1. 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.
2. 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.
3. What should I bring with me when I come for a scheduled office appointment?
- Advanced Endoscopy Patient Registration Form
- Medicare or DVA Card
- Referral letter
- Private Health Insurance Details
- A list of your medications and drug allergies
- Copies of your medical records, relevant x-rays (films and reports)
- Procedure reports of any previous surgery related to your current problem
4. What should I expect during first visit?
During your initial visit, Dr. Fisher will listen to your account of the problem and ask number of questions. He will likely examine you, and review any X-rays or other test results that you have.
Next Dr. Fisher will give you his 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, a procedure, or other treatment.
If a procedure is needed, Dr. Fisher 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.
5. Will I incur any out of pocket fees?
Consultation fees are as follows:
Initial Consultation $240.00
Each Subsequent Visit $120.00
Medicare Rebate applies
Insurance holders will have no out of pocket fees for gastroscopy and colonoscopy. Complex procedures may attract out of pocket fees.
It would be appreciated if the fees could be settled at the time of appointment. Payments can be made by cash or credit/debit card.
Please feel free to ask our administrative team any questions about our fees or your out of pocket expenses.
6. Are my medical records kept private and confidential?
Your medical file is handled with the utmost respect for your privacy. As a condition of employment, our staff are bound by strict confidentiality requirements regarding your medical records. Ordinarily we will not release the contents of your medical file without your consent.