Gunning Community Care is a lovely NGO located in the Old Gunning Court House (you should come for a visit just to see the building – its amazing!).
Located on Yass st, opposite the famous Gunning Butcher, the creative collective, a couple of seriously excellent cafes
Gunning is a town of a touch under 1000 people, and has only one main street, no roundabouts and no traffic lights.
Which is to say, its not hard to find the healthcare centre.
I grew up rural – not far from Gunning. The butcher in town used to slaughter our cows (sorry if you’re vego, I promise, he did a really humane job, and we looked after them well!), went to Bradfordville primary school, was a Wamboin brownie, then girl guide, then a leader, have memories of very dusty Murrambateman field days and dad taught me to drive on the old federal highway which now I think about it probably wasn’t legal but hey it was the 90s.
I’m a big believer in financial consent which is why I publish my fees and feel it is important patients are aware of out of pocket costs.
The issue with this as I work in two locations – is Canberra and Gunning patients will be aware there is a significant difference between the two – which starkly illustrates the funding complications of General Practice.
For the purposes of General Practice funding- Canberra is classifed as a urban region. Gunning is classifed as a rural town. This means the bulk billing incentive is quite high for Gunning and there are many more incentives and grants available that just aren’t provided in Canberra.
Our practice overheads are also much lower in Gunning. While most of the equipment costs are about the same – we don’t pay any rent for example. I also think people often underestimate the value of community. Canberra is a community, to an extent. Gunning really is – despite being small the community pours a lot into their healthcare service and that helps us stay afloat. Different models of care.
I expect some people will read this and still think I’m being a “greedy GP”. Believe as you will, I promise, all I’m ever trying to do is my best. Canberra patients are welcome anytime in Gunning. Visit the shops. My books are open.
Please call Gunning District Community and Health Service to make an appointment.
Fees
Consultations
| Appointment type | Fee | Gap |
| I’ll try not to talk to much – short (less than 20 minutes) | $88 | $42.95 |
| Ok that didn’t work – long (my standard to be honest) (20-40 minutes) | $152 | $65.90 |
| All the things (>40 minutes) | $220 | $91.65 |
Procedures
| Appointment type | Fee | Gap |
| Iud Insertion | 338 | $104.60 |
| implanon removal/insertion | bulk billed | $0 |
| Breastfeeding care/six week check | Feeding parent $160 baby – bulk billed | $73.90 |
| Medical termination of pregnancy* | $250 | $165.10 |
- please note this generally involves three appointments – only one has an out of pocket cost, all follow up is bulk billed.
Bulk billing is usually available to children under 16, First Nations patients and pensioners and concession card holders >65.
Consultations for ADHD care are privately billed.
If you have any concerns about fees, please speak to reception.
Dr Gillian Riley 