East Hills Medical Centre provides iron infusions in the practice at 17 Maclaurin Avenue, East Hills, for patients with iron deficiency confirmed on a blood test. An iron infusion delivers an iron preparation directly into a vein through a drip and takes about an hour including observation. Australian guidelines recommend oral iron tablets first; an infusion is considered when tablets cause side effects, are not absorbed, have not raised iron levels, or when iron needs to be restored quickly. Your GP will look for the cause of the deficiency before treating it. The fee is $217 with a Medicare rebate of $87.10, leaving $129.90 out of pocket, or $222 for new patients seen by Dr Siddiqi. You need a consultation first to confirm the infusion is appropriate, and a second infusion a week later is sometimes needed. Book by phone on (02) 9773 3676.

Who an iron infusion may suit

Iron deficiency is common, particularly in women with heavy periods, during and after pregnancy, in people with bowel conditions that reduce absorption, and after some surgeries. Not every low iron result needs an infusion. Your doctor will check ferritin and haemoglobin, look for the cause, and discuss whether tablets, diet changes or an infusion is the right next step.

An infusion is generally not suitable for children under 14, in the first trimester of pregnancy, for anaemia not caused by iron deficiency, for people with iron overload conditions, or during an active infection. Your doctor will screen for these.

What happens on the day

A cannula is placed in a vein in your arm.
The iron preparation is infused over about 15 to 20 minutes.
You are observed for 30 minutes afterwards.
You can usually drive home and return to normal activities.

Eat normally beforehand and wear a top with sleeves that roll up easily. Tell the nurse if you have had a reaction to any infusion in the past.

Side effects to know about

Most people have no significant side effects. Some notice a headache, flushing, nausea or a metallic taste on the day. Less commonly, blood pressure or heart rate can change briefly. Iron leaking outside the vein can stain the skin, so tell staff straight away if the drip site stings or swells. Serious allergic reactions are rare; the practice is set up to manage them. Contact the practice or 13SICK if you feel unwell after leaving.

After the infusion

Iron stores rise over the following weeks. Your doctor will usually repeat blood tests after four to eight weeks and continue looking into why your iron was low, so the problem does not simply return.

Fees

Procedure	Fee	Medicare rebate	You pay
Iron infusion Includes consumables	$217.00	$87.10	$129.90
Iron infusion, new patient Dr Siddiqi only	$222.00	$87.10	$134.90

Fees current at June 2026. Procedures are privately billed for all patients. Full fee schedule.

Questions patients ask

Do I need a referral or a prior appointment?

You need a consultation with one of our GPs first, or a recent blood test and a letter from your own doctor. The GP confirms iron deficiency, checks for reasons an infusion may not be suitable, and books the procedure.

How long does it take?

Allow about one hour in the practice: the infusion itself is short, followed by 30 minutes of observation.

Is it bulk billed?

No. Iron infusions are privately billed for all patients: $217 in total with a Medicare rebate of $87.10, so $129.90 out of pocket. New patients seen by Dr Siddiqi pay $222.

Can I have an infusion if I am pregnant?

Not in the first trimester. In later pregnancy your doctor will discuss whether an infusion is appropriate for you.

Iron infusions