Diabetes care
Diabetes care in Rutherford, with support every step.
Diagnosis, monitoring and care plans for type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes, plus our visiting Diabetes Nurse Practitioner.
Diabetes care that brings everything together.
Managing diabetes involves regular checks, medicines, lifestyle and the right support team. Your GP coordinates your care, from blood tests and medicines to eye, foot and kidney checks, and referrals to diabetes educators, dietitians and podiatrists.
Rutherford Doctors is a Medicare Bulk Billing Practice in Rutherford with 4Cyte Pathology in the same building. GP consultations are bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients, and our visiting Diabetes Nurse Practitioner offers specialist diabetes education.
Living with diabetes? Let's plan your care.
How we can help.
Choose a topic to learn what is involved and when to see a GP.
Type 2 diabetes
The most common type, often managed with lifestyle and medicines.
A blood test, such as HbA1c or fasting glucose.
Eating, activity, weight and medicines.
Regular blood tests, blood pressure, eyes, feet and kidneys.
Type 1 diabetes
An autoimmune condition managed with insulin.
Injections or an insulin pump.
Continuous glucose monitors are subsidised through the NDSS for people with type 1 diabetes.
Your GP works with your endocrinologist.
Gestational diabetes
Diabetes that develops during pregnancy.
A glucose tolerance test, usually at 24 to 28 weeks.
Eating, activity and sometimes medicines or insulin.
A follow-up test after your baby is born.
Pre-diabetes and risk
Higher than normal blood sugar, with a risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Your GP may use the AUSDRISK tool.
Lifestyle changes can lower your risk.
Regular blood tests.
NDSS
The National Diabetes Services Scheme.
Free registration for people with diabetes.
Subsidised blood glucose test strips, needles and more.
Education programs and resources.
Something else on your mind? Our GPs can help.
Your diabetes checks.
Regular checks that help prevent complications. Your GP will tailor these to you.
Blood test
HbA1c
Helps track how well your diabetes is managed.
Done at 4Cyte Pathology in the same building.
Blood and urine
Kidney function
Diabetes can affect the kidneys over time.
Blood pressure control helps protect them.
Blood test
Cholesterol
People with diabetes have a higher heart risk.
Medicines may be recommended.
Check
Blood pressure
Keeping blood pressure in range protects your heart and kidneys.
Home readings can help.
Examination
Feet
Diabetes can affect nerves and circulation in the feet.
A podiatrist may be recommended.
Eye check
Eyes
Early changes may not cause symptoms.
An optometrist or ophthalmologist can check your eyes.
Check frequency depends on your type of diabetes and your health. Your GP will advise.
Due for your diabetes checks?
Our visiting Diabetes Educator.
Andrew Maher, Diabetes Nurse Practitioner, visits Rutherford Doctors once a month.
Billing
Private service
Private billing for all clients. An EPC is not required.
Training
Diabetes technology
Fully trained Insulin Pump and Continuous Glucose Monitor Trainer.
Seek urgent care if you have
- Very high or very low blood sugar that will not settle
- Vomiting and unable to keep fluids down
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Call 000 in an emergency
Step by step
- 1Book
Call reception on (02) 4061 7981 for Andrew's 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.
- 4Working together
Andrew works alongside your GP on your diabetes plan.
Book with Andrew by phone.
Care plans
A GP chronic condition management plan brings your diabetes care together and may give access to rebated allied health.
Hypos
If you use insulin or some tablets, your GP will explain how to recognise and treat low blood sugar.
Costs
GP consultations are bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients. Andrew's service is privately billed, with a Medicare rebate.
Book a diabetes 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.
Where are you up to?
Select your situation.
Book a diabetes appointment.
Our GPs.
All of our GPs care for people with diabetes.
No preference? Book the first available GP.
Diabetes care questions.
Is diabetes care bulk billed?
GP consultations are bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients. Andrew Maher's service is privately billed.
How often do I need an HbA1c test?
Often every three to six months, as your GP advises.
What is the NDSS?
The National Diabetes Services Scheme, which gives access to subsidised supplies and support. Registration is free.
Do I need a referral to see Andrew?
No. An EPC is not required.
Can I get a care plan for diabetes?
Yes. A GP chronic condition management plan can bring your care together.
Further reading
Living with a chronic condition: how a GP care plan helpsThis page provides general information about diabetes care 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.
