​​DR LINDA FORD

Welcome!   Dr. Linda Ford is an experienced Women's Health GP in Inverloch.

SPECIAL INTERESTS : Menopause, Integrative Medicine, Migraine and Women's Health.

Her focus is:
Personalised Care: Dr. Linda aims to get to know you very well, so that her care is right for you.
Empathy and Understanding: Dr Linda tries to creates a warm, welcoming space to discuss all health concerns.
Focused Time: With no rush, Dr. Linda aims to give you the attention you deserve (first consultations are 60 min)
Holistic Approach: Your overall well-being is her priority: looking at your physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors.
Strong Doctor-Patient Relationship: She aims to consistency builds trust and effective personalised care.
Strong ongoing engagement: Easy to stay connected with her:  via telehealth, digital communication (including a Patient Portal) and via her personal voice message bank. 

NEW PATIENTS ARE WELCOME!

Do you have  Menopause Symptoms?    Are you unsure?  
Try this : free online Menopause Symptom Questionnaire  
Questionnaire results:
1. Are your  symptoms troublesome?
2. Are your symptom scores higher than the “average  menopausal woman”?  
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Do you have frequent headaches?     Unsure if you suffer from “migraine headaches”?
​Try this: free online 3 question survey for guidance.

Dr Linda would be happy to meet, discuss your symptoms and help formulate a plan. 

CLINIC LOCATION : 49 Wonthaggi Rd, Inverloch, Vic

CONSULTING HOURS:
  • In-clinic: Thursdays
  • Telehealth: Fridays.

SPECIAL INTERESTS IN GREATER DETAIL:
  • Women's Health: Peri-menopause, Menopause, Migraines, PMS, PCOS, Endometriosis, and Menstrual Issues.
  • Integrative Medicine: Encouraging self-care, healthy lifestyle choices, a healthy diet and nutritional supplements when necessary.
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CONTACT INFORMATION
  • Phone: 0386796532.            Leave a detailed message: Dr Linda will personally respond to your message.
  • She looks forward to supporting your health journey. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you need assistance.
  • CLICK HERE:  to send  her a Digital Message 
  • Online Booking (use the Link Button above): Easily book your new, review, or telehealth appointments online.
    • Initial Appointments: 60 minutes
    • Review Appointments: usually 30 minutes
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QUALIFICATIONS
  • MBBS (Hon) (Monash)
  • DRANZCOG Adv. Advanced GP Diploma Gynaecology & Obstetrics
  • GDGM Graduate Diploma Geriatric Medicine 
  • MHlthSMgt.
  • Member of Australian Menopause Society (AMS)
  • Member of Australian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (ACNEM)
  • GP Member of Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM)
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Dr. Linda brings a wealth of experience from her extensive GP work throughout Gippsland and her time as a GP Obstetrician in Berwick.
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NEW PATIENT INFORMATION
  • New patients are warmly welcomed.
  • Register online with a secure link sent via our “Halaxy program” email which is usually sent within 24 hours of booking.
  • Registration must be completed online: sorry it cannot be completed in clinic on the day of your first visit. 
  • A $50 non-refundable booking fee is required before your first visit.
  • Follow-up consultations are necessary to discuss all test results.
  • If you are unwell, Dr Linda asks that you wear a face mask for in-clinic appointments, or preferably request your visit time be changed to a telehealth. 
  • S8 Medications: Dr. Linda does not prescribe regular S8 medications except for cancer care. (Narcotics and strong sedatives)

FEES
  • Private Fees (No Bulk Billing):
    • First consultation (60 min): Medicare Rebate ($197.90) + $70 out-of-pocket.
    • Subsequent consults: Medicare Rebate + $50/$70 out-of-pocket (20-30 min/40-55 min).
    • Discounted fees (out pocket cost visit: $30) for aged Gov pensioners.
    • Full payment is due on the day of your appointment.
    • Non attendance or late cancel appointments (Less 24 hrs notice) may be charged a special fee (75% of expected fee)

FAQ
  • How do I register? An email ([email protected]) with a secure link will arrive on the day you book. Click the link to complete the online form.
  • What can I expect at my first visit? Dr. Linda adopts a thorough approach, considering your presenting issue and overall health.
  • Does Dr. Linda excise skin lesions & lumps? No, she will refer you onto a local GP Skin Clinic.
  • Can a Mental Health Plan be completed at my first visit? No, generally two consults are required.
  • Can my initial consult be by Telehealth? Yes, but without a Medicare rebate on the consultation fee.
  • Does Dr. Linda offer government-supplied immunisations? No, but most vaccinations can be undertaken by your local pharmacy.
  • How do I reschedule or cancel my appointment? Call 03 8679 6532 anytime and leave a voice message. Use the cancel/reschedule link in the booking confirmation or appointment reminder email.
  • Clinic Covid precautions? Patients with self-isolation rules or Covid-like symptoms should reschedule in-clinic appointments to telehealth and wear a face mask during in-person visits.
  • Confidentiality: Your personal information is managed according to Australian Privacy Laws. Contact the practice if you have a concern.

EMERGENCY AND AFTER HOURS CONTACTS
  • Medical Emergency: Phone 000
  • Nurse on Call (24/7 Free Health Advice): 1300 60 60 24
  • After Hours GP Telehealth Service: 1800 272 767
  • Health Direct Symptom Checker: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker
  • Victorian Virtual Emergency Department: http://www.vved.org.au/
  • Bass Coast Health Hospital Emergency Department: Phone 03 5671 3333
  • Leongatha Hospital Urgent Care (GP supported): Phone 03 5667 5555
  • Life Line (24/7): Phone 13 1114
  • Medicare Mental Health (Find a local mental health service, call answered by mental health practitioner)     PH 1800 595 212           (active on any weekday between 8:30am and 5pm) NOT an urgent care service. 
DR LINDA FORD Women's Health GP. Special interests: Menopause, Integrative Medicine, Migraine