Here is what happens from the moment your GP refers you to Sleep and Lung Care — what to expect at each step, what to bring and how long things take.
- We receive your referral. Upload it here or ask your GP to send it by HealthLink (SALCCARE). Reception phones you within two business days to arrange your appointment, which is usually within about three weeks. Urgent lung nodule and lung mass referrals are reviewed within 48 hours: please ask your referrer to mark the referral URGENT and phone (03) 9422 0077. New to us? Register online to save time at reception.
- Your first appointment is in person at the clinic you choose. Allow about 40 minutes. Arrive ten minutes early with your referral, Medicare card, inhalers and medicines, previous scans or reports, and your CPAP machine or data card if you use one.
- Tests arranged as needed. Lung function tests and home sleep study set-up are done at all five clinics; lung function tests and eligible home sleep studies are bulk billed with a valid referral. If you are booked for lung function tests, follow our preparation guide about inhalers.
- Your results and plan. Your physician explains the findings and the plan, and your GP receives our letter within two weeks. Sleep studies take about two weeks to report.
- Follow-up. In person, or by video when your physician considers it appropriate. Many patients return to their GP’s care with a plan; others stay with us for ongoing management.
What to bring
- Your referral letter (or upload it beforehand) and your Medicare, concession and health fund cards.
- All your inhalers, and a list of your medicines and doses.
- Reports or images from any chest X-ray, CT scan, sleep study or lung function test you have had.
- Your CPAP machine or its data card, if you use one.
- If you are having lung function tests, follow the preparation guide about inhalers and wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Booked for lung function tests? Download the preparation sheet (PDF).
Costs
Lung function tests and eligible home-based sleep studies are bulk billed with a valid referral. Consultation fees and any hospital-based sleep study charges are separate; reception will explain the applicable fees before booking.
Where we are
Choose from our clinics in Epping, Brunswick, Doncaster East, Braybrook and Kilmore. All five clinics have on-site parking and wheelchair access. Check your selected clinic’s page for its address, arrival information and access details; reception can confirm the arrangements for your appointment. Call (03) 9422 0077 if you have any questions before your visit.
Register online Upload your referral Sleep apnoea check
Sleep and Lung Care’s physicians see adults (18 and over). If you are seeking care for a child, please ask your GP for a referral to a paediatric respiratory or sleep service.