First Visit

Patient-registration-form

When you come for your Appointment please remember to obtain and bring the following

Referral letter from GP, family physician or other doctor
Medicare card, DVA card, pension card
Have your Private Hospital Insurance information with you
Reports, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans etc. and any other relevant information

Apart from the specific instructions given to you depending on the type of surgery you have undergone, the basic general instructions that you should follow after your surgery are as follows:

1. Do not drink alcohol, drive a vehicle, operate any machinery or sign a legal document for the first 24 hours after the surgery as the effect of the sedative and/ or the aesthesia administered during the surgery may last for the first 24 hours of the surgery.
2. Use ice packs to control swelling. However, make sure that the ice bag does not leak into the dressing. Ice packs can be used liberally for the first 48 hours and even later, if required.
3. Follow the specific restriction of activity, as advised. Remember that it is easier to prevent developing pain rather than managing it once it has already developed. Rest for a few days after the surgery and keep the operated extremity elevated, above the level of your heart, to control swelling.
4. Keep the dressing clean and dry to promote wound healing.
5. Try to begin physical therapy a day or two after the surgery. Exercises in the first week are usually aimed at regaining joint motion. Strengthening exercises are initiated later. Regular exercises are critical for a successful outcome.
6. Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated drinks.
7. Schedule your follow up appointment with your doctor as advised.

Please consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Increased drainage from the incision
• Increased redness around the operated area
• Increased swelling that does not decrease with ice and elevation
• Foul odour
• Fever greater than 101°F
• Coldness, numbness or blanched white or bluish colour of the fingers or toes
• Sudden calf pain or shortness of breath
• Chest pain

What are the Fees:

The fees charged at initial consultation, subsequent consultation and surgery are Guided by the Australian Medical Association.

This means, medicare and the health funds will only cover some of the total costs associated with surgery.It is important that patients ask about this Gap.

Please speak to our friendly reception staff about Fees.

Do I Need Private Insurance?

Private health insurance allows you to choose your own surgeon. It also allows yourself and your family to access the right health service at the right time without delays. You also have access to an extensive range of private hospitals. Most importantly your health will be in good hands.

Un-Insured Patients:

Patients who do not have private health insurance can still have their surgery performed in the private system. They will need to cover all the hospital and surgical costs prior to hospital admission.

The Surgeon Fees:

These are guided by the rates of the Australian Medical Association and may differ according to the nature and complexity of the surgical procedure.

Each orthopaedic procedure usually has a medicare item number. The medicare rebates are determined by the government and further supplemented slightly by private health insurance.

The medicare rebates unfortunately haven’t actually kept up with rate of inflation and changed little since the early 80’s. Due to rising costs of medical indemnity insurance for surgeons, personal, work, practice related insurance premiums and continued running practice costs, most surgeons charge a Gap. Our Staff would be able to inform you if there are any charges and what they are.

Anaesthetist fee: (the doctor who provides the anaesthetic) this can be discussed with the anaesthetist.

Assistance fee: A surgical assistant is usually present during most orthopaedic procedures. They may or may not charge a fee.