General

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

Apart from medicare and your insurance information

• Driver's license or State ID
• Insurance information
• Copies of operation records, medical records, x-rays, MRIs, CT scans and so on from prior doctor visits
• Medications list (if any)
• If you have had surgery elsewhere, please bring a copy of your operation report

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. Ordinarily 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 you and your condition, and also because Medicare pays higher rebates for specialist services if you have been referred.

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

Before seeing any medical specialist, it is always preferable to talk to your own family doctor, who can discuss your condition with you and advise on whether any specialist care is appropriate. If it is, he or she can help you to choose the specialist best suited to your needs. Your family doctor can help the specialist to care for you better by providing relevant information about your health. Communicating with the specialist will also enable your family doctor to care for you better during and after your specialist treatment.

What to expect during first visit?

At your first visit, your medical history will be reviewed and a physical exam completed. The surgeon will then determine your need for surgery. If surgery is deemed necessary, it will be scheduled as soon as possible, taking into account your schedule, as well as the availability of the surgeon and facilities. Instructions of when, where, and surgery preparation will also be provided to you at this time. Also, do not hesitate to ask questions so that you can feel as comfortable as possible with your scheduled surgery. After your surgery, a post operative visit often times will be scheduled to follow up on your healing and any relevant test results.

Will There Be a Long Wait Time for my Visit?

Our surgeons make every effort to be on time for scheduled clinic appointments. Occasionally, unanticipated delays may occur due to unforeseen hospital or surgical emergencies. Office staff works hard to keep you informed of any such delays and if rescheduling will be necessary. Please feel free to call about 30 minutes to an hour prior to your appointment time to find out if the Doctor is delayed.