Clinic Updates – Hunters Hill Medical Practice

We say goodbye to Cheryl

DWS SEO — Wed, 06 May 2026 02:23:34 +0000

After an incredible 38 years at Hunters Hill Medical Practice, we say a heartfelt thank you and farewell to Cheryl, who has retired from her role as receptionist.

For nearly four decades, Cheryl has been the welcoming face of HHMP. For many of our patients, she was the first point of contact. A familiar voice on the phone and a reassuring presence at the front desk. What made Cheryl truly special was her remarkable ability to connect with people. She seemed to know every name, remember every face, and greet everyone with genuine warmth and kindness.

Cheryl’s contribution to the practice goes far beyond administration. She helped shape HHMP and our focus on care, respect, and community. Patients often commented on how comfortable and valued they felt from the moment they walked through the door, and much of that experience was thanks to Cheryl.

For our team, Cheryl has been a constant and her absence will certainly be felt in the day-to-day life of the practice. While we are sad to see her go, we are incredibly grateful for everything Cheryl has given to HHMP and our community over the past 38 years.

We wish her a well-deserved retirement filled with joy, relaxation, and time with loved ones. Cheryl, you will be deeply missed by patients and staff alike.

Private practice with a focus on Quality: HHMP remains a private billing practice

HHMP — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 08:23:11 +0000

Private Practice: Why Our Billing Policy Remains the Same

From 1 November 2025, the Federal Government will introduce new incentives to encourage general practices to bulk bill all patients. At Hunters Hill Medical Practice, we’ve carefully reviewed these changes and will continue with our current private billing model.

Our Focus: Quality, Not Speed

Our goal has always been to provide thorough, high-quality medical care — not quick consultations. While the new government incentives are a positive step, they still do not reflect the true cost of delivering care with the time, attention, and expertise our patients deserve.

The Realities of Running a Practice

The cost of running a high-quality medical practice in Sydney is significant and very different from operating in other parts of Australia. Our fees must cover:

Highly trained and experienced doctors, nurses, and staff
Rent, utilities, and accreditation costs
Modern equipment, infection control, and technology
Continuous professional education and compliance requirements

Even with the new incentives, the Medicare rebate still falls well short of the true cost of providing this standard of care. Operating entirely through bulk billing would mean running at a loss — something no practice can sustain without compromising quality or viability.

Supporting Quality GPs

Attracting and retaining skilled, dedicated GPs is one of the biggest challenges in Australian healthcare. A sustainable billing model allows us to offer fair remuneration and professional support, helping us keep excellent doctors — the same ones who know your history, your family, and your story.

Why Flexibility Matters

The new program requires practices to bulk bill every eligible service for every patient — an “all-or-nothing” approach. That removes flexibility to provide longer or more complex consultations for patients who need extra time and care.

What This Means for You

By maintaining our current billing structure, we can continue to:

Spend the time each patient needs
Maintain longer, more comprehensive consultations
Invest in equipment, training, and technology
Keep highly skilled staff
Be here for your family for years to come

We will continue to bulk bill certain eligible services such as health assessments, but only for patients registered with HHMP under the MyMedicare program.

Patient Advocacy and Sustainability

We understand healthcare costs are an important concern. Our fees remain transparent, and we process your Medicare rebate instantly. If you believe that rebates should better reflect the true cost of care, your voice as a patient is powerful — we encourage you to share your views with your local Federal Member of Parliament.

Thank you for your continued trust in us. We remain committed to providing exceptional, sustainable, and personal medical care for you and your family.

Warm regards,
The Team at Hunters Hill Medical Practice

Frequently Asked Questions

Why aren’t you joining the new bulk billing program?
The new incentives don’t fully cover the cost of providing comprehensive medical care. Maintaining a private billing model ensures we can deliver the time, quality, and continuity of care our patients expect.

Doesn’t the new program mean you’ll be paid more?
Yes, slightly — but still below the real cost of a consultation. The scheme also requires 100% bulk billing for 100% of patients, leaving no flexibility for complex or extended consultations.

Are you just being greedy?
No. This is about sustainability, not profit. If we bulk billed every visit at the current rebate, we couldn’t afford to maintain our staff, facilities, or the quality of care that defines HHMP.

Will any patients still be bulk billed?
Yes, some eligible services such as health assessments will continue to be bulk billed for patients registered with HHMP under MyMedicare. We do not bulk bill immunisations or general consultations.

Why does billing vary between clinics?
Every practice faces different costs — especially when it comes to rent, staffing, and overheads. Running a practice in Hunters Hill, Sydney, for example, has a very different cost structure (for example rent) than in other locations.

What if other clinics start bulk billing everyone?
Each practice makes choices based on their costs and priorities. Our model allows us to focus on quality, continuity, and adequate consultation time — not rushing through appointments.

Will you reconsider if things change?
We regularly review our billing structure. If future Medicare rebates truly reflect the real cost of care, we would certainly reconsider.

What if some patients decide to leave?
We would be sad to see any patient go, but we understand that every family must make choices that work best for them. If you do choose to move to another clinic, we’ll make the transition easy — we can provide your health summary and records promptly, and we’ll continue to support your ongoing care in any way we can.

Questions or comments?

We thank you for reading this information. If you would like more information or have any questions please call us on 9817 2080 or email reception@hhmp.com.au

Minister Ged Kearney and MP Jerome Laxale Visit Hunters Hill Medical Practice During Women’s Health Week 2024

HHMP — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 14:51:45 +0000

The Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care and Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health Visit Hunters Hill Medical Practice During Women’s Health Week

During Women’s Health Week, a pivotal moment for spotlighting women’s health issues, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney, and Federal Member for Bennelong, Jerome Laxale MP, visited the Hunters Hill Medical Practice (HHMP) to underscore the importance of accessible and comprehensive women’s health services. Their visit highlights the ongoing commitment to improving healthcare for women, particularly through the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic, which benefits from funding provided by the Federal Department of Health.

Celebrating Women’s Health Week

Women’s Health Week is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the unique health challenges women face and promoting the importance of proactive health management. An emphasis on empowerment and supporting women has emerged. HHMP aims to provide comprehensive support systems to address various health issues, from general wellness to specific conditions like endometriosis. The week serves as a reminder of the importance of regular health check-ups, education, and community support in managing women’s health concerns.

Spotlight on Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain

An area of focus for Minister Kearney has been endometriosis, a condition affecting approximately one in seven Australian Women and one in ten women globally. Endometriosis is characterised by the growth of tissue similar to the lining of the uterus outside the uterus, causing chronic pain and potentially leading to infertility. The Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic at HHMP aims to provide support, strategies and hope for women suffering from these debilitating conditions.

The clinic, supported by the Federal Department of Health, provides focused care that includes medical treatment, physiotherapy, dietitian advice, psychological support, and nursing care. This holistic approach aims to address the multifaceted nature of endometriosis and pelvic pain, offering patients a range of options tailored to their specific needs.

Meeting with HHMP Staff

During their visit, Minister Ged Kearney and MP Jerome Laxale had the opportunity to meet with the dedicated staff of HHMP. The visit began with a clinic tour and proceeded to meetings with the clinic’s team, including doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists, nurses, and management staff. The parliamentarians engaged in detailed discussions about the range of services offered at the clinic and the impact of federal funding on their ability to provide comprehensive care.

Dr Kylie Ozen and Dr Pooja Rastogi, both of whom see patients at the HHMP Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic, spoke about the challenges and successes of treating patients with endometriosis. They emphasized the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, which combines medical treatments with physical therapy and psychological support and dietary advice to improve overall patient outcomes. Dr Charbel Badr, Medical Director at HHMP discussed using the grant funding to integrate these services to ensures that the greatest number of patients receive them. This included innovative approaches such as online group sessions which helped the team deliver services to some patients who are 200+ kilometres away.

Monica Marcos from Ryde Road Physiotherapy, discussed the role of the physiotherapists at the clinic in helping patients manage pain and improve their quality of life through specialised exercises and techniques such as TENS. Amanda Patterson discussed the role of psychological support to help patients cope with their ongoing pain, manage the emotional toll of chronic pain and control the stress associated with their condition.

The nurses and management staff were also recognised for their essential roles in delivering care and maintaining the clinic’s operations. Their dedication ensures that patients receive continuous, high-quality care and that the clinic runs smoothly.

The Impact of Federal Funding

Federal funding has been instrumental in supporting the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic’s operations. This funding has enabled HHMP to expand its services, invest in state-of-the-art equipment, and enhance patient support systems. The funding has also allowed HHMP to send a team to The Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia‘s national seminar in Adelaide to keep up to date. Minister Kearney was very supportive of the teams work and discussed some options to help further support women’s health. Mr Jerome Laxale congratulated the staff on the work they were doing and mentioned how proud he was to have of of the 22 national clinics in his electorate of Bennelong.

Looking Ahead

The visit to HHMP during Women’s Health Week serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need to address women’s health issues with compassion and dedication. By highlighting the work being done at the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic, Ged Kearney and Jerome Laxale MP have brought attention to a critical area of healthcare that requires continued support and investment.

As Women’s Health Week comes to a close, we would like to recognise the many women in our community and wish them the best of health. We would also like to recognise the many wonderful and committed health practitioners that work from HHMP and provide support to these women on a daily basis.

For more information about the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic at Hunters Hill Medical Practice, please see our endometriosis and pelvic pain specific page or complete our online questionnaire for one of our nurses to call you back. Otherwise please email us clinic@hhmp.com.au or call 9817 2080 . You can also reach out online to various women’s health initiatives, through their website or reach out to local health services. Let’s continue the conversation and support women’s health every week of the year.

Empowering Excellence in Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Management – 2024 Education

HHMP — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 03:48:13 +0000

Empowering Excellence in Pelvic Pain Management: HHMP’s Commitment to Advanced Care

Endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain present complex challenges that require a multifaceted approach to treatment. The HHMP Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain clinic is part of the Commonwealth Government National Plan for Endometriosis where multiple Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics have been funded to bring such care to patients in their communities.

The HHMP team is dedicated to providing sensitive and up to date care for patients with endometriosis and pelvic pain. As a multidisciplinary practice, different clinicians collaborate as a team—comprising doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians, psychologists, gynaecologists, endocrinologists and other relevant specialists. This multidisciplinary model allows us to address the diverse needs of our patients through a combination of medical, nursing, and allied health interventions to best suit their needs and medical conditions.

The Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia National Seminar

The Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia‘s national seminar is a premier event that brings together experts from various fields to share the latest research, advancements, and techniques in the management of pelvic pain and endometriosis. For our team from HHMP, attending this seminar was an opportunity to stay at the forefront of these evolving fields.

Attending the seminar also allowed the team to learn from the experience of others. We were able to meet and discuss the clinic workflow and refine these for the HHMP patients. As the HHMP Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic moves forward and continues to grow, the team remain dedicated to leveraging the insights gained to improve patient outcomes.

Patient Benefits

If you suspect you have endometriosis or pelvic pain and you would like to know how we can help, please see our endometriosis and pelvic pain specific page or complete our online questionnaire for one of our nurses to call you back. Otherwise please email us clinic@hhmp.com.au or call 9817 2080

Endometriosis increases the risk of ovarian cancer 4 fold!

HHMP — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 13:16:20 +0000

Endometriosis and Ovarian Cancer

A recent US study followed nearly half a million women for 12 years. 79,000 women had been diagnosed with endometriosis at an average age of 36, and 372,000 age-matched controls without endometriosis. It has revealed a significant connection between endometriosis and a heightened risk of ovarian cancer.

The worse the endometriosis the higher the risk

The findings, led by researchers from the University of Utah, indicate that women with endometriosis are over four times more likely to develop ovarian cancer compared to those without the condition. Notably, women with severe subtypes of endometriosis, such as deep infiltrating endometriosis and ovarian endometriomas, face an almost 10-fold increased risk.

Cause is multifactorial

The exact mechanisms linking endometriosis to ovarian cancer remain unclear, but is thought to be multifactorial. Researchers suggest a potential genetic predisposition and overlapping hormonal, immunological, and inflammatory markers

Next Steps

Given these findings, women with endometriosis, particularly those with severe subtypes, may benefit from counselling regarding their ovarian cancer risk. Additionally, for women who have completed childbearing or have alternative fertility options, more definitive surgical interventions might be worth considering.

This research underscores the importance of targeted screening and prevention strategies for women with endometriosis to better manage and mitigate their elevated risk of ovarian cancer.

Resources:

The study: Endometriosis Typology and Ovarian Cancer Risk

JAMA Editorial: New Insights into Endometriosis Subtypes and Ovarian Cancer Risk

Endometriosis and Nutrition – 3 food options that may help

HHMP — Mon, 20 May 2024 08:11:07 +0000

Endometriosis and Nutrition – can foods help with pain?

Endometriosis is a complex and challenging condition that affects countless women around the world. In Australia, 1 in 7 women live with endometriosis, many without even being aware, thinking painful periods and pelvic pain are “normal.”

While medical interventions play a crucial role in managing endometriosis, we must recognize the powerful influence that food choices can have on symptom severity.

Although there is no universal dietary pattern for the management of endometriosis, emerging studies show the intricate relationship between certain nutrients and symptom reduction, as well as improving overall well-being.

Here are three nutrients to get you started:

Anti-Inflammatory Foods:

Given that endometriosis demonstrates a state of chronic inflammation, anti-inflammatory foods can reduce the severity of pain symptoms. Having a diet rich in wholesome foods, including wholegrain carbohydrates, lean proteins, colorful vegetables, and fruit, will provide anti-inflammatory nutrients. On the other hand, minimizing pro-inflammatory nutrients such as saturated fats, alcohol, and simple sugars can help alleviate symptoms.

Fiber

Fiber can help remove excess estrogen from the body, which can reduce inflammation, support a healthy gut microbiota, maintain bowel regularity, and decrease endometriosis growth. Aiming for as many plant-based fiber-rich foods in your diet as possible will support your endometriosis management. Try simple habits like adding 2 cups of salad vegetables to all lunch and dinner meals.

Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to have a protective effect in managing endometriosis symptoms, particularly pelvic pain. Our bodies can’t produce omega-3 acids, so it is crucial to consume them through diet or supplemental form. Omega-3s decrease prostaglandins, which elevate abdominal fluid and contribute to the mechanism of pain in endometriosis. Are you eating salmon, sardines, chia seeds, or walnuts for the omega-3 benefits?

If you, or someone you know, is suffering from endometriosis, reach out and seek support from a dietitian. It could be beneficial to help reduce and manage symptoms.

The above post was created by Tatiana Bedikian, Dietitian from Body Fusion who is part of our endometriosis clinic team.

Endometriosis Clinic

Free Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Education Session at HHMP on Wednesday 20 March 2024

HHMP — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 00:39:57 +0000

Endometriosis, Pelvic Pain & Fertility Information Evening

Wednesday 20th of March 2024, 6:30-8:30pm at Hunters Hill Medical Practice, 6 Ryde Road, Hunters Hill NSW

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. 1 in 7 women in Australia live with Endometriosis, many without even being aware: thinking painful periods and pelvic pain are “normal”. Endometriosis is also the leading cause of infertility unless addressed early.

The Hunters Hill Medical Practice Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic offers a comprehensive treatment approach to Endometriosis and pelvic pain with: GPs, physiotherapists, dieticians, gynaecologists, fertility specialists, psychologists and endocrinologists.

Education for staff and patients has always been highly valued at HHMP. This free education evening aims to support women and families living with Endometriosis.

Presenters:

Dr Pooja Rastogi, GP
Amanda Patterson, Clinical Psychologist
Tatiana Bedikian, Dietitian
Monica Marcos, Physiotherapist
Dr I-Ferne Tan, Fertility Specialist

We kindly ask for you to register for this free event.

Light supper provided.

To register please scan the QR code

On the day appointments are now available as 3 new doctors join the HHMP team

HHMP — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:31:52 +0000

On The Day Appointments Now Available at HHMP

With so many new doctors joining the HHMP team, we can now offer on the day appointments with a doctor or a nurse for most patients and most medical conditions.

While some of the longstanding doctors at HHMP may be booked up, many of the more recent additions to the doctors at HHMP can see you on the day. These doctors can always liaise with your usual doctor for more information if needed. When seeing a patient of Dr Andrew Bowes (who retired at the end of Januray 2024), all doctors working from HHMP can access the previous notes recorded by Dr Bowes.

Doctors who usually have on the day availability include:

– Dr Chris Lam

– Dr Geoff Ye

– Dr Sophia Song

– Dr Brendan Xu

Making an appointment

To make an appointment with any of the doctors working from HHMP

Click on the book now button above
Download the AMS connect App
1. Apple devices click http://tinyurl.com/y8e4gwan
2. Android devices click http://tinyurl.com/ybfqrvr2
Call 02 9817 2080.

Dr Andrew Bowes retires after 40 years in General Practice

HHMP — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 10:10:21 +0000

Dr Andrew Bowes retired on 31/01/2024 after 40 years as a GP at HHMP

After 40 years working as a local GP in the hunters hill community, the 31^st of January 2024 was Dr Andrew Bowes’ last day. 40 years working in the same community, looking after the same patients is an amazing achievement and many of his patients turned out for an afternoon tea and a chat. It was a huge event which shows the high regard that Dr Bowes and HHMP are held in the community.

Dr Bowes spoke at the event about his early days at HHMP and how the practice has changed and grown, now offering patients a myriad of services in their local community. This brings trusted specialist and allied health services to the patients and ensures better teamwork and communication between all the different health professions involved.

Dr Bowes has always championed medical student and registrar education. Many of the team at HHMP have benefited from this. This commitment to education is part of HHMP and will certainly continue.

Before he retired, Dr Bowes was involved in the selection of new doctors to join HHMP and look after his patients. Many patients have been handed over to these doctors and this will ensure excellent continuity of care. The HHMP team is keen to continue to look after patients of Dr Bowes and our reception and nursing team are available to help patients select a GP that will continue to meet their needs.

We wish Dr Bowes all the best for the next chapter of his life.

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Patient care after Dr Andrew Bowes retires

We know that the HHMP staff and patients will miss Dr Andrew Bowes a great deal. This decision has been some time coming and we have been planning for such a large loss. In order to make the process smooth for patients multiple new male and female GPs have joined the practice and have received handover from Dr Bowes to ensure a seamless patient experience.

For more information about the other doctors at HHMP who will help to continue to look after Dr Bowes’ patients, please click here.

If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us 9817 2080.

Doctor news: More services as 3 doctors Join HHMP in February 2024

HHMP — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 23:23:03 +0000

3 New doctors Join HHMP from the first week of February 2024 Female GP at HHMP: Dr Pooja Rastogi

HHMP would like to welcome 3 doctors who will be joining the team from February 2024, Dr Lilijana Gorringe, Dr Sophia Song and Dr Brendan Xu. As a result more appointments and services will be available to local patients which is especially important since the recent retirement of Dr Andrew Bowes.

HHMP has always been a great option for GPs to set up their private practice. The new doctors fit well with the HHMP focus on education with Dr Gorringe being a senior medical educator and Drs Xu and Song high performing young doctors who are keen to learn and develop their skills. The staff and other doctors working from HHMP are excited to welcome the new members of the team.

About Dr Lilijana Gorringe

Dr Lilijana Gorringe graduated from the University of Sydney in 2002, where she trained in several Sydney and country hospitals. She comes to Hunters Hill practice after working as a GP in the Sutherland Shire for many years.

She is passionate about general practice and its opportunity to provide holistic care to the community. She enjoys maintaining long-lasting therapeutic relationships with patients, and therefore sees a wide range of patients. Lilijana participates in shared care, she has completed a Diploma in both Obstetrics & Gynaecology, as well as Child Health.

Dr Lilijana Gorringe is a Senior Lecturer in Medical Education at Concord Hospital Clinical school (University of Sydney) where she teaches postgraduate medical students.

About Dr Sophia Song

Dr Sophia Song graduated from the University of New South Wales with a Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine. As a junior doctor, she gained a wide range of experience in general medicine, surgery, emergency medicine, paediatrics and obstetrics and gynaecology.

She has completed the Sydney Child Health Program and loves the diversity of seeing patients of all ages and backgrounds. In particular, she enjoys women’s health (including performing insertion / removal of Implanon and removal of Mirena), pregnancy care, preventative health and chronic disease management.

Outside of work, she enjoys taking her dog exploring on walks and trying out new restaurants.

About Dr Brendan Xu

Dr Brendan Xu holds a Bachelor of Advanced Science and completed his medical studies at The University of Sydney, graduating in 2020. He subsequently did hospital training across a range of specialties in Royal North Shore Hospital, Hornsby Hospital and Ryde Hospital.

Dr Xu has developed special interests in chronic disease management, preventive health and aged care where he particularly values a holistic approach towards listening to all of his patients.

He loves watching a number of sports but enjoys playing them even more. Whilst always having been an avid tennis player, he has more recently branched out to other sports like volleyball and badminton.

Dr Andrew Bowes has now retired

After celebrating 40 years of working as a GP at HHMP on the 29th of January 2024, Dr Andrew Bowes retired on the 31st of January 2024.

Dr Andrew Bowes is a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and a senior GP and Medical Educator. During his retirement, he will do some rural locum GP roles and continue doing medical education in Sydney and Vietnam. He will be missed by colleagues and patients alike.

Dr Bowes has held multiple handover sessions with other GPs at HHMP to make sure that his regular patients continue to get seamless care and follow up. More information about Dr Bowes can be found in the latest news section of the website and information about other doctors working from HHMP can be found here. If you are a regular patient of Dr Bowes and are not sure who would be a suitable doctor for you, please discuss this with our reception team.

Making an appointment

To make an appointment with any of the doctors working from HHMP

Click on the book now button above
Download the AMS connect AppApple devices click http://tinyurl.com/y8e4gwan
Android devices click http://tinyurl.com/ybfqrvr2
Call 02 9817 2080.