Information for Patients.

In this section we have provided a variety of patient information to help you better understand your experience with Sharpe Cardiology & Endovascular.

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  General Cardiovascular Information

  View and download general information about cardiovascular procedures.
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  Multimedia Information

  View and download videos of cardiovasuclar content.

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  General Information for Patients.

  If you are a new patient and need guidance about your appointment you may find the FAQ section useful. If you are or are about to become a patient of this practice, you can obtain a login password by clicking on the SECURE icon. Within 24 hours you will have access to the following information:-
  
  •     The Patient Information Form
  •     Procedure Consent Forms
  •     Detailed test and procedure information.
  •     Basic medical information on a variety of common cardiac and vascular complaints.
  •     A schedule of charges
  
  You can also request appointment changes.

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  Billing & Payment.

  This is not a Bulk Billing practice.
  
  A high level of service and expertise comes at a price but we will never charge above AMA recommended fees and in most cases will be substantially lower. The Federal Government does not increase the Medicare rebate based on the Consumer Price Index and in many instances actually decreases the rebate in the yearly November review hence the reason for the widening gap. In special circumstances consideration to fee reduction is given but this is on a case by case basis. Pensioners are charged at a lower rate. Exact fees can be obtained by contacting the office staff and a table of charges is provided in the secure login section which can be accessed once you become a patient of this practice. This is updated the moment there are any changes.
  
  Payment is on the day of service. Cheques and credit cards are accepted including AMEX. EFTPOS is available.
  
  Hospital procedures will often require a gap prepayment prior to booking and full financial consent will always be provided. Often because of the dynamic nature of the procedure an exact fee estimate may not be available. There are some procedures that are so new and on the cutting edge that the Health Insurance Commission have not created a rebate number. This means there is no rebate. You will always be advised if this is the case. Ancillary services such as counselling may be rebatable on provision of a Managed Care Plan from your General Practitioner.

   

  Referrals.

  It is preferable to have your general practitioner provide a referral to allow you to claim part of the fee back from Medicare. You can see Dr. Sharpe as a private patient without a referral but you will not be able to claim any rebate back from Medicare. Sharpe Cardiology & Endovascular receives referrals from all over Australia. If you are from out of town please bring this to our attention so we can streamline your assessment and treatment. Sometimes this will mean sending your test results to us ahead of time so our team can review and orgainise any other appropriate tests either in your home town or at Sharpe Cardiology & Endovascular prior to your appointment. If it looks likely you will need admission to hospital for a procedure operating time on theatre lists can be reserved so your time away from home is minimised.

   

  Second Opinions.

  Sharpe Cardiology & Endovascular can provide second opinions and also encourages you to seek a second opinion if you feel unsure about our recommendation. Sharpe Cardiology & Endovascular may recommend a referral to another cardiologist who is felt to be more appropriate or more expert in certain sub-speciality areas such as electrophysiology.

   

  Communication

  You can communicate with us in several ways:-
  
  1.     Phone- we are always glad to receive your call but during busy times we may have to return your call.
  2.     Website secure email- this can be sent to the staff and we will always endeavour to answer it within 24 hours.
  3.     Fax - information to be scanned onto your file on 07 5532 9890.
  
  We would like your home and mobile numbers as well as your email address. Your referring doctor and others whom you nominate will receive a letter after each consultation or test via their preferred method of communication which may be post, fax or medical encryption email usually within 48 hours. This letter will include a summary of your presenting complaint, examination, test findings and also a management plan.

• Patient Information Form (PIF).

  This provides our team with important preliminary information so as to prepare for you consultation. It would be appreciated if you are seeing us for the first time that this is completed and sent to us at least 3 days prior to your appointment.Forms can be obtained by creating a login which allows access to a secure web page electronic form, direct request for post or fax and also via an email attachment.

   

  Medications.

  Always bring to your appointment an accurate up to date record of your medications including the strength and frequency of administration. You can also do this via the website. Please note no one can gain access to your medical file via this website.