Appointments
Appointments are generally planned ahead of time unless they are urgent. This includes skin rashes, urticaria, melanoma or other symptoms like intense itching of skin or oozing from the skin in certain diseases. Please call the reception describing your condition if an urgent appointment is needed and our staff will help you on a priority basis.
However, in most instances, appointments are given on a first come first serve basis at the earliest available day and time. Please call the reception to book an appointment after you have a referral from your GP or specialist.
Existing patients of Dr. Sohal who wish to consult her at Fairfield should contact the Practice at which they were previously seen and ask their referral to be transferred to Dermis.
Referral Guidelines
A referral from your GP is generally valid for a period of 9-12 months, however a Specialist referral is only valid for 3 months.
A new referral is required if you wish to seek advice and treatment for a different condition. Please ask your GP for a new referral as our staff cannot obtain one on your behalf.
If the gap between your visits is longer than the aforementioned referral periods, please ensure that you obtain a new referral from your GP or Specialist Doctor.
Consultation Fees
Dermis is a Private Dermatology Billing Practice. Thus, patients incur an out of pocket gap above the Medicare rebate. Since there is a Medicare rebate, private health insurance does not cover these services. Medicare rebates are obtainable only if you have a valid referral from your referring doctor. (refer to the guidelines above)
The initial consultation fee will be quoted at the time of booking. However, this does not include any additional procedures (biopsies, cryotherapy, curettage & cautery, etc.) that may be performed at the time of the consultation. Surgical procedures will be quoted as needed.
Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Gold Card and appropriate White Card holders are treated with no gap fees and have their account paid electronically.
Our fees are considered reasonable and fair in line with recommendation by Australian Medical Association. If you prefer specialist dermatology consultations and treatments without an “out of pocket” cost (bulk bill), we can provide details of public hospital services in the major Sydney hospitals.
The cost of providing specialist medical services is high so we do not bulk bill.
Please note that fees are payable at the time of consultation: we accept Cash, Visa, MasterCard, and EFTPOS. Cheques require prior approval – please discuss at the time of booking. We do not accept American Express.
On the day
Please bring your Medicare card and printed doctor's referral with you.
Please arrive at least 15-20 minutes before the scheduled appointment time so that you are able to complete the registration form and other meet other requirements before seeing the doctor.
Patients are encouraged to dress in comfortable attire without jewellery, makeup or fake tan on the face or body as it may camouflage the skin lesions. As courtesy to other patients, attendants and staff, it is also advised to avoid strong body perfumes, deodorants and cologne as it can cause headaches, migraine and hay fever.
Interpreting Services
Non-English speaking patients may ask for interpreter and translation services if communication with doctor is not in English. Please inform our staff if you require these services when scheduling the appointment.
Our practice is registered with TIS services, a nationally recognised service and free of cost to patients who visit Dermis for consultations.
Transportation
There is onsite car park for those coming by car with designated area for disabled parking near the entrance.
The Practice is just 13 minutes away from Fairfield train station and 2 - 4 minutes from nearest bus stop by walk. Bus route 804 drops you off at nearest stops on Hamilton Road at/near Sackville Street.
Drop off/pickup service area is available near front entrance if travelling via Taxies and Uber.
Department of Veteran Affairs patients can request our staff to arrange transport to and from the Practice at the time of booking.
Cancelling an appointment
We generally have waiting lists for appointments and as a courtesy to other patients, we kindly request that you provide at least 48 hours notice for changes to your appointment.
Please call reception to cancel/postpone your appointment in case you are unable to attend due to unavoidable circumstances.