Frequently asked questions

To claim Medicare rebates, yes: a current referral from your GP (valid 12 months) or another specialist (3 months). You can send an appointment request before you have one; it just needs to reach us before your visit.

Fees are confirmed when you book, with Medicare rebates processed on the day. [Fee schedule TBC with the rooms.] If surgery is recommended, you receive written informed financial consent with the exact out-of-pocket cost before anything is booked.

The rooms will give you the current waiting time when you call. Acute injuries (a locked knee, a recent ACL rupture, a fracture) are prioritised; ask your GP to mark the referral urgent so it is triaged properly.

Yes. Bring your claim number, insurer details and case manager contact, and the rooms will handle approvals and billing with the insurer. [Confirm accepted schemes with the rooms.]

Of course, in both directions. Second opinions are a normal, sensible part of deciding on surgery, and I am happy to provide one or to support you seeking one. Good decisions survive scrutiny.

Only if it is clearly the right step and you are ready to discuss it. Most first visits end with a diagnosis, an explanation and a non-surgical plan. Surgery is a decision we make together, never a foregone conclusion.

Westmead Private Hospital, part of Ramsay Health Care. Further hospitals will be listed here as they are confirmed. Your fund coverage at each hospital is checked as part of informed financial consent, before anything is booked.

Talk to us anyway. Options include self-funded surgery with a written all-inclusive quote, or care through the public system via your GP. The consultation itself only needs Medicare and a referral.

When you can control the car properly, perform an emergency stop, and are off strong pain medication. As a guide: around 4 to 6 weeks after hip or knee replacement, 2 to 6 weeks after ACL reconstruction depending on the side and your car. We confirm it for your situation, and your insurer's rules apply.

Short domestic flights from about 6 weeks after joint replacement, long-haul more comfortably after 3 months, with clot-prevention planned around anything earlier. Sooner is sometimes fine; ask before you book.

Probably, and it is completely routine. Scanners see joint replacements every day; no card or letter is required in Australia, though we can provide one if it gives you peace of mind.

Yes, deliberately. Your physio receives the operation details and the rehabilitation protocol, and I would rather hear from them early than late. Recovery is a team sport and you are the captain.