Range of Services
Chronic Disease Management
Cobar Primary Health takes a holistic approach to the diagnosis and management of patients with chronic and complex conditions. A chronic medical condition is one that has been (or likely to be) present for six months or longer, for example, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, muscular skeletal conditions and stroke.
Our multidisciplinary team including doctors, nurses, care navigators, social and community officer and allied health focus on the individual needs of the patient and assist in the management and agreed goals, identifying treatment and ongoing services to be provided, documenting these into the management plan (or GPMP) and coordinating reviews to monitor progress.
Preventative Health Assessments
We offer bulkbilled services for a number of health checks including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Checks, 45-49 yr health assessment (a one-off check for people who are at risk of developing a chronic disease), and 75+ (a yearly assessment to determine the patients’ health and physical, psychological and social function for the purpose of initiating preventative healthcare and/or medical interventions as appropriate)
Family Planning/pregnancy testing/ antenatal and post-natal care
Our practice understands prevention and early intervention is essential to minimizing any risks associated with pregnancy and birth, especially in a rural remote area therefore, we have adopted the first 2000 days model of care pathway to support women from pre-conception through the antenatal period and transition of care to birthing, 6 weeks post-partum and during the first 2000 days of life. Care that is “holistic” in terms of addressing the woman’s social, emotional, physical, psychological and cultural needs and expectations.
In addition, a Midwife telehealth consultation service with Dubbo Base Hospital to coordinate a plan for the internment with the birthing unit and obstetric services is available saving a 300-km trip for booking for the birth can be accessed from the practice.
Indigenous Health & Closing the Gap
Aboriginal Health Worker, Dawn Howlett is available 3 days per week for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander health checks, chronic disease management under the Indigenous Health Incentive, registration for closing the gap & patient education & information.
Skin Checks/ Surgical Removal of minor lesions and Cryotherapy
Our GP’s have an interest in dermatology and skin conditions and are happy to provide skin checks and mole mapping using the HEINE DELTA 20 Dermatoscope enabling digital high-resolution photography for image documentation in dermatology. Through observation and documentation, early biopsy can be avoided and benign lesions can be checked and monitored over time. Each GP runs a clinic on different day for surgical removal for minor lesions or cryotherapy.
Hospital in the Home (HITH)
Hospital in the home (HITH) refers to clinical services that have been established to both substitute immediate and prevent future admission to hospital.
HITH provides acute, sub-acute and post-acute care to children and adults residing outside hospital, as a substitution or prevention of in-hospital care. A person may receive their care at home (including Residential Aged Care Faculty) or in an ambulatory setting that may include a hospital or community clinic, school or workplace.
It provides patients in rural and remote communities the same access and choices to be at home and have their care delivered in the home or clinic setting, where appropriate, rather than lying in a hospital bed.
Travel Vaccinations & Travel Medicine
Our practice provides a full range of travel medicine services which includes medical advice, medications and all travel vaccines. Dr Deon Heyns is an accredited provider to administer Yellow Fever Vaccine.
Employment & other Medicals
Cobar is a rural and remote mining town with most of the population being directly or indirectly employed in the mining industry; we offer full employment medicals locally. Instant drug and alcohol testing is also offered.
ECG’s Audiometry & Spirometry
Our friendly nursing staff are trained in the use of ECG’s, Audiometry & Spirometry testing. A soundproof booth is used for Audiometry testing.
Treatment of Fractures & Plastering
Our GP’s provide treatment and plastering of fractures locally however; more serious fractures may be referred to Dubbo Base Hospital Fracture Clinic. There is a cost
Mental Health Nurse
This is a new service to the practice. Mia Organtzaglou mental health nurse, is a new member of the multidisciplinary team here at the Primary Health Care Centre in Cobar. Her primary role is to take a holistic approach based in both the recovery and strengths based model of mental healthcare. She is working collaboratively with clients who have mental illness towards recovery as defined by the individual/client. The clients that are suitable for referral vary in acuity and reason. Mia is open to discuss and assess anyone that is deemed suitable by the clinicians within the Primary Health Care Centre. Mia is available by appointment Monday to Friday.
Telehealth Consultations
Our practice provides consultations with a number of specialist clinicians via telehealth including Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Rheumatologist, Endocrinologist and Geriatrician. Most of these services bulkbill however, there may be some out of pocket costs for some services. Please enquire at reception.