Frequently Asked Questions.

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

•     A Patient Information Form (PIF)

Please ensure you have completed and preferably sent this prior to your appointment. It is available after login in the Patient tab as a secure electronic form, as a PDF printable form, and on request via phoning the practice or emailing a request as an attached file or a hard copy sent via the post. The PIF asks for basic information such as Medicare number, Health Insurance information, background medical details including current medications and adverse drug reactions.

•     A referral from your General Practitioner or specialist.
•     All pertinent x-ray reports and test results from your primary care or referring physician.
•     If you have had relevant cardiac or vascular procedures 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 advice 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 should I expect during my first visit?

During your initial visit, all your details and information will be collated by the reception staff. You will usually then see the Clinical Nurse consultant who will do the basic data entry and verify all details are correct, obtain a Blood Pressure and do a 12 lead ECG if necessary. This allows your specialist get an overview of the problem and maximizes the time spent with you to deal with the important issues. The doctor will explain the specific medication, test or procedure you need, help you visualize the results and go over the risks. He may do a physical examination and ask you some questions.