizing the related structures. Narelle treats a variety of musculoskeletal problems such as joint and muscle pain, headaches and digestive ailments. Her special interests are women's health and sports injuries.

Emily Morgan is a holistic manual therapist who has developed a structural approach to osteopathy through treatments aimed at restoring normality to the biomechanics of the body. She is extremely competent in treating musculoskeletal conditions and has developed a strong interest for treating acute and chronic presentations of low back and neck pain, restoration of pelvic and hip mechanics and associated disorders.

Pap Smears

Cancer of the cervix is the second most common cause of cancer-related disease and death among women worldwide. The best way to detect cervical cancer is by having regular Papanicolaou tests, or Pap smears. A Pap smear is a microscopic examination of cells taken from the cervix.
A Pap smear can detect certain viral infections (such as human papilloma virus, HPV) and other cancer-causing conditions. Early treatment of these conditions can stop cervical cancer before it fully develops. A woman may have cervical cancer and not know it because she may not have any symptoms.
AFMP generally recommends that sexually active women seek Pap smear testing every second year unless they have had previously abnormal pap smear results or have abnormal symptoms.

Pathology tests

Various tests are available including blood and urine tests,finger prick testing for blood sugar, bowel cancer screening, skin biopsies for cancer and other skin conditions, Pap smears, cardiographs, lung function testing and more.

Podiatry

Rebecca Woodcock is our resident Podiatrist. After graduating from the University of Western Sydney she has worked in private practice and taught podiatry at the University of Western Sydney as well as teaching podiatric clinical practice and practice management at the University of Newcastle.

Rebecca's clinic runs every Wednesday.

Pregnancy Tests

Pregnancy testing is available at the practice. It is best done after the first missed period.

Preventative Health Checks

( See Medical checkups)

Psychologists

Abbotsford Family Medical Practice offers the services of two qualified Psychologists.

Susie Croll is a registered Clinical Psychologist working with adults, children and families. Susie's special interests include anxiety, post natal depression and children's behavioural and emotional difficulties.

Leanne Hall - a Registered Clinical Psychologist specializing in treating adolescents and young adults with a range of psychological problems such as; depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship difficulties and sexuality issues.

Skin checks

It is well known that skin cancer is extremely common in Australia. It is recommended that all of us should regularly keep an eye on our own skin every two to three months. If you notice any spots /moles that may have newly developed or have changed over weeks to months, please make an appointment to see your doctor. Doctors at AFMP use special instruments such as dermascopes and magnifying glasses to increase the accuracy of detection of skin cancer. Sometimes biopsies are required to determine the nature of a skin lesion and confirm diagnosis. Depending on the location, size and type of skin cancer treatment will be arranged at AFMP or you will be referred on to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

Spirometry

Spirometry is the most common of the Pulmonary Function Tests, measuring lung function. Spirometry specifically measures the amount (volume) and/or speed (flow) of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. Spirometry is an important tool for assessing respiratory conditions.

Sports Medicine

AFMP provides sports medicine expertise for the prevention and treatment of injuries whether they be related to sport or other activities such as work.

Your GP and Allied Health Practitioner can work together to assist you with injury or painful dysfunction of your musculoskeletal system. Our expertise in sports medicine aims to safely return you to sport or work/home activities.

Stop Smoking Assistance

Nicotine is an extremely addictive drug, both physically and psychologically, and quitting smoking is a challenging process.

Your GP can provide you with the necessary professional expertise and support to assist you in successfully achieving this very important goal.

Travel Medicine

Travel Medicine is a complex and rapidly changing area. The dangers of not being properly prepared for travel in the developing world are many.

Doctors at AFMP can provide you with up to date medical advice and comprehensive vaccinations to ensure your travel is as safe and healthy as possible.

AFMP is accredited by the Australian Government and the World Health Organization to administer the Yellow Fever Vaccination.

You will be given an International Certificate of Vaccination as a personal record of all of your vaccinations.

Vaccinations

See immunisations

Womens Health

Our experienced doctors are able to offer management of many common reproductive and sexual health problems. Many of the doctors also offer antenatal care through shared care with RPA Women and Babies. We enjoy continuing to look after you and your baby/family after the birth.

Workcover

Our general practitioners are happy to see you for work related illness and accidents. We are happy to liase with Workcover and the work place to ensure a safe return to work.