Patient information.
It’s all about you.
When there’s a health emergency, you are our priority. That means the very best medical attention, without delay. A senior emergency doctor will see you first, and care for you through diagnosis and treatment, ensuring you are referred to a specialist and admitted to hospital if necessary. Above all, we will make sure you and your family are kept informed and have a calm and reassuring experience.
Informed financial consent forms
When you register at your nearest Care 24-7 emergency department, you will be asked to read and sign an informed financial (IFC) consent form. It will save time if you read the IFC form ahead of presenting at one of our facilities.
Patient registration forms
Iron infusion
Calvary Adelaide Emergency Department is pleased to offer intravenous iron infusions, managed by experienced emergency specialists. This service offers evidence-based, best practice treatment for patients with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) in a private hospital setting. GP referral required for services.
There is a $250 fee and a small Medicare rebate available.
Privacy
Our administration and medical staff are committed to protecting patient privacy and comply with relevant legislation. Our Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal information in a way that protects patients.
Frequently asked questions
What are the advantages of choosing a private emergency department?
If you choose one of Care 24-7’s private emergency departments you will have access to timely, private care, and be treated personally by an emergency physician, supported by experienced emergency nurses, in a modern facility. Each ED has a wide variety of specialists on call, and if you need to be admitted to hospital, the emergency doctor who is treating you will ensure this occurs with minimal delay.
How long will I wait to be seen?
Wait times are generally shorter than public EDs and patients are seen based on medical urgency (we call this “triage”). Wait times for each of our facilities are updated every 15 minutes. You can view these on our Location pages.
Can I go to Care 24-7’s emergency departments with any type of emergency?
Our EDs cater for most types of emergency cases, including cardiac, respiratory, neurological, neurosurgical, gastrointestinal issues, orthopaedic conditions, sports injuries and a range of other medical and surgical conditions.
What medical emergencies do you not treat?
Some emergencies and conditions are best catered for in a public hospital emergency department, including trauma from road accidents, acute mental health problems, acute stroke, major burns, obstetric and maternity conditions.
What if my condition worsens while waiting?
Notify staff immediately if your symptoms change or worsen.
Can I bring children to your emergency departments?
Yes. Our specialists care for children over two (2) years old presenting with minor injuries only, for example skin abrasions, cuts and minor burns, sprains and injuries from falls, including fractures.
Children who have been involved in major trauma should be taken immediately to your local public hospital emergency department.
What should I bring to my visit?
Please bring identification, Medicare/private health insurance cards, a list of medications, and relevant medical records.
Can I bring a support person?
Yes, a support person is welcome. Please check our visitor policy for details.
Can I attend a private emergency department if I do not have private health insurance?
Yes, however if you do not have private health insurance, please be aware that there may be additional costs on top of the Doctor Consultation Fee, which you will also need to pay.
If I have private health insurance, can I claim the Doctor Consultation Fee?
No. When you attend a private hospital emergency department (ED), you are considered an outpatient unless you are admitted to the hospital. Outpatient services are not claimable under private health insurance or Medicare (except for some limited rebates from Medicare for certain services).
Medicare may cover part of the cost of investigations (such as blood tests or X-rays), but not the ED consultation fee itself. Some health funds may offer limited benefits towards the facility fee through certain Extras policies, but this typically does not cover the doctor consultation fee itself. Always check your specific policy for details.
If you are admitted to hospital as an inpatient, your private hospital insurance may then cover hospital and doctor fees from that point onwards.
I do not have insurance. What happens if I need to be admitted to hospital?
Our doctors will liaise with an admitting medical specialist, and you will then be transferred to a public hospital.
Will I receive follow-up care instructions?
Yes, you will be provided with discharge instructions and a summary for your GP if needed.
If I injure myself at work, can I attend the emergency department?
Yes, we treat workplace injuries – and you will not be charged any out-of-pocket fees. Please note however that should your injury be found not to be work related, the WorkCover claim will be denied and you will be required to pay the bill.
I have a Veteran’s Health Card. Will I be charged any out-of-pocket fees?
If you hold a valid Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) Gold Health Card, your visit to the emergency department is fully covered by the DVA and there is no out-of-pocket cost for your ED consultation. DVA White Health Card holders are covered only for injuries or conditions that are approved and registered with the DVA. If you require care for a condition that is not covered, standard ED fees will apply. Should you need to be admitted to the hospital, you will also need to have appropriate private health insurance to avoid additional costs.
I am an overseas visitor to Australia - can I access your emergency department services?
Yes, although travellers from overseas countries are generally not eligible to claim the Medicare rebate from the Australian Government. Therefore, we charge $650, plus the cost of Medicare consultation fees, tests or other services from our partner providers.
You may be able to claim this back from your travel insurance provider, depending on the policy you have.
What are your emergency departments’ fees?
If you are an Australian resident and hold a Medicare card, a portion of the cost of your visit will be covered. However, a facility or out-of-pocket fee will also apply, as detailed on our location pages.
Why does Care 24-7 charge fees for its emergency department?
Care 24-7 advocates for choice in healthcare. We operate independently of the public healthcare system and as a private healthcare provider, the facility (out-of-pocket) fee means we can provide you with the highest level of expert, personalised care, including:
- a lower wait time, meaning faster access to treatment
- personal attention by a team of highly qualified and experienced emergency doctors and nurses
- comfortable, state-of-the art facilities
- 24-7 access to a roster of specialists and surgeons
- direct admission to hospital, if needed
Can I book an iron infusion at your private emergency departments?
Yes, you can book an iron infusion at the Calvary Adelaide Emergency Department by phoning the reception team on (08) 8227 7000. The fee is $250.
What emergency support is there for patients who have had surgery at Buderim Private Hospital and need emergency treatment?
Patients who present within 7 days at Buderim Private Emergency Centre, due to complications associated with their surgery, will be treated at no charge.
What emergency support is there for patients who have had surgery at Calvary Adelaide Hospital and need emergency treatment?
Patients can present to the Calvary Adelaide Emergency Department within 7 days of discharge from Calvary Adelaide Hospital, and will be treated at no charge, so long as:
- the surgery was at Calvary Adelaide and the patient stayed in the hospital overnight. (Day surgery patients do not qualify.)
- the symptoms are assessed by the emergency doctor as being the result of complications associated with your admission and treatment.
Please note that no other Calvary hospital in South Australia is covered by these criteria.
What emergency support is there for patients who have had surgery at Calvary Lenah Valley Hospital and need emergency treatment?
Overnight and surgical inpatients who present to Calvary Lenah Valley ED within seven days of discharge from Calvary Lenah Valley or St John’s hospitals will be treated at no cost, so long as the emergency doctor confirms that the presentation is directly associated with their surgery.
Please note that there are some exclusions: this does not apply to medical, rehabilitation, maternity (unless surgical), or palliative care patients.