Q1.
Who is a Urologist?
A Urologist is a surgeon who treats both male and female patients with problems involving the urological tract (ie kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostate and urethra) and the male reproductive organs.  Conditions commonly treated include cancers, renal stones, voiding difficulties, infections, sexual dysfunction and incontinence.

 

Q2.
What should I bring with me to my office appointment?
Please bring with you a referral letter from your General Practitioner or other Specialist.  Also bring along any test results that have been ordered by your referring doctor, including blood and urine tests, and films or discs from any radiological investigations (eg x-ray, ultrasound, CT scan).  Please also bring along your Medicare/Private Health Insurance and/or Veteran Affairs cards.  

 

Q3.
Do I need a referral to make an appointment?
You should have a referral from another medical practitioner to see a Specialist.  Most Specialists will only accept referred patients.  This is to ensure that the Specialist you are seeing is appropriate for your condition.  It will also enable you to claim the Medicare rebate, thus reducing the “out of pocket” expense for the consultation.   

 

Q4.
Are my medical records kept ‘private and confidential’?
Yes.  My staff and I are bound by strict confidentiality requirements in regards to your medical records.  The contents of your medical records will not be released to other parties without your consent.

 

Q5.
Do I need to have private health insurance?
You do not need to have private health insurance to be referred to see a Specialist.  You should have a referral letter from your referring Doctor however.  

If surgery is required then the “out of pocket” expenses will be greater if you are not in a health fund.  Uninsured patients can elect to have their procedure performed as an intermediate or semi-private patient. 

 

Q6.
What should I do if I cannot make my appointment?
Please telephone my office during business hours, preferably at least one day prior to your appointment, so that your appointment can be rescheduled and your vacated appointment time allocated to another patient who is seeking urological advice or treatment.  

 

Q7.
Is there typically a waiting-time to be seen at the time of my appointment?
Whilst I understand that your time is valuable, and I make every effort to see you on time, occasionally medical emergencies occur which can lead to a delay in you being seen.  I apologise in advance if you are kept waiting for your appointment. 

 

Q8.

What should I expect during my first visit?
At your first appointment a thorough medical history will be taken, a physical examination may be required, and your investigations results will be reviewed.  Depending on your problem, further investigations may be ordered, medical treatment may be commenced or a urological procedure may be scheduled.  If you need an operation I will discuss the procedure at length with you, including the possible risks and benefits.

 

Q9.
What are acceptable means of payment for my consultation/procedure?

Consultations:  Full payment is required at the time of your consultation.  You will be issued with a receipt, and if your bank details are registered with Medicare we can lodge the claim electronically to Medicare on your behalf.  Cash, EFTPOS, credit cards (except American Express) and in some instances personal cheques are acceptable methods of payment. 

Surgical procedures:  You will be given a formal estimate which will outline the possible costs of your procedure.  Depending on what surgery is required and depending on your health fund, there may be an “out of pocket” expense (ie a gap fee).  It is appreciated if the gap fee is paid prior to your procedure.  EFTPOS, cash, credit cards (except American Express), personal cheques and direct bank transfers are acceptable methods of payment.