Frequent Asked Questions
Do I need a referral?
Yes. Specialist consultations and treatments require a referral from a GP or another specialist.
Please send your referral to us via post, email or fax prior to your first consultation.
Most GP and specialist practices will have a secure electronic system of sending referrals. Please ask the practice if they can do so - it is the preferred and quickest way of referrals being sent.
Where can I park?
St Andrew's Medical Centre: Council parking is available on the streets surrounding the Medical Centre with most bays allowing for 2h free parking.
QE Specialist Centre: Free parking is available on site. The yellow boom gate lifts up automatically. You will be provided with a token to exit the car park.
What do I need to bring?
For initial consultations please arrive at least 15 minutes early. Please bring:
- Referral letter (if not provided already)
- Medicare card or any concession cards
- Private Health Insurance card or policy details
- Any test results, reports or scans that may be relevant
How much will it cost?
A gap is charged for consultations and inpatient procedures. Our friendly staff will provide you with information regarding the costs of a first consultation and subsequent reviews.
Prior to any surgery you will receive an informed financial consent sheet. The sheet includes the item number for your treatment. We recommend inquiring with your insurer to find out how much they will pay toward the treatment. It is also important to ensure that there are no waiting periods or exclusions that may apply. Our team is available to assist you in navigating these details and answering any questions you may have.
Services provided by other doctors such as the anaesthetists or costs associated with your stay in the hospital or day surgery unit, such as accommodation, pharmacy, physiotherapy or other allied health services may incur a gap and you will need to discuss the fees with those providers.
Where will my surgery be performed?
We currently perform surgeries at Ashford Hospital and St. Andrew's Hospital.
If a surgical procedure is recommended your surgeon will discuss with you the possible date and location of the needed procedure.
What If I do not have Hospital Cover?
If you do not have private health insurance you will be responsible for meeting any costs incurred during your hospital stay that are not covered by Medicare.
This includes not only our fees and the assistant fees but also services provided by other doctors such as the anaesthetist. There are costs associated with your stay in the hospital, such as accommodation, pharmacy, physiotherapy or other allied health services. You also have to cover costs of medicines, drug administration and related costs that may be incurred for certain treatments (e.g. chemotherapy or other medications for cancer), particularly for ongoing treatment that extend over a long period of time.
As with any medical procedure, if unforeseen circumstances arise during the procedure, it may be necessary to arrange additional medical services. If this happens there may be additional costs to you that are not covered by any estimates provided to you.
What types of bariatric surgery do you offer?
Our surgeons are experts in performing Laparoscopic Roux en Y Gastric bypass , Single anastomosis gastric bypass and Laparoscopic Sleeve gastrectomy. Occasionally other types of surgery my be indicated – this will be discussed by the surgeon at your appointment.
If surgery is indicated, our surgeons will discuss all options of weight loss surgery and the benefits and potential complications of these procedures.