Allied health
Allied health in Rutherford, a team around your care.
Our visiting Diabetes Nurse Practitioner is available now, with more allied health services coming soon to the clinic. Your GP can also refer you to local providers.
The right health professionals, working with your GP.
Allied health professionals, such as physiotherapists, dietitians, podiatrists and psychologists, play a big part in managing many health conditions. Your GP can refer you, coordinate your care and keep track of how you are going.
Rutherford Doctors is a Medicare Bulk Billing Practice in Rutherford. GP consultations for referrals and care plans are bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients. Allied health providers set their own fees.
Talk to your GP about a referral.
Our visiting Diabetes Educator.
Specialist diabetes care at Rutherford Doctors, once a month.
Diabetes Educator and Nurse Practitioner
Andrew Maher
Owner of On Point Diabetes
Andrew is a Diabetes Nurse Practitioner and owner of On Point Diabetes. Andrew grew up in Dungog and has completed a Bachelor of Nursing (University of Western Sydney, 2003), a Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education and Management (University of Technology Sydney, 2013), ADEA Credentialled Diabetes Educator (2013) and a Master of Nurse Practitioner (University of Newcastle, 2020), and is a fully trained Insulin Pump and Continuous Glucose Monitor Trainer.
Andrew has practised in diabetes education and management since 2012 in the Hunter New England area, in the public and private sectors of NSW as well as the Northern Territory, and has presented at international conferences on diabetes technology. Andrew enjoys running, cricket, gardening and being in the outdoors with his family.
Fees
$115.00 consultation fee
Medicare rebate $73.80
Out-of-pocket $41.20
Nurse Practitioner rebates are based on time alone.
Billing
A private billing service for all clients. An EPC is not required.
Hours
8:30am to 5:00pm, once a month. Call reception for the next clinic date.
Andrew's services
Understanding your diabetes, blood glucose targets, food, activity and day-to-day management.
Starting on an insulin pump, settings, troubleshooting and ongoing support.
Setting up and using a CGM, and understanding your data.
Starting and adjusting insulin and diabetes medicines within his Nurse Practitioner scope.
Support for all types of diabetes, at any stage.
Plans for low blood sugar and for managing diabetes when you are unwell.
How we can help.
Choose a topic to learn what is involved and when to see a GP.
Rebated sessions
How Medicare can help with allied health costs.
A GP chronic condition management plan may give access to up to five rebated allied health sessions a year.
A mental health treatment plan may give access to up to 10 rebated individual sessions a year.
Allied health providers set their own fees, so there may be a gap.
Diabetes education
Our visiting Diabetes Nurse Practitioner.
Diabetes Nurse Practitioner and ADEA Credentialled Diabetes Educator.
Insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor training.
Private billing, no EPC required. Visits once a month.
Movement and pain
Physiotherapy and exercise physiology.
For injuries, back pain, arthritis and recovery after surgery.
Exercise programs for chronic conditions.
Women's health physiotherapy after childbirth and in later life.
Nutrition and feet
Dietitians and podiatrists.
Eating plans for diabetes, heart health, weight and gut conditions.
Foot checks and care, especially important with diabetes.
Speech pathology and occupational therapy referrals.
Psychology
Talking therapy with a Medicare rebate.
A mental health treatment plan from your GP.
Up to 10 rebated individual sessions a year.
Your GP can suggest local practitioners.
Something else on your mind? Our GPs can help.
Allied health professionals.
Who they are and how they can help.
Andrew Maher, visiting
Diabetes Educator
Andrew is a Diabetes Nurse Practitioner and owner of On Point Diabetes, visiting once a month.
Initial 45-minute consultation $115 (Medicare rebate $73.80). Follow-up 20 minutes $75 (rebate $50.05).
Movement
Physiotherapist
Hands-on treatment, exercises and advice.
You can also see a physio privately without a referral.
Nutrition
Dietitian
Personalised eating plans based on your health.
Accredited Practising Dietitians are recognised by Medicare.
Feet
Podiatrist
Important for people with diabetes or circulation problems.
Your GP checks your feet too.
Exercise
Exercise physiologist
Safe, tailored exercise programs.
Helpful for diabetes, heart and lung conditions.
Talking therapy
Psychologist
Evidence-based therapies such as CBT.
Up to 10 rebated sessions a year.
Our Diabetes Educator is available now. Other allied health services are coming soon to the clinic. In the meantime, your GP can refer you to local providers.
Think allied health could help?
Seeing our Diabetes Educator.
Andrew Maher, Diabetes Nurse Practitioner, visits Rutherford Doctors once a month.
Billing
Private service
A private billing service for all clients. An EPC is not required.
Hours
Once a month
8:30am to 5:00pm, once a month. Call reception for the next clinic date.
Seek urgent care if you have
- Very high or very low blood sugar that will not settle
- Vomiting and unable to keep fluids down with type 1 diabetes
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Call 000 in an emergency
Step by step
- 1Book
Call reception on (02) 4061 7981 to book with Andrew on his next clinic day.
- 2Initial consultation
45 minutes. Fee $115, Medicare rebate $73.80, out-of-pocket $41.20.
- 3Follow-up
20 minutes. Fee $75, Medicare rebate $50.05, out-of-pocket $24.95.
- 4Ongoing care
Andrew works alongside your GP on your diabetes management.
Book with Andrew by phone.
About Andrew
Bachelor of Nursing, Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education and Management, ADEA Credentialled Diabetes Educator, Master of Nurse Practitioner, and fully trained Insulin Pump and CGM Trainer.
Rebates
Nurse Practitioner rebates are based on time alone.
Costs
GP consultations are bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients. Allied health providers, including Andrew, set their own fees.
Book a referral appointment
4Cyte Pathology collection is in the same building, so blood tests and other samples can often be collected straight after your appointment. Most pathology is bulk billed.
Which path suits me?
Select your situation.
Talk to your GP.
Our GPs.
Your GP can refer you and coordinate your care.
No preference? Book the first available GP.
Allied health questions.
How many rebated allied health sessions can I have?
A GP chronic condition management plan may give access to up to five Medicare-rebated allied health sessions a year.
Do I need a referral to see Andrew Maher?
No. Andrew's service is privately billed and an EPC is not required.
What does Andrew charge?
Initial 45-minute consultation $115 (rebate $73.80, out-of-pocket $41.20). Follow-up 20 minutes $75 (rebate $50.05, out-of-pocket $24.95).
Is the GP referral appointment bulk billed?
Yes, for Medicare-eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.
Can I see a physiotherapist without a referral?
Yes, privately. A care plan may make you eligible for Medicare rebates.
Further reading
Living with a chronic condition: how a GP care plan helpsThis page provides general information about allied health services at Rutherford Doctors. It is not a substitute for advice about your own health. Please book an appointment to discuss your situation. In an emergency, call 000.
