Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

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

Apart from you, Medicare card medicare and your insurance information

• A referral letter from your General Practitioner or family doctor.
• All pertinent x-ray reports and test results from your primary care or referring
  doctor
• 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. Mr Aitken’s staff are
bound by strict confidentiality requirements as a condition of employment regarding
your medical records. Unless compelled by law we will not release the contents of your medical file without your consent.

Do I need a referral to make an appointment?

Under Medicare regulations Mr Aitken can only accept referred patients. This is partly to try to ensure that the specialist you are seeing is appropriate for you and your condition.

How can my family doctor help me to obtain specialist medical care?

Before seeing any medical specialist, it is preferable to talk to your family doctor, who can discuss and advise you on whether specialist care is appropriate. 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 Mr Aitken will take a complete history and will undertake an appropriate examination. For patients who present with bowel and anal problems the examination will normally include a detailed assessment using a sigmoidoscope and proctoscope. In some patients minor conditions will be treated during this initial consultation. Some patients may require more detailed investigations and the results will be discussed at a subsequent visit.