What to Bring?
Please plan your appointment appropriately or reschedule if necessary.
Prepare to arrive 15 minutes before your allocated appointment time as you will be asked to complete some paperwork.
Bring all relevant information as listed below:
Medical Information
- List of Current Medications,
- List of any allergies to pharmaceuticals or other,
- Details of prior imaging - X Rays, MRI or CT scans; Location & Patient ID.
- Copies of Pathology Reports
- Your Medical and Family History
- Is the problem work related?
Personal Information
- Referral Letter (GP, Doctor or Physio)
- 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
Other
- Current Diet and Exercise
- Relevant Journal or Travel Plans
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.
What To Expect At Your First Visit
You should expect to be greeted at reception upon arrival and then seen by the doctor.
Medical History
During your first visit you and the doctor will discuss:
- General health and Medications,
- Previous problems, & Family history,
- Current symptoms and related health,
- Previous diagnostic imaging, and
- Risk factors, lifestyle and family history
Honesty is important as it provides all the information needed to assess and properly treat you.
Physical Examination
It is important to be as relaxed as possible during any examination. Try taking deep slow breaths and relax. Comfortable/loose fitting clothing can help if the doctor needs to perform a clinical examination.
Diagnostic Imaging
You may require more diagnostic testing to confirm a precision diagnosis.
Ask Questions?
We want you to feel free to discuss openly any questions or voice any concerns you may have without reluctance or hesitation, as anything dealing with your health is of extreme importance.
It is important that you take ownership of you health and well being and that starts with clearly understanding your condition as well as your options including:
- What is the full diagnostic process?
- Are you a candidate for various treatments?
- Is surgery an effective treatment and what are the options?
- What are associated risks and complications?
- What can you expect after treatment?
- What is the postoperative care plan?