Our first consultation is a very important meeting. We both have a lot of questions to ask, and answers to be listened to. I want you to understand your condition and how I recommend treating it.
A thorough diagnosis
I carry-out an extensive and in-depth diagnosis. It includes taking a very detailed medical history, cross-checking against the referral letter and scans, and conducting a physical examination. Spinal conditions can be serious and debilitating. A correct diagnosis is critical to successfully treating you.
This takes time and diligence and a lot of questions.
Answering your questions
Please bring along all the questions you have. After all it is your body and it is my job to address any queries or anxieties you might have. It is important to me that you can make calm and informed decisions about your treatment.
I will try to do what it takes to put you at ease.
Recommended Treatment
After I have gone through your diagnosis with you, I will then recommend a treatment plan. I then send this to your GP so that you can discuss it with them. Only when you are ready do we move on to the treatment.
What to bring to your appointment?
- Letter from your referring doctor
- All x-rays and scans for your spine
- Medicare card, plus DVA card or Pension Card when applicable
- For new patients, please fill in the patient forms below and bring these with you
Patient Forms
Forms to complete & bring with you:
Medical history including current medications
Click here to download the form – then print a copy so you can fill it out.
Please bring the completed Medical History Form with you when you come in for your consultation.
Personal details need to be collected
Click here to download the form – then print a copy so you can fill it out.
Please bring the completed Patient Acquaintance Form with you when you come in for your consultation.
Location of your pain
Click here to download the form – then print a copy so you can fill it out.
Please indicate on it where the exact location of the pain is you are experiencing and bring along the completed Pain Location Form when you come for your consultation.
Do I need a referral?
In short, no. But having a current referral letter from a doctor is the best mechanism for seeing me as this ensures that the visit is appropriate to your needs and that you can claim a Medicare rebate for your consultation.
Sometimes you may want a consultation without a referral because that is your preference, or you may be from overseas. In such cases I am happy to see you on the understanding that you will be asked to pay the full consultation fee and that there will be not be any Medicare rebate available.