Patient Information

Your first specialist appointment is the cornerstone in the management of your condition. Your surgeon will take a thorough history of your condition as well as your medical history, examine the relevant joints, and consider any investigations or imaging. This process is vital in obtaining the correct diagnosis, and planning the appropriate treatment. We ask that you prepare by considering the list below, and arriving at least 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to complete any paperwork and administration.

We recognise that your time is valuable, and we make every effort to run on time. Occasionally emergencies or patients require a little more time, and these cause scheduling delays beyond our control. We apologise if we keep you waiting.

If you need to cancel an appointment please telephone the office during business hours and allow at least one day’s notice so that we can offer your appointment time to patients on our waiting list.

What To Bring

• A current referral from your GP is required. Without this you are not able to claim reimbursement with medicare
• Any x-rays, MRI scans or pathology results relating to your referral
• Appropriate attire for your physical examination
• Copies of operation records & medical notes if you have had previous treatment elsewhere
• A list of your current medications
• Details of your medical history
• Your Medicare Card and Pension/Veterans Affairs card (if applicable)
• Your Private Health Fund details (if applicable)
• Payment is required at the time of consultation
• Any questions relating to your condition or possible treatment

For WorkCover Patients – In addition, it is essential to bring the name, address and telephone number of your insurer along with your current claim number and the date of the injury.

Before Your Operation

Once you have decided to go ahead with surgery you need to learn what to expect from the surgery and create a treatment plan for the best results afterward. Preparing mentally and physically for surgery is an important step toward a successful result. Understanding the process and your role in it will help you recover more quickly and have fewer problems.

You may be required to have some blood tests or xrays prior to your surgery. This is at the discretion of your treating surgeon and is not the same for every patient. The reception staff will go through all of this with you when booking your surgery.

You should discuss your current medications with your surgeon as it may be necessary to cease some medications prior to surgery. If you are taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, warfarin or any drugs that increase the risk of bleeding you will need to stop taking them one week before surgery to minimise bleeding.

If you develop any infections prior to your surgery or have any scratches or grazes on your body you should advise our rooms immediately as it may be necessary to postpone your surgery.

Follow-up Appointment

After surgery, you will have a follow up appointment with your surgeon in our rooms. This normally occurs 1-2 weeks after sports injury and trauma care, and 6 weeks after joint replacement. If you have any queries please contact us.

1. PAIN MANAGEMENT

Good pain management is important in the early recovery and rehabilitation from your surgery. We expect some discomfort, but aim to avoid severe pain. If you are not in plaster or splinted, it is important that you are able to move what has been operated on through a range of motion.

In most cases we recommend a combination of medications including regular paracetamol and anti-inflammatories (if tolerated). You may also be prescribed some stronger pain medication.

Begin the pain medicine as you start getting uncomfortable, but before you are in severe pain. If you until the pain is severe, you will have more difficulty controlling the pain.

Ice packs are very helpful in the first few weeks to reduce both pain and swelling. Apply ice regularly for 20-30 minutes, but be careful not to ‘burn’ the skin if too cold.

2. DRESSINGS AND WOUNDS

All surgical wounds should be covered and kept dry. If you have any concerns with your wounds or dressing check with your surgeon.

• DRESSING CARE
  Keep the bulky outer bandages on for the first 2-3 days. The small waterproof dressings directly over the wounds should remain intact (or can be replaced if bloody or coming loose) until your appointment in 7-10 days.
• DO NOT GET YOUR SURGICAL WOUNDS WET
  You may take a brief shower if the waterproof dressings are intact. If they do lose their seal, they will need to be replaced with a clean dressing on dry skin. Do not soak in a bath, pool or spa.
• HIP AND KNEE REPLACEMENT
  A waterproof dressing (“comfeel”) with be on your wound at discharge from hospital. This should be left intact for 3 weeks after surgery and can then be removed at home. You are able to shower normally, but do not soak in a bath or spa.

3. PHYSIOTHERAPY

Following many Orthopaedic procedures, formal physiotherapy plays an important role in achieving an optimal outcome, and return to function. Please advise our rooms if you have already been seeing a physiotherapist as we value ongoing relationships to maximize patient outcomes. Alternatively, we can recommend an experienced physiotherapist from our network, depending upon your specific needs and location. For patients having Knee & Hip Replacement surgery, regular therapy in or out of the home can be arranged. We encourage hydrotherapy, but suggest this should be delayed at least 3 weeks, or until all wounds are completely healed.

4. WHEN TO DRIVE

The ability to return to driving depends on numerous factors including the type of surgery and the rate of recovery. Minimum recommendations include:

• Knee Arthroscopy: 2-3 days
• ACL reconstruction: 3-4 weeks
• Joint Replacement: 6 weeks

After this period, each individual’s choice to resume driving should only be made when he or she feels confident to be able to control the vehicle safely.

Consultations

When you make your initial appointment, the staff will advise you the cost of your initial consultation. We ask that payment is made at the time of your appointment. We accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard & Amex), EFTPOS, cash and cheques as methods of payment. You will be issued a receipt, in order to claim from Medicare. Patients covered by Department of Veteran Affairs need to bring with them their relevant cards (Gold/White)

Surgery

Once it has been determined by your surgeon that you require an operation, our staff will be able to provide you with an estimate of your costs for surgery. This will outline the costs involved for your surgeon and assistant, including your rebate and any out of pocket expenses. In most instances there will be a part of your surgical fee that will not be covered by Medicare and your health fund. This gap or co-payment is required to be paid prior to your surgery.

You may also receive an account from the Hospital, the Anaesthetist, Radiology, Pharmacy or Physiotherapy. There may also be costs for rehabilitation devices such as knee braces or crutches. These accounts generally arrive after your surgery, and are separate and independent of our surgeons’ costs. The office staff will be able to advise you in relation to gaining quotes for such items.

It is better to ensure you know all estimated expenses prior to your surgery. Our staff are happy to help you navigate your way through this area if you require any assistance.