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Care through every stage of life

Women’s health
in Hervey Bay.

Contraception, cervical screening, pregnancy care and menopause health assessments, with female GPs at our Pialba practice.

Book a women’s health visitOpens our secure external booking system. Prefer to talk to someone? Call (07) 4325 4000.Meet our female GPs

Eligible GP consultations are bulk billed · AutoMed online booking

Dr Ramani Poonehela holding a baby at Main Street Medical Centre
Dr Ramani Poonehela

Menopause & perimenopause

A dedicated appointment for the changes you’re experiencing.

Changing periods, hot flushes, sleep or mood concerns? Dr Ramani Poonehela provides menopause and perimenopause care, including a personalised assessment and discussion of suitable treatment options.

Menopause health assessments →Ask reception

Booking online? Choose “Menopause & Perimenopause Consultation” and select Dr Ramani. Reception can confirm time to allow, Medicare eligibility and fees.

Why Choose Main Street Medical Centre

Comprehensive Women’s Health Services in Pialba

Main Street Medical Centre is your medical home for women’s health on the Fraser Coast. The medical home model means every aspect of your care—from routine cervical screening and contraception to antenatal shared care, menopause management and chronic disease prevention—is coordinated through one trusted general practice. Your GP knows your full history, your records stay in one place, and your care is continuous across every life stage.

For sensitive concerns, we know how much it matters to see a female practitioner who listens without judgement. Our team of female GPs in Hervey Bay includes Fellows of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners with diploma-level training in obstetrics and gynaecology, advanced women’s health expertise, hormonal health interest and contraception procedural skills. You can request a female doctor at every appointment, and our reception team will help match you to the right GP for your concern.

Preventative health is the most effective way to reduce long-term disease burden. Cervical screening, breast health assessment, bone density testing when indicated, cardiovascular risk reviews and mental health care can help identify health needs and guide appropriate prevention. Your GP tailors checks to your age, symptoms, medical history and risk. Our female practitioners actively recall patients for screening intervals and prompt overdue checks—because catching an issue early changes the outcome. Whether you are 25 booking your first cervical screening test or 65 navigating menopause-related bone loss, the same medical home looks after you year after year.

Most consultations are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card. Some procedures and services attract private fees—iron infusions, skin cancer surgery, ear microsuction and commercial driver’s licence medicals—and these are clearly outlined on our Fees page so you can plan ahead.

Most Requested Services

Priority Women’s Health Services

Our most requested services are available with our experienced female doctors. We bulk bill standard consultations for eligible Medicare patients.*


IUD and contraception services Hervey Bay
IUD & Contraception


Bulk billing for women's health
Bulk Billing


Full body skin checks for women
Skin Checks


Children's health Hervey Bay
Children’s Health


Chronic disease management Hervey Bay
Chronic Disease


Family medicine general practice Pialba
Family Medicine

 

Cervical Screening Test (CST) — What to ExpectBulk Billed*

Essential screening for cervical health, performed in a private and comfortable setting

The Cervical Screening Test replaced the older Pap smear in December 2017. Where the Pap smear looked for already-changed cells, the CST tests for the underlying virus that causes most of those changes—human papillomavirus (HPV). Detecting HPV earlier means we can monitor or treat well before cell changes become serious. According to the Cancer Council Australia, the CST is recommended every 5 years for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74.

Self-Collection — A Private Alternative

Since July 2022, every Australian eligible for the National Cervical Screening Program has the choice of self-collection. You take the swab yourself in a private space at the practice (we provide a bathroom or private room), with the same accuracy as a clinician-collected sample for HPV detection. Self-collection is particularly valuable for patients who have previously found speculum examinations distressing, who have a history of trauma, who are LGBTQIA+, or who are simply more comfortable doing it themselves. Your GP will explain the process step-by-step and remain available if any abnormality is detected and follow-up testing is needed. Read more about self-collection on the Department of Health website.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

  1. Consultation — Discuss your health history, screening history and any concerns with your female GP. We confirm whether you are eligible to self-collect.
  2. Screening — Either self-collected or clinician-collected, the actual sample takes only a few minutes.
  3. Results — We contact you with results and any follow-up recommendations. Most results return as low risk and you simply return in 5 years.

If you are also considering long-term contraception, a cervical screening appointment is an ideal time to discuss IUD insertions, Implanon and oral options with your GP.

Book Your Cervical Screening

 

Contraception Consultations: IUD, Implanon & Oral OptionsBulk Billed*

Long-acting reversible contraception with experienced care from Dr Padma Kaki

Choosing a contraceptive method is personal, and the right choice changes across life stages. We provide unhurried consultations to talk through every option—oral contraceptive pills, vaginal rings, contraceptive injections, and the highly effective long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs): hormonal IUDs, copper IUDs and the Implanon arm implant.

LARCs are now considered first-line by the RACGP for many women because they are over 99% effective, last 3–10 years depending on type, and remove the daily decision of remembering a pill. Hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena) also dramatically reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and are often used to manage menorrhagia, fibroids and endometriosis. Copper IUDs are completely hormone-free—a strong option for women who cannot tolerate hormonal contraception.

Dr Padma Kaki women's health GP Hervey Bay

Dr Padma Kaki (FRACGP, DRANZCOG) is our experienced provider for IUD procedures. She holds advanced training from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and has a clinical focus on procedural women’s health. View Dr Kaki’s profile →

Bulk Billed IUD Services*

Dr Padma Kaki bulk bills IUD procedures for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card:

  • Hormonal IUD insertions (Mirena, Kyleena)
  • Copper IUD insertions
  • IUD removals
  • Pre-procedure suitability assessments
  • Post-procedure follow-up care

Note: The consultation and insertion procedure are bulk billed. The IUD device itself is purchased separately from a pharmacy on prescription—Mirena and Kyleena are PBS-subsidised, and the copper IUD is a flat private cost.

The IUD Insertion Process — Step by Step

  1. Initial consultation — Dr Kaki takes your full medical and reproductive history, confirms suitability, and writes the prescription so you can collect the device from your pharmacy.
  2. Pre-procedure preparation — Insertion is often timed to the first half of your menstrual cycle. Your doctor may suggest simple oral pain relief about an hour before the appointment if it is suitable for you, and you can have a support person attend.
  3. Insertion appointment — A speculum examination is performed to visualise the cervix, the uterine cavity is gently sounded for depth, the IUD is inserted through a thin tube, and the threads are trimmed. The procedure typically takes 10–15 minutes.
  4. Recovery — Mild cramping for 24–48 hours is normal. Most women return to work the same day or the next.
  5. Follow-up check — A short string-check appointment 4–6 weeks after insertion confirms correct position.

For a full overview of every contraception option, see our dedicated IUD and contraception page.

Book with Dr Padma Kaki

 

Implanon Insertion & RemovalBulk Billed*

Convenient, long-lasting contraception lasting up to 3 years

Implanon NXT is a small, flexible rod inserted under the skin of your upper arm that provides contraception for up to 3 years. It is over 99% effective and a convenient, low-maintenance option. Read more about contraceptive implants on Healthdirect.

Several of our female doctors are experienced in Implanon procedures, including Dr Zin Zin Thant, Dr Priyani Perera (GP, FRACGP), Dr Saharish Aman (GP Registrar) and Dr Ramani Poonehela. Visit our IUD and contraception page for a full overview of options at our Fraser Coast practice.

Book Your Implanon Appointment

Pregnancy & Postnatal Care

Antenatal Shared Care with Hervey Bay Hospital

For low-risk pregnancies, antenatal shared care means you see your trusted GP for most pregnancy visits and the hospital midwifery and obstetric team for key milestones. This combined model is the standard of care across Queensland for healthy, uncomplicated pregnancies, and it gives you continuity, convenience and a known practitioner who already knows your full medical background.

Dr Padma Kaki (FRACGP, DRANZCOG) holds the Diploma of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and our team works closely with the Hervey Bay Hospital antenatal clinic to ensure handover is smooth at every stage.

Typical Antenatal Shared Care Schedule

  1. 6–8 weeks — Confirm pregnancy, organise the dating ultrasound, request booking-in bloods, prescribe pregnancy multivitamins, and arrange your hospital booking referral.
  2. 11–13 weeks — Combined first trimester screening (nuchal translucency ultrasound + maternal bloods), early genetic screening discussion (NIPT options).
  3. 16–28 weeks — Fortnightly to monthly GP visits, morphology scan at 19–20 weeks, gestational diabetes testing usually at 24–28 weeks, or earlier if clinically indicated.
  4. 28–40 weeks — Increasing visit frequency, alternating between GP and the hospital antenatal clinic. Whooping cough and influenza vaccinations are administered as recommended by Queensland Health.
  5. Postnatal — 6-week mother and baby check including Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) screening, contraception planning, infant immunisations and breastfeeding support.

Maternal mental health is a core focus throughout pregnancy and the first year postpartum. We screen for perinatal depression and anxiety at multiple visits and have established referral pathways to perinatal mental health services and visiting psychologists.

Iron Deficiency Care

Iron Deficiency & Infusion Services

Iron deficiency is one of the most common conditions we treat in women, and it is frequently under-diagnosed. Healthdirect explains that people who menstruate, are pregnant or are breastfeeding have higher iron needs. Heavy periods and other blood loss can contribute to iron deficiency. Symptoms include persistent fatigue, breathlessness on exertion, hair loss, restless legs, brain fog, brittle nails, and pale skin.

For most women, oral iron tablets are the first-line treatment. An iron infusion may be appropriate for diagnosed iron deficiency when oral iron is not tolerated, is not absorbed or has not worked, or when iron levels need to be replenished quickly, for example before surgery or late in pregnancy. Your GP assesses the cause of the deficiency, the benefits and risks, and whether an infusion is suitable. The dose and number of infusions depend on your needs.

Iron Infusion Pathway

  1. GP consultation & blood tests — Full iron studies (ferritin, transferrin, iron saturation), full blood count, kidney function. Bulk billed for Medicare patients.
  2. Results review — If an infusion is clinically indicated, your GP discusses the procedure, risks and consent.
  3. Infusion appointment — Nurse-led administration in our treatment room. The procedure takes approximately 30–45 minutes including post-infusion observation. Private fee: $250 (paid in full on the day, no Medicare rebate available for the infusion procedure).
  4. Follow-up bloods — Repeat iron studies at 8 weeks confirm replenished stores.

Our practice nurses are experienced in iron infusion administration and remain with you throughout the procedure. Adverse reactions are uncommon but we have full resuscitation equipment on-site for any rare reaction.

Meet Our Team

Our Experienced Women’s Health Doctors

We understand the importance of choosing a doctor you feel comfortable with. Our dedicated team of female doctors in Hervey Bay bring diverse expertise to women’s health care.

Dr Padma Kaki female GP Hervey Bay

Dr Padma Kaki

MBBS, FRACGP, DRANZCOG

AHPRA: MED0000961895

IUD Insertions Antenatal Care

Senior GP with advanced women’s health training. Provides IUD insertions and removals, antenatal shared care, menopause support and contraceptive counselling.

Dr Ramani Poonehela female GP Hervey Bay

Dr Ramani Poonehela

MBBS, FRACGP

AHPRA: MED0000971097

Menopause & HRT PCOS

Has a special interest in women’s hormonal health with extensive experience. Provides menopause assessments, HRT prescribing, PCOS and endometriosis support.

Dr Priyani Perera GP (FRACGP) Hervey Bay

Dr Priyani Perera

GP, FRACGP — MBBS

AHPRA: MED0002424369

Skin Checks Sinhalese

GP with experience in full body skin checks, paediatric health and weight management. Speaks English and Sinhalese.

Dr Zin Zin Thant female GP Hervey Bay

Dr Zin Zin Thant

FRACGP

AHPRA: MED0002351203

Skin Cancer Women’s Health

Fellow of RACGP with clinical focus on skin cancer medicine. Provides full body skin checks, Implanon procedures and cervical screening.

Dr Saharish Aman, GP Registrar at Main Street Medical Centre in Hervey Bay

Dr Saharish Aman

GP Registrar

AHPRA: MED0002289332

Women’s Health Paediatrics

GP Registrar with O&G background. Has a special interest in fertility advice, contraception management, pregnancy care and paediatric health.

Dr Tin Aung female GP Hervey Bay

Dr Tin Aung

MBBS, Dip Med Sci, FRACGP

AHPRA: MED0002286789

Women’s Health Chronic Disease

Senior GP and Fellow of RACGP providing women’s health, menopause management and chronic disease care.

Dr Katherine Sparks GP Registrar Hervey Bay

Dr Katherine Sparks

MD (Griffith), BHlthSc (UQ)

AHPRA: MED0002653703

Nutrition Geriatric Care

GP Registrar with nutrition science background. Has a special interest in chronic disease, weight management and women’s health.

Dr Shannon Abeywardena

MD (Flinders University), FRACGP

AHPRA: MED0002082236

Mental Health Chronic Disease

Female GP and Fellow of the RACGP with a special interest in mental health, chronic disease care and family medicine. View Dr Abeywardena’s profile →

View all our practitioners on our Doctors page.

Book a Women’s Health Check

Menstrual & Pelvic Health

Menstrual Health & Endometriosis Support

Painful periods, heavy bleeding and pelvic pain are not something women should “just put up with”. On average, women in Australia wait 6–8 years for an endometriosis diagnosis—a delay that is unacceptable when effective management options exist. Our female GPs take menstrual symptoms seriously and provide a structured pathway to diagnosis and treatment.

Conditions We Manage

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) — flooding, clotting, period products soaked through hourly, secondary iron deficiency.
  • Severe period pain (dysmenorrhoea) — pain that interrupts work, study or daily activities and is not relieved by simple analgesia.
  • Suspected endometriosis & adenomyosis — chronic pelvic pain, deep dyspareunia, cyclical bowel or bladder symptoms.
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — irregular cycles, acne, hirsutism, fertility concerns.
  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and PMDD — mood, sleep and energy changes that follow a cyclical pattern.

Diagnostic Steps

Initial assessment includes a detailed cycle history, a physical examination where appropriate, hormonal blood tests and ferritin checks. From there your GP may arrange a pelvic ultrasound (transabdominal and transvaginal) to look for fibroids, ovarian cysts and endometrial thickness. Where endometriosis is suspected and conservative management is not adequate, we coordinate referral to a gynaecologist for further investigation including diagnostic laparoscopy.

Medical Management in General Practice

Many women find significant symptom relief without ever needing surgery. Options your GP can prescribe and monitor include the combined oral contraceptive pill (used cyclically or continuously), progesterone-only options, the hormonal IUD (an excellent choice for endometriosis-related heavy bleeding), tranexamic acid for menorrhagia, and tailored analgesic regimens. The Endometriosis Australia patient resources are an excellent companion to your GP care.

Essential Health Checks

Routine Women’s Health Screenings

Regular health checks are vital for early detection and prevention. Our female doctors encourage all women to stay on top of these important screenings recommended by RACGP guidelines.

 

Breast Health & Early Detection

Breast awareness, symptom assessment and screening suited to your age and risk

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian women, with approximately 1 in 8 women estimated to be diagnosed by age 85, based on Cancer Australia’s 2025 estimate. When detected early, the five-year survival rate exceeds 90%. Our female GPs provide a complete breast health pathway from awareness education through to imaging coordination and clinical concern management.

Breast Awareness — What to Look For

Between clinical checks, become familiar with your own breasts so you notice changes early. Look in the mirror with arms by your sides, then raised, and check the upper, outer, lower and inner quadrants of each breast as well as into the armpit. Things to watch for: a new lump or thickening, changes in size or shape, skin dimpling or puckering, redness or rash, nipple changes (inversion, scaling), spontaneous nipple discharge (especially blood-stained), or persistent pain in one area. Most changes are not cancer—but every change deserves prompt assessment.

Clinical Breast Examination

Thorough examinations checking for lumps, tissue changes, skin changes and nipple discharge. Performed by your female GP at routine reviews or as part of a women’s health check.

Mammogram Referrals

Referrals to BreastScreen Queensland for free 2-yearly screening mammograms, routinely recommended at ages 50–74. Women aged 40–49 and 75 or over can also access BreastScreen Queensland if they have no breast symptoms; no referral is required. Your GP can discuss your individual risks and any need for diagnostic imaging.

Diagnostic Imaging

For symptomatic concerns we arrange diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasound and, where indicated, fine-needle or core biopsy via local imaging providers.

Breast Awareness Education

Practical guidance on self-examination, when to seek review, and how to interpret common benign findings such as cysts and fibroadenomas.

When should you see a doctor? Book promptly if you notice any new change. Most changes are not cancer, but assessment is straightforward and reassuring.

For more information, visit Cancer Council Australia or Breast Cancer Network Australia.

 

Navigating Menopause & Perimenopause

Compassionate support through perimenopause, menopause and beyond

Menopause is a natural transition typically occurring between ages 45 and 55, but the lead-up—perimenopause—often starts in the early 40s and can last 4 to 10 years. The clinical distinction matters: perimenopause is when periods are still happening but hormones are fluctuating, while menopause is confirmed only after 12 consecutive months without a period. Many of the most disruptive symptoms (sleep disturbance, mood changes, irregular heavy bleeding) actually occur during perimenopause—not after.

Our female GPs follow Australasian Menopause Society guidelines and tailor every plan to your symptoms, history and preferences.

Common Symptoms We Manage

Hot flushes & night sweats
Sleep disturbances
Mood changes & anxiety
Brain fog
Low energy & fatigue
Weight changes
Joint aches
Vaginal dryness

Dr Ramani Poonehela menopause GP Hervey Bay

Dr Ramani Poonehela has a clinical interest in women’s health and menopause care. She provides personalised assessments, discusses suitable hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options, and helps plan ongoing care. View Dr Ramani’s profile →

Menopause Assessment

An assessment includes symptom review, medical history, appropriate health checks and a personalised management plan. Blood tests are considered where indicated. Choose “Menopause & Perimenopause Consultation” when booking online.

MHT / HRT Prescribing

Evidence-based hormone therapy can effectively relieve menopause symptoms. We prescribe tailored therapy with regular monitoring of symptoms, blood pressure, breast checks and mammogram currency.

Non-Hormonal Options

For women who cannot take or prefer not to take MHT, we offer non-hormonal pharmacological options, lifestyle programmes, and CBT-based approaches for hot flushes and sleep. Low-dose vaginal oestrogen (a local hormonal treatment that is suitable for many women who cannot use systemic MHT) can be discussed separately for genitourinary symptoms.

Long-Term Monitoring

Menopause increases the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. We coordinate ongoing monitoring including bone density (DXA) scans and cardiovascular risk reviews.

Perimenopause vs Menopause: Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause—it can begin several years before periods stop and is when most disruptive symptoms first appear. Menopause itself is a single point in time, confirmed retrospectively after 12 consecutive months without a period.

Learn more from the Australasian Menopause Society or Jean Hailes for Women’s Health.

 

Confidential Sexual Health Screening

Private, judgement-free care with our experienced female doctors

Sexual health is an important part of overall wellbeing. At Main Street Medical Centre, our female GPs provide confidential, non-judgemental sexual health services in a private environment. We also offer a full range of contraception options to support your reproductive health choices.

Confidentiality Assured

We provide confidential care in line with Australian privacy laws. In limited circumstances, information may need to be disclosed where required by law or to prevent a serious threat to health or safety.

STI Testing Available

We offer comprehensive screening for all common sexually transmitted infections. Testing typically involves a simple urine sample, blood test or swab.

Chlamydia
Gonorrhoea
Syphilis
HIV
Hepatitis B & C
Herpes (HSV)
Trichomoniasis
HPV-related

Many STIs have no symptoms. Chlamydia, for example, often causes no symptoms but can lead to serious complications including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility if untreated. Regular testing is the only way to know your status.

For more information, visit Queensland Health Sexual Health or Healthdirect STI information.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental Health Care Plans for Women

Women experience mental health concerns at higher rates than men across most life stages, and the triggers are often life-stage specific: the cognitive load of fertility planning, the upheaval of perinatal hormonal change, the burnout of mid-career and caring responsibilities, the identity shift of menopause, and the grief and isolation that can accompany ageing. Our female GPs provide the space, time and continuity to address mental health properly—not as a side-note in a 10-minute consultation.

Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) — How It Works

A GP Mental Health Treatment Plan gives you Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year (plus group sessions where available). Your GP completes the plan during a long consultation—we screen with validated tools (e.g. PHQ-9, GAD-7, K10), agree on goals, and refer to a psychologist who suits your needs and preferences.

The MHTP Pathway

  1. Long consultation booking — Allow 30–45 minutes for the initial plan.
  2. Plan creation — Your GP completes the MHTP and provides a referral letter to a psychologist.
  3. Up to 6 sessions initially — After that course, your GP reviews your progress and can refer you for further treatment if appropriate, within the annual limit of 10 individual services.
  4. Ongoing GP review — Medication management (where appropriate), monitoring of progress and care coordination.

For complex presentations, we coordinate referrals to visiting specialists where required. This includes perinatal mental health support, eating disorder pathways and trauma-focused therapy.

Long-Term Health

Chronic Disease: Osteoporosis & Cardiovascular Health

The decline of oestrogen during menopause has long-term consequences that go well beyond hot flushes. Oestrogen is protective for both bone density and cardiovascular health, and its withdrawal accelerates risks that were previously suppressed. Acting early in the post-menopausal years can prevent fractures, heart attacks and strokes decades later.

Osteoporosis & Bone Density

Bone mineral density drops most rapidly in the first 5–7 years after menopause. Osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures. Your individual risk depends on factors such as age, bone density, previous fractures, medicines and falls risk. We arrange DXA (bone density) scans for women aged 70 and over routinely, and earlier where indicated by risk factors—family history, early menopause, low body weight, long-term steroid use, smoking, eating disorder history, or low-trauma fracture. Where osteopenia or osteoporosis is found, we initiate calcium and vitamin D optimisation, weight-bearing exercise plans and pharmacological treatment in line with Healthy Bones Australia guidelines.

Cardiovascular Risk in Women

Heart disease remains a major cause of illness and death in Australian women, and female-specific risk factors deserve attention. Pregnancy complications (gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth), early menopause, autoimmune conditions and PCOS all raise lifetime cardiovascular risk. Our female GPs assess your absolute cardiovascular risk using the Australian CVD Risk Calculator, and manage hypertension, cholesterol and diabetes prevention through a Chronic Disease Management Plan—giving you Medicare-rebated access to allied health (dietitian, exercise physiologist, podiatrist).

New Patients Welcome

Your First Visit: Patient Information & Fees

Booking your first appointment is straightforward. Here is what to expect.

Bulk Billing & Fees

Standard GP consultations are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card—this includes cervical screening, contraception consultations, IUD insertion and removal, mental health treatment plans, antenatal visits, menopause assessments and most routine reviews. Without a Medicare card, the standard consultation fee is $89. Some procedures sit outside Medicare entirely and attract private fees: iron infusions ($250), skin cancer surgery, ear microsuction and commercial driver’s licence medicals. Full pricing is on our Fees page.

New Patient Registration

Once you book online via AutoMed Systems, our system sends you a unique registration link by SMS or email. Complete your details, medical history and Medicare information online before you arrive. If you prefer to arrive in person, please come 15 minutes before your appointment for registration.

Long Consultations Recommended

For complex women’s health concerns—an MHTP, IUD insertion consultation, multiple issues, or an annual health check—please book a long consultation when you book online. For menopause or perimenopause, choose Menopause & Perimenopause Consultation. Reception can help you select the right appointment and allow enough time for your concerns.

Book Your Women’s Health Appointment

Whether you need a routine cervical screening, IUD insertion with Dr Padma Kaki, breast health check, menopause support with Dr Ramani Poonehela, an iron infusion, or confidential sexual health care—our caring female GPs are here for your women’s health needs.

Bulk billing available for eligible Medicare patients.*

(07) 4325 4000

Book Online Now

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Main Street Medical Centre have female doctors?

Yes, we have multiple female doctors available including Dr Padma Kaki (FRACGP, DRANZCOG), Dr Ramani Poonehela (FRACGP), Dr Priyani Perera (GP, FRACGP, speaks Sinhalese), Dr Zin Zin Thant (FRACGP), Dr Saharish Aman (GP Registrar), Dr Tin Aung (FRACGP), and Dr Katherine Sparks (GP Registrar). You can view each doctor’s areas of interest on their profile page.

Is Main Street Medical Centre a bulk billing clinic?

We bulk bill standard GP consultations for patients with a valid Medicare card. Some services and appointment types attract private fees, including skin cancer surgery, iron infusions ($250), ear microsuction and commercial driver’s licence medicals. Without a Medicare card the standard consultation fee is $89. For full details, please visit our Fees page.

Do you offer IUD insertions in Hervey Bay?

Yes. Dr Padma Kaki provides hormonal IUD and copper IUD insertions and removals. The consultation and procedure are bulk billed for eligible Medicare card holders. The IUD device itself is purchased separately from a pharmacy on prescription. Dr Kaki holds a DRANZCOG qualification from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Learn more about contraception services.

Can I self-collect my Cervical Screening Test?

Yes—since July 2022, every Australian eligible for the National Cervical Screening Program can choose self-collection. You take the swab yourself in a private space at the practice, with the same accuracy as a clinician-collected sample for HPV detection. Your female GP will explain the process and remain available throughout. The CST is recommended every 5 years for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74.

Which doctor should I see for menopause and HRT?

Dr Ramani Poonehela has a clinical interest in women’s health and menopause care. You can discuss symptoms and suitable hormonal or non-hormonal treatment options with her. Read about our menopause health assessments, then choose “Menopause & Perimenopause Consultation” and select Dr Ramani when booking online. Reception can help confirm the appointment and fees.

Do you offer antenatal shared care?

Yes. We provide antenatal shared care in collaboration with Hervey Bay Hospital for low-risk pregnancies. Dr Padma Kaki holds a DRANZCOG qualification and leads our antenatal care team. We arrange the dating ultrasound, booking-in bloods, first trimester screening, morphology scan, gestational diabetes testing, pregnancy vaccinations and the 6-week postnatal mother and baby check.

How are my test results notified to me?

Your doctor reviews every result. Please always book a follow-up appointment to receive your test results. Once your doctor has reviewed them, we will send you a text message asking you to book an appointment, and a reminder if you have not booked. If a result is urgent, we will telephone you. Please do not assume that no news is good news — if you have not heard from us and you are concerned, call reception on (07) 4325 4000.

How do I get a script repeat?

For most regular medications, your GP will provide enough repeats to last until your next routine review (typically 6–12 months for stable chronic prescriptions). If you run out before your next review, please book a short telehealth or in-person appointment so your GP can safely reassess and authorise the repeat. We do not issue script repeats without a consultation, in line with RACGP guidance.

How should I prepare for an iron infusion?

Before your infusion appointment, please eat a normal meal and stay well hydrated, unless your clinician gives you different instructions. Eating and drinking do not prevent an allergic reaction; tell the team about allergies or any previous reaction to iron. Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that roll up easily. The infusion takes around 30 minutes followed by 15–30 minutes of nurse observation. The fee is $250, paid in full on the day. Allow approximately one hour at the practice for the full appointment.

How many psychology sessions does a Mental Health Treatment Plan cover?

A GP Mental Health Treatment Plan provides Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year. A separate, valid referral is needed. The initial course can include up to 6 individual services; after a review, further treatment may be referred within the annual limit. Up to 10 group therapy services may also be available for eligible patients. GP plans, reviews and referrals are provided through your MyMedicare-registered practice or your usual GP. Your therapist may charge a gap.

How do I book an appointment with a female doctor?

You can book by calling (07) 4325 4000 or using our online booking system. When booking, select your preferred doctor. New patients receive a unique registration link to complete their details before their appointment. Walk-in patients should arrive 15 minutes early to allow time for registration.

Are walk-in appointments available?

Walk-ins are accommodated subject to doctor availability, but pre-booking is strongly recommended for women’s health concerns to ensure you can see a female doctor with adequate consultation time. Please call reception on (07) 4325 4000 if you need an urgent same-day appointment.

Pialba
Hervey Bay
Scarness
Torquay
Point Vernon
Eli Waters
Urraween
Kawungan
Fraser Coast

*Bulk billing available for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Some services have out-of-pocket costs. See our Fees page for details.

Information on this page is general in nature and does not replace a consultation with your GP. Please book an appointment to discuss your individual health needs.

External guidance checked 7 October 2026