Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What should I bring when I come for a scheduled consultation appointment?

• Medicare or DVA Card
• Private Health Insurance Details
• A list of your medications and drug allergies
• Copies of your medical records, relevant x-rays
• (films and reports)
• operation reports of any previous surgery related to your current problem

Are my medical records kept private and confidential?

Your medical file is handled with the utmost respect for your privacy. Our staff are
bound by strict confidentiality requirements as a condition of employment regarding your medical records. We will not release the contents of your medical file without your consent.

Do I need a referral to make an appointment?

Most medical specialists will accept only referred patients. This is partly to try to ensure that the specialist you are seeing is appropriate for your condition, and also because a referral allows you to receive the maximum Medicare rebate.

How can my family doctor help me to obtain specialist medical care?

Before seeing any medical specialist, you should talk to your family doctor, or general practitioner (GP), who can discuss your condition with you and advise on whether specialist care is appropriate. He or she can help you choose the specialist best suited
to your needs. Your GP can help the specialist to care for you by providing relevant information about your health. If you wish, you can request that your GP refer you to your preferred specialist. You are also entitled to seek a second opinion if you wish.

What should I expect during first visit?

During your initial visit, the surgeon will listen to your account of the problem and ask
a number of questions. He/She will likely examine you, and review
any Xrays or other test results that you have. For some problems, the doctor will use
an office ultrasound machine to help with the examination.

Next the surgeon will give you his/her opinion and recommendations. In some cases
you will be reassured and no further investigation or treatment will be required. In
other cases there will be some tests, and in others, the next step will be a biopsy, an operation, or other treatment. You will have the opportunity to ask questions to be
sure you understand.

If an operation is needed, the doctor will explain the specific procedure, help you understand what it involves, and explain the risks and benefits. Please feel free to
ask as many questions as you like.