Our Story
Our Practice
Bell Street Family Medical Centre, established in 1995 by our Principal Doctor, Youssef Khoury, is a dedicated and caring centre for all of our clients.
We employ staff who are dedicated to taking care of our client’s needs and health. Our staff are friendly, well mannered and courteous at all times.
We offer many services, such as Pathology, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Women’s Health, Children’s immunizations, travel vaccinations, Health Assessments, Chronic Illness Management Plans, Asthma Action Plans, Kid’s healthy checks and Diabetes Assessments.
We are part of a large community in Pascoe Vale South, which reflects ethnic diversity. Our staff members are prominent in a second language, which aids in communication and a higher standard of care.
Practice Staff
Dr. Youssef Khoury is a vocationally registered medical practitioner who has extensive experience in the practice of medicine. Dr. Khoury has also worked in hospitals and has a special interest in the field of paediatrics and cardiology. He is also a fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and speaks English and Arabic.
Dr. Gracy Nakhla is a vocationally registered medical practitioner and a fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Dr. Nakhla has also worked in hospitals and specialises in women’s health. She also speaks English and Arabic.
Dr. Victor Salib is also a vocationally registered medical practitioner and a fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Dr. Salib also speaks English and Arabic.
Practice Manager: Christine Khoury
Practice Nurse: Tara Kelly
Appointments
It is recommended that patients make an appointment prior to visiting the clinic in order to minimise waiting times and obtain an appointment with your preferred GP. Every effort will be made to accommodate your preferred time and GP. Emergencies will always be given priority and our reception staff will attempt to contact you if there is any unforeseen delay or your GP is absent. If you or a family member requires an interpreter service, our reception staff will organise this for you.
Walk ins are also accepted and patients will be notified upon arrival of the waiting times.
After hours care
We provide an after hour bulk-billing locum service when the clinic is closed.
The Australian Locum Medical Service can be contacted on 13 26 60.
Alternatively, in the case of a medical emergency, patients are advised to attend their nearest hospital.
Home visits
Home visits are available for regular patients whose condition prevents them from attending the clinic. However, these visits are available at the doctor’s discretion. Doctor’s may be contacted during normal surgery hours to arrange an appointment.
Fees and billing
All routine appointments are bulk billed provided that you have a valid Medicare card. Private patients are billed accordingly at a standard fee of $60 which is preferably settled on the day. Patients claiming TAC, Workcover or Insurance Medical Examinations will be billed accordingly.
Telephone access
GPs in the practice may be contacted during normal surgery hours. If the GP is with a patient, a message will be taken and the reception staff will advise you when it is likely that the GP will return your call. Your call will always be put through to the GP in a medical emergency.
Services available
Our practice offers the following services; home visits, dental, regular check ups, diabetes assessments, asthma action care plans, annual health assessments, 45-49 year old male check ups, women’s health, family planning, pap smears, pregnancy tests, ECG, vaccinations – children and travel, minor surgery, stitching cuts, removal of moles and sunspots, liquid nitrogen freezing therapy for sunspots and warts, nutritional advice, industrial medical advice.
Pathology collection
Our practice also has a Dorevitch collection centre in the clinic. A nurse is available for pathology tests during the following times;
Monday - Friday: 8.30am – 12.30pm
No appointment is required for pathology testing, however, a referral form from your doctor is essential.
Allied health
Dr. Ben Yokhanis – General Surgeon: consults at our clinic on a fortnightly basis. Please check with reception staff for current fees.
Dr. Parshu Ram – Diabetes Educator: consults at our clinic on a weekly basis on Friday mornings. (Bulk billing)
Dr. Samantha Elia – Chiropractor: consults at our clinic on a weekly basis on Wednesdays (bulk billing and private)
Please see reception staff for appointments.
Dental services
Bell Street Family Medical Centre is closely associated with St. Mark Dental Clinic which operates upstairs at 364 Bell Street, Pascoe Vale South, 3044. For further information, please contact the dental surgery on (03) 9077 0024.
Obtaining results
If you are calling regarding test results, our reception staff are able to advise you as to whether or not your test results have arrived. You will however, be required to attend the practice for a follow-up consultation with your GP to discuss all test results.
Please ensure that we have your current contact details in case we need to contact you regarding an urgent result.
Reminder systems and recalls
Our medical practitioners promote preventative medicine and you will receive reminders for regular health checks. It is our policy to offer our patients the best possible service. If you would prefer no recall letters sent, please advise your doctor or reception staff. If you have any queries regarding these matters, our staff will be happy to assist you.
Please be advised that all patients are automatically enrolled in the Victorian Pap Test Registry and The Australian Immunisation Register. If you do not want to be enrolled in government reminder systems, please advise your doctor.
Management of your personal health information
Your medical record is a confidential document. It is the policy of this practice to maintain security of personal health information at all times and to ensure that this information is only available to authorised members of staff.
Your rights
If you have a problem or a suggestion, we would like to hear from you. Please feel free to talk to your doctor or a member of our staff. You may prefer to write to us or use our suggestion box. We take your concerns, suggestions and complaints seriously. However, if you wish to take the matter further and feel that you need to discuss the matter outside the surgery, you may contact:
Victorian Health Commissioner
30th floor, 570 Bourke street
Melbourne, Victoria, 3000
Ph: 1800 136 066 or (03) 8601 5200
Fax: (03) 8601 5219