Frequently Asked Questions - General
What should I bring when I come for a scheduled
consultation appointment?
- Medicare or DVA Card
- Private Health Insurance Details
- A list of your medications and drug allergies
- Copies of your medical records, relevant x-rays (films and reports)
- operation reports of any previous surgery related to your current problem
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. 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 your
condition, and also because a referral allows you to receive the maximum
Medicare rebate.
How can my family doctor help me to obtain specialist
medical care?
Before seeing any medical specialist, you should talk to your family doctor,
or general practitioner (GP), who can discuss your condition with you and advise
on whether specialist care is appropriate. He or she can help you choose the
specialist best suited to your needs. Your GP can help the specialist to care
for you by providing relevant information about your health. If you wish, you
can request that your GP refer you to your preferred specialist. You are also
entitled to seek a second opinion if you wish.
What should I expect during first visit?
During your initial visit, the Prof. Lord will listen to your account of the
problem
and ask a number of questions. He will likely examine you, and review any Xrays
or other test results that you have. For some problems, the doctor will use an
office ultrasound machine to help with the examination.
Next the surgeon will give you his/her opinion and recommendations. In some
cases you will be reassured and no further investigation or treatment will be
required. In other cases there will be some tests, and in others, the next step
will be a biopsy, an operation, or other treatment. You will have the
opportunity
to ask questions to be sure you understand.
If an operation is needed, the doctor will explain the specific procedure, help
you understand what it involves, and explain the risks and benefits. Please feel
free to
ask as many questions as you like.
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