Outpatient pharmacy
Our outpatient service provides information and advice to Alfred Health outpatients about the medication recommended by their doctors and specialists.
The Alfred Hospital Pharmacy Department is committed to keeping up with the rapid changes around COVID-19. Information relating to medication supply is being updated regularly and the relevant changes to procedures and guidelines are being amended.
We have outpatient services available at all three Alfred Health campuses, and Melbourne Sexual Health Centre. Our outpatient services are provided in two ways:
In clinic
Most specialist outpatient clinics have expert clinical pharmacists who can help you with any questions or information you may have about your medicines.
Our pharmacists can help by:
- Speaking to you or a relative to get an accurate list of your current medicines
- Checking that the medicines prescribed for you are safe and appropriate
- Monitoring your response to medicines, to ensure they benefit you and to reduce the risk of any side effects or problems you may have
- Explaining any new or changed medicines, and how you should take your medicines at home for the best possible outcome
- Providing a medication list, listing all your medicines and how to take them
- Providing you with written information about any new medicines
Pharmacy dispensary
Dispensaries are located at all of our hospitals, and also in the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre. The services offered at all locations are the same and you should try to get your medicines dispensed by the dispensary in the hospital or clinic you are attending.
The service also supplies medications which may not be available at your local chemist. You will especially benefit from our services if you:
- Have seen a specialist within the hospital either for the first time or as part of your regular care and treatment
- Cannot get your prescription dispensed at a local pharmacy
- Have hospital prescriptions for new medicines
- Have lots of questions and / or problems with your medicines and would like to talk to a specialist pharmacist
Order your medication online
Patients can now order their prescription medication from The Alfred Outpatient Pharmacy online.
By completing our secure online form, you can request your prescription medication to be posted to you via Australia Post, or available for pick-up.
You will be able to keep track on your medication thanks to our SMS alert system.
Ensuring you know how to take your medication safely remains paramount, and a pharmacist will contact you if you have any questions regarding your online order.
Our hours of operation:
Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.15pm. Closed weekends and public holidays.
Commonly asked questions
Australia Post is available for patients of Alfred Health if you have difficulty obtaining your medication due to ill health or distance. Postage requires additional time for your prescription to be processed so please allow adequate time.
You will be required to sign for your medicines upon delivery and an additional cost will be added to your medication invoice which can be finalised using one of the normal payment methods.
Posting will incur the following charges:
| Regular Post Bag | Registered Mail* | Total Postage Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Bag | $10.90 | $2.95 | $13.85 |
| Medium Bag | $14.80 | $2.95 | $17.75 |
| Large Bag | $18.65 | $2.95 | $21.60 |
| Extra Large Bag | $22.45 | $2.95 | $25.40 |
| Express Post Bag | Registered Mail* | Total Postage Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Bag | $14.40 | $2.95 | $17.35 |
| Medium Bag | $18.80 | $2.95 | $21.75 |
| Large Bag | $23.15 | $2.95 | $26.10 |
| Extra Large Bag | $33.40 | $2.95 | $33.40 |
*Posted medications need to be signed for to ensure medications reach the intended person
Australia Post - Post Charges (PDF)
You will be advised about the cost of posting when you call.
Please contact the dispensary for further information regarding this service.
Yes, you will need to pay for any medications dispensed by our dispensaries and this will count towards your PBS Safety Net threshold. Charges for medicines are in line with current PBS prices.
The cost of PBS medication is set by the Australian Government each year.
General PBS payments (2024)
| Number of medicines | Total cost |
|---|---|
| 1 | (up to) $31.60 |
| 2 | (up to) $63.20 |
| 3 | (up to) $94.80 |
| Up to $31.60 per item or per month | |
Concession/Pension PBS payments (2024)
| Number of medicines | Total cost |
|---|---|
| 1 |
$7.70 |
| 2 | $15.40 |
| 3 | $23.10 |
| Up to $7.70 per item or per month | |
Note: Non-PBS medicines prescribed in an Alfred Health outpatient clinic may be dispensed at a subsidised rate at an Alfred Health dispensary.
You may be eligible for a PBS Safety Net Card depending on how many prescriptions you get each calendar year.
If you think you may be eligible for the PBS Safety Net, you can find out the thresholds and more information at the Australian Government Services Australia website.
You can also talk to the pharmacist for more information.
While most medicines can be dispensed at any pharmacy, there are some that need to be dispensed by Alfred Health.
If it is unclear whether your medication can be obtained at your local pharmacy or must be obtained through our outpatient dispensaries, then our staff will help you understand your options. Please speak to a pharmacist to discuss your options.
You can pay for your medicines several ways. You will need a copy of your invoice with you.
- Via EFTPOS or credit card at the Outpatient Pharmacy
- Cash payments at the Australia Post outlet at The Alfred, or any Australia Post outlet
- Via BPay
- Online via the Alfred Health Payment portal
- By telephone (1300 885 175)
Please bring a suitable payment method when you come to the pharmacy.
If you are arranging a supply of medication over the phone, please have your credit or credit/debit card with you when you call.
Find out more about making a pharmacy payment.
It is very important that you don’t stop taking medication that has been prescribed for you. The pharmacist will provide your medications so you can continue the treatment your doctor has recommended.
If you have no method of payment with you, you will need to let the pharmacist know when you first arrive at the pharmacy. If you are worried or unable to pay for your medication please let your doctor and pharmacist know.
The Finance Team can discuss some payment options with you. There is a member of the Finance Team in the Outpatient Pharmacy, but you can also speak to them by calling (03) 9076 3147.
If you need to speak with someone regarding your account please call Alfred Health Finance Team on (03) 9076 3147.
