Your First Visit

Booking Your First Visit

Our doctors consult at a number of locations.  To book an initial consultation please either 

• Phone our rooms at (02) 6572 2522 or 
• Book
  

Urgent Appointments

Advise the staff if the matter is urgent and we will endeavour to arrange an expedited appointment.

Plan With Notes

It’s easy to forget all the questions you wish to discuss once in front of the doctor. We recommend you prepare a list of questions you want to discuss.

Referral Information

Anyone can make an appointment to see a doctor.

Valid Referral

With a valid referral, you will receive a Medicare rebate. The referral must be current and come from either a general practitioner or optometrist.

No Valid Referral

Without a valid referral, you will not obtain your Medicare rebate and be required to pay the full consulting fee. 

You can make an appointment first and then arrange for your general practitioner/optometrist to fax through a referral prior to your appointment.

What to Bring?

Please plan ahead for your appointment.

Prepare to arrive 15 minutes before your allocated appointment time as you will be asked to complete some paperwork. Please bring a driver as you may not be able to drive after your appointment.

Bring all relevant information as listed below:

Medical Information

• List of Current Medications
• List of any allergies to pharmaceuticals or other
• Prior X Rays, MRI or CT scans
• Copies of Pathology Reports
• Your Medical and Family History
• Is the problem work related?

Personal Information

• Referral Letter
• Drivers license or valid ID
• Medicare, DVA or Pension Card
• Private Hospital Insurance Details
• Employer’s Letter (if Work cover) and a current claim and approval from their case manager

Prepare a list of questions you want to ask your doctor about your problem or concerns. It’s easy to forget what you wanted to discuss once you are at the appointment.

During Your First Visit

You should expect to be greeted at reception upon arrival, fill out any required paperwork, and then seen by an orthoptist followed by the doctor.

Medical History 

During your first visit you and the doctor will discuss:

• General health & medications
• Previous problems & family history
• Current symptoms
• Previous diagnostic imaging (if any)
• Risk factors, lifestyle

Honesty is important as it provides all the information needed to assess and properly treat you.

Examination

Assessment will be performed by the orthoptist and the doctor.

Diagnostic Imaging

If you require more diagnostic testing to confirm the doctor's diagnosis, these will be discussed.

Ask Questions

Please feel free to discuss openly with your doctor any questions you may have or voice any concerns.

After Your First Visit

Diagnosis

After reviewing any diagnostic results, your doctor will recommend appropriate treatment.

Any referring health professionals are kept informed of all diagnoses and the treatment plan. A written report is sent to your referring doctor within a week of your visit or earlier if required urgently. 

Treatment Options

Where a Treatment Option is recommended you may need to understand and consider the following:

• Further preoperative medical evaluations to determine suitability for the procedure,
• Further diagnostic evaluations including pathology and imaging,
• Potential risks and complications
• Planning and recovery time
• Counselling to ensure that the informed consent obtained is fully understood.

Suitability for Treatment

Qualifying factors for surgery may include:

• History of dietary and other weight loss attempts,
• Commitment to lifestyle changes, exercise & clinical follow-up
• Psychological evaluation

Be Aware of

• Infections - these can delay a procedure until it is cleared,
• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) or other medications that may need to be paused,
• Stop smoking to reduce your surgery risks and improve recovery

Recommendations

If you have any specific concerns or fears regarding your condition or treatment we recommend contacting the practice for clarification.

Appointment Policy

Your time is valuable. Our practice endeavours to run on schedule and your punctual attendance will assist this. Feel free to ring us 30 minutes prior to your appointment to confirm if we are running on time.

Late Arrivals

We do understand that circumstances may arise unexpectedly, however, late arrivals can compromise the service we are able to provide to you, and can also inconvenience other patients. 

We will do our best to accommodate late arrivals, but in some instances, appointments may need to be rescheduled.