Appointments

Initial consultation

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

We need:

• a referral letter from your General Practitioner or other specialist
• your Medicare card, and if insured your Health Fund information
• all pertinent x-ray reports and test results from your General Practitioner or other specialist
• 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 or a colonoscopy elsewhere, please bring a copy of your operation report.

Do I need a referral to make an appointment?

As a specialist I can only review patients who have a formal written referral. Without this letter you cannot reclaim your Medicare benefit. Please ensure you have this letter, or that your General Practitioner or other specialist has sent the referral.

What should I expect during first visit?

During your initial visit you will need to provide a complete medical history. You will need to undergo an appropriate examination. Patients who present with bowel and anal problems will normally require this examination to include a detailed assessment using a sigmoidoscope and proctoscope.

Some patients with minor conditions will be treated during this initial consultation. Other patients may require more detailed investigations. These will be arranged and the results will be discussed at a subsequent visit.

If you require surgery, the options will be explained to you. This will include the expected results and any associated risks or potential complications. For many operations I have specific information sheets and this will be provided and discussed with you. You will find these under Patient into.

Are my medical records kept private and confidential?

Your medical file is handled with the utmost respect for your privacy. All my staff are bound by strict confidentiality requirements as a condition of their employment. Unless compelled by law we will not release the contents of your medical file without your specific, written consent.