Do I need to have private health insurance?

Our doctors operate in both public and private hospitals and are happy to see you regardless of your insurance status.

Please feel free to call and discuss the costs associated with consultation

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.

Who is a colorectal surgeon?

Colorectal surgeons are experts in the surgical and nonsurgical treatment of colon and rectal problems. They have completed advanced training in the treatment of colon and rectal problems in addition to full training in general surgery. Colon and rectal surgeons treat benign and malignant conditions, perform routine screening examinations and surgically treat problems when necessary.

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

Apart from medicare and your insurance information

• A referral from your General Practitioner or family doctor.
• All pertinent x-ray reports and test results from your primary care or
  referring physician
• A list of all medications that you are currently taking
• A list of any known drug allergies and the symptoms you may have from taking these medicines
• If you have had surgery 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 advise 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 first visit?

During your initial visit, the surgeon will listen to your account of the problem and ask a number of questions. He/She 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.