Kiama GPs Kiama Downs Medical Practice

04/12/2025

This simple video today shows us how to outsmart people who try to manipulate us with social media posts about health
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/16kNfcNxfG/

18/11/2025

🧸Lost toy!
This brave looking fellow was found this week at Kiama Downs Medical Practice!
If you have lost him please feel free to drop in or call us on 42377502 😊

16/11/2025

Changes to Bulk Billing & New Support for Women’s Health Procedures

Healthcare costs keep rising, but Medicare and our politicians haven’t kept up. To remain sustainable while still supporting our community, GPs in Kiama Downs are making some important updates.

Our Promise to You
Our nurses will continue to bulk bill the services that matter most:
💛 Women’s health procedures
💛 Children’s Blue Book checks
💛 Preventive care
💛 Chronic disease support

What Our Nurses Will Keep Bulk Billing
✅ Blue Book Checks for Children
Still fully bulk billed.
✅ Health Assessments & Care Plans (with our nurses)
These remain free so we can continue supporting long-term, preventive health.
✅ Women’s Health Procedures
To improve access to essential reproductive healthcare, GPs in Kiama Downs have decided to bulk bill all of the following
- IUD insertion or removal (Mirena/Kyleena)
- Implanon insertion or removal
*Standard consult fees apply for the first appointment with your GP to discuss suitability and check which options is safe and right with you.
This is a huge discount—these procedures previously cost over $250. GP's in Kiama Downs are committed to making women’s health accessible for our community.

More Information
Mirena & IUD overview video:
🎥 https://youtu.be/r6RYF8AXsa0
Four GPs at Kiama Downs are trained in IUD insertion and removal, and most can insert or remove Implanons.
📅 Book an IUD discussion by calling 4237 7502 or booking online at kdmp.com.au with:
Dr Dani, Dr Nicole, Dr Emma or Dr Lynsey

Why We Can’t Bulk Bill General Consults
Even after the November Medicare changes, bulk billing still doesn’t cover the real cost of providing safe, high-quality GP care.
Many long-standing bulk billing clinics across Australia are now struggling or closing.
A clear explainer from a Sydney bulk-billing GP practice:
▶ https://www.facebook.com/reel/652701257157791

Even emergency departments are warning about the GP funding crisis:
▶ https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=632462372991945

Thank You

Thanks so much for your understanding and support as we continue to provide the best care we can for our community.

Our Attempts to Engage Local Politicians
Over the past six months, we have contacted local Labor and Liberal candidates requesting phone calls, meetings and open discussions about the growing crisis in GP funding.
Despite multiple letters and invitations, we have not received any replies.

In these letters, we explained that the recent Medicare policy changes would not enable GP practices in our area—particularly those delivering high-quality, longer appointments—to return to full bulk billing. These letters have gone unanswered. There have been however plenty of announcements nationally about how politicians have felt these changes would work.

We sincerely hope local representatives will engage directly with GPs and healthcare teams working on the frontline. Speaking with those delivering care every day is essential if policymakers are to design real, effective improvements that genuinely support our community.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) are Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC). They are very effective at preventing pregnancy. There are two types of intraute...

22/10/2025

You made this possible 💚
With your private fees today, Kiama Downs has donated $5,000 to help families in Gaza with urgent food, water, medical care and shelter.
This support helps keep aid trucks rolling, hospitals supplied, and a new 100-bed field hospital caring for mums, kids and trauma patients.
Thank you for making a real difference. 🌍
If you want to help more please click the link below

You patients made this possible: today $5000 of your private fees have been donated Thanks to you all we’ve been able to donate $5,000 of your private fees to help families in Gaza access urgent medical care, food, clean water, and shelter today. A pause in fighting has opened a desperately needed...

27/09/2025

This week, one of our slightly over-enthusiastic team members decided it would be a great idea to run their first ever marathon — the very next day at Run Shellharbour.
No training, no plan, just questionable life choices.

But behind the silliness was a serious goal: raising funds for the Fred Hollows Foundation, which helps restore sight for people who would otherwise remain blind.
Every $50 donated can restore someone’s vision — and thanks to your incredible generosity, together we raised over $3,800 for Fred Hollows with Kiama Downs Medical Practice putting in half.

Kiama Downs Medical Practice matched every dollar donated ensuring that every contribution goes even further. A huge bonus, another donor also donated dollar for dollar on our donations in total raising over $7,400 to Fred Hollows – which could help restore vision to over 1000 people!!!!

Run stats:
5 hours 41 minutes 42.5 km 7.95 min/km
Not fast… but finished!

Why this matters to us
At Kiama Downs Medical Practice, we believe in eye health, accessibility, and doing good with a sense of humour.
Supporting Fred Hollows aligns with our core values — practical compassion, fairness in healthcare, and helping people see a brighter world.

If you missed the chance to donate, it’s not too late!
Donate to the Fred Hollows Foundation via GoFundMe

Every dollar is tax-deductible, 100 % goes straight to the Foundation, and KDMP will continue to match your donations

This week, one of our slightly over-enthusiastic team members decided it would be a great idea to run their first ever marathon — the very next day at Run Shellharbour.No training, no plan, just questionable life choices. But behind the silliness was a serious goal: raising funds for the Fred Holl...

26/09/2025

🚨💊 Paracetamol & autism? Let’s clear this up.
Recent claims linking paracetamol use in pregnancy to autism have no solid evidence. These headlines cause more panic than protection — and distract from safe, evidence-based care.

✅ The RACGP and major health bodies confirm paracetamol is safe when used as recommended in pregnancy.
⚠️ The bigger issue? Where we get our health info. Because let’s be honest:
🏛️ Politics → politicians
⚡ Wiring → electricians
👩‍⚕️ Health advice → health professionals (not influencers).

🎧 For a balanced, evidence-based discussion, listen free to ABC’s Health Report:

“Trump links paracetamol with autism. What’s the evidence?”

“Do you take health advice from influencers?”

On Spotify or the ABC Listen app:
🔗 https://open.spotify.com/show/19OQ8yRLItw7vOKz9OCslo

03/07/2025

🧾 Why seeing a GP at Kiama Downs Should only costs you $14 to $18 out of pocket – once you reach Medicare’s Safety Net 🩺💰

The Medicare Safety Net saves some patients in our community hundreds & even thousands of dollars every year. Add anyone who lives with you (partner, kids, friend, parent) to your Medicare family account to reach the threshold faster.
📞 Just call Medicare on 132 011 (24/7) to link together.

If you have a concession card and spend over $834 out of pocket in a calendar year on care that Medicare helps with, Medicare will then cover 80% of the “gap fee” for the rest of the year!
- this includes GP visits, or other people your GP refers you to like psychologists, physios, specialists, and for scans & tests),

$834 is an awful lot, but it is just two trips to a cardiologist, paediatrician, endocrinologist or gynaecologist for most people!

💡 Once you reach the threshold your GP visit at Kiama Downs usually only costs $14 to $18 out of pocket that year - for 15 minutes to 30 minutes of your GP's time.

If you don't have a concession card the amount to spend to reach this is much higher, but hundreds of families in our area still reach the amount every year due to psychology and other specialist visits.
Some people in our community have saved $2000 a year after we told them about registering whoever lives under their roof so you reach the Safety Net together!

Better still, every GP visit here counts towards your Safety Net.

👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️ The same rule applies to:
✔️ Private specialists
✔️ Psychologists if your GP has referred you for up to 10 visits a year
✔️ Physios, Audiologists, Occupational therapists, Speech therapists, and many more if your GP has referred you for up to 5 visits a year on your care plan.
✔️ Scans (MRI, ultrasound, x-rays)
✔️ Blood tests & pathology

🟢 The Safety Net protects all Australians from high out-of-pocket health costs - and it really works.

💬 Need help?
Click the link here to learn more! https://kiamadownsmedicalpractice.com.au/kiama-gp-appointments/ :~:text=The%20Extended%20Medicare%20Safety%20Net

27/06/2025

🎉 A huge welcome to patients from Jamberoo Surgery and to Dr Mel Cave, Dr Mais Ria & Dr Lynsey McKinstry are now consulting at Kiama Downs Medical Practice!

Dr Lynsey is taking appointments now, Dr Mais will be back in 3 weeks (late July) and Dr Mel will have a short break until late September.

Simply book an “Existing Patient” appointment online and choose your preferred GP – whether it’s Dr Mel, Dr Mais, Dr Lynsey or any of the friendly GPs in Kiama Downs.

Jamberoo Surgery sadly closed on 26 June 2025, but all patient records have been safely transferred – free of charge – so your care continues seamlessly.

🙌 Plus consultations are now more affordable for shorter concerns, with 15-minute appointments available.

📅 If you have seen Dr Mel, Dr Lynsey or Dr Mais before please make sure you book as an "existing patient" at via our website at kiamadownsmedicalpractice.com.au

17/06/2025

Massive thanks to everyone who came along to our charity event ‘Eat Dance Give’ on Sunday!
💛 Together, YOU raised $6,000 — and every dollar is making a real difference:
👁 80 people will see the world again thanks to Fred Hollows
🎗 5 life-changing fistula surgeries will restore health and dignity
📚 10 girls will be supported right through school with Educate Girls India
💥 What an incredible impact from one special afternoon of food, music, and generosity.
🙏 From all of us at Kiama Downs Medical Practice — thank you so much!

03/06/2025

Hey all! Would love to see you all this Sunday 8th June, from 4pm at Kiama Downs Surf Club for our fundraiser "Eat, Move, Give" with the band The Ninth Chapter flying and driving down from QLD/North NSW, the Gerringong Olive Pizza Truck, great Drinks & Real Impact with 100% of all ticket sales to super high impact charities!

Please jump on and/or forward this on to anyone you think would love the event! Very few tix left with 120 sold already!
🍕 Bring your mates and kids for epic Pizza from 4pm, music from 5pm.
🎟️ Tickets here:
https://events.humanitix.com/100-to-charity-kiama-downs-gp-event-band-pizza-and-drinks-4pm-sun-8th-june-kids-and-partners-welcome/tickets

✨ Why it matters
This inaugural event has only just got going but already has raised $4,700 in 100% - to - charity - ticket sales. This means:
👧 80 girls now getting an education instead of a lifetime of labour
👁️ 40 children and adults regaining their sight
💜 20 women receiving fistula surgery to reclaim their lives
🔥 Bonus: We’re also doing a signed by Peter Singer Book Auction
📚 10 hand-signed copies up for grabs of the book The Life You Can Save
🎤 2 at live auction (6–7pm)
📝 8 in silent auction — to participate 1. Donate here: https://www.thelifeyoucansave.org.au/cause-funds/maximize-your-impact-fund/
2. Then enter the draw for the silent auction here: https://forms.gle/VXPRhcfPZdYKBqNt8

💡 Missing out on Sunday?
Catch us the night before on Saturday 7th 7:30pm to 8:30pm at DISTILLED – The Co-Op Gerringong
🎟️ Tix and info here: https://thecoopgerringong.iwannaticket.com.au/event/distilled-MzI1NjU

Best wishes all!

100% to Charity - Live Band, pizza, drinks. Fred Hollows, Fistula Foundation & Educate Girls India - Hosted by Kiama Downs Medical Practice

07/01/2025

🌟 Meet our newest GPs: Dr Tollan Conway & Dr Nick Cooper! 🌟
👉 Dr Tollan: A South Coast local with experience in emergency & paediatric care at Gold Coast University Hospital, now back in Kiama with his young family.
👉 Dr Nick: A GP with a background in physiotherapy & medicine, plus a Diploma of Paediatrics, with expertise in paediatrics, sports injuries, & long-term care.
We’re thrilled to welcome them both to KDMP! 🩺
🔗 Dr Tollan's bookings can be made here: https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/kiama-downs-NSW-2533/kiama-downs-medical-practice/doctors/dr-tollan-conway-1
🔗 Dr Nick's bookings can be made here: https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/kiama-downs-NSW-2533/kiama-downs-medical-practice/doctors/dr-nick-cooper