ABOUT YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT
What should I bring to my first appointment?
You will be provided with a new patient form when booking your appointment, please ensure this has been completed prior to coming to the clinic. Please bring all relevant investigations (e.g. X-Rays, CT and MRI reports) with you if they haven’t been sent to us prior.
What to expect at your initial appointment
As a new patient to Ortho Specialist Centre, we will begin your care by taking a thorough medical history, undertaking a physical examination and appropriate investigations as needed. This enables an open discussion of the concern and the treatment options, including both non-operative and operative alternatives.
Your surgeon will evaluate your condition, review previous investigations, and discuss the most appropriate treatment plan tailored to your needs. This may involve discussing and arranging surgical intervention or recommending non-surgical treatment options.
A collaborative approach to your recovery
We also provide detailed aftercare advice for our patients to best plan for their recovery time. Our aim is to have a collaborative specialist team approach as we work in close consultation with your General Practitioner, other medical specialists and hospital staff.
All patients require a valid referral to arrange an appointment
This referral can be provided by your regular general practitioner, specialist, or an in-hospital clinician. If you have recently attended an emergency department and have been recommended to see an Orthopaedic Surgeon, we also accept the discharge summary from that attendance.
If you have been provided with a referral from your doctor, please contact our rooms to schedule an appointment.
If we have received the referral directly from your doctor, we will contact you to arrange an appointment in our rooms with one of our specialists.
Our surgeons at Ortho Specialist Centre treat patients with WorkCover and TAC claims. We require the details of your claim when either scheduling your first appointment or at your first attendance in the clinic. You will need to notify your case manager of this appointment as we require approval for the funding of any treatment.
Patients who are attending our clinic due to either a work-related or transport accident require a valid referral to be seen.
Fees & Payments
Consultations in a private setting have an out of pocket fee. Payment at the consultation is required and we accept cheque or Visa/Mastercard. Patients who qualify for a Medicare rebate will have part of the amount refunded from Medicare. Please note it is not our practice to bulk bill.
What out of pocket cost will I incur if surgery is required?
Our doctors’ surgical fees are based on the Australian Medical Association (AMA)’s recommended fees. Patients with private health insurance may arrange their treatment as a private patient in a hospital, with the majority of the expenses covered by their health fund. If you are covered by TAC, WorkCover, or Defence there will be no cost to you for any surgery you may have. Health funds may not fully cover doctors' fees and an out of pocket expense of the variance is incurred by the patient. We offer our patients a close assessment of the expenses involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book an appointment with a Surgeon at OSC?
To organise an appointment to see one of our surgeons you will require a valid referral. Please email your referral to admin@osc.com.au or ask your general practitioner to forward it to the rooms. Once the referral has been sent to our rooms, we will contact you to organise an appointment. If you require an urgent appointment, please contact the rooms on 03 9088 2988.
Is there patient parking at OSC Rooms?
Parking is available on-site at Holmesglen Private Hospital.
Do I need to pay for my consultation at the time of my appointment?
There are consultation fees that are payable on the day of your appointment. For new patient appointments, there is a fee of $250-$300. Patients coming back for a review appointment have a fee of $140-$180.
Will my health insurance cover my surgery/procedure?
The standard fee charged for surgery at OSC is the Australian Medical Association recommended fee. In most instances, there will be a part of your surgical fee that Medicare or your health fund will not cover. Our friendly reception staff are fully informed of changes and rebates and can help you navigate your way through this area of your surgery.
Does the team at OSC see WorkCover and TAC patients?
Our team at OSC see and treat patients who have WorkCover and TAC claims. We require a valid claim number to be provided at the time of scheduling your first appointment or at your first visit to the rooms. If surgical treatment is required, our staff have experience with navigating the surgical approval process ensuring that you are provided with the necessary treatment that is required.
Does the team at OSC see Veteran Affairs (DVS) patients?
Yes, please provide your DVA details either when scheduling your first appointment or on your first visit to the rooms.
Do I need X-rays or MRI scans prior to my appointment?
In some instances, we require certain investigations to be performed before your first appointment. If you have already had adequate imaging prior to your first appointment, please let our staff know when scheduling the appointment. If our surgeons require any specific imaging to be performed before your first appointment, we will provide you with that request.
Does the team at OSC treat children?
Yes, we do! Our paediatric orthopaedic surgeon Mr Ben Johnson specialises in many paediatric conditions. Additionally, our other surgeons can treat children as well.
