No, we can still perform a gynaecological history and examination if you have your period.

In most cases, yes. Before proceeding, we will first discuss the indications for, as well as the pros and cons of the Mirena with you.

Sometimes Mirena insertion can be accompanied by some minor discomfort, so if you plan to have a Mirena inserted, you may wish to take some Panadol and Nurofen two hours prior to your appointment.

Other pain relief is also available.

No, the stage of your cycle will not prevent you having surgery, nor will it influence the results of your surgery.

Surgery costs can be broken down into three main parts: surgical fees, hospital admission fees and anaesthetic fees.

When discussing a surgical procedure with you, we will provide you with an estimate of the surgical fees, including the rebate you should expect to receive from Medicare and your health fund. Prepayment is required for all surgical procedures.

The cost of your hospital admission depends on your private health insurance. Most people pay an ‘excess’ determined by their health fund which is a once off fee for the year, meaning you wouldn’t have to pay the excess amount again for other hospital admissions during that calendar year. You need to check with your health fund what your level of hospital cover is, and the excess you may need to pay.

The anaesthetist will also provide you with a fee estimate for the procedure once it has been booked.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. We will explain the risks, and check that you understand those risks before consenting you for a procedure. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

A ‘gap’ arrangement is where a patient pays an amount directly to the doctor for surgery, and then the doctor claims the balance of their surgical fees directly from the patient’s health fund. Under a ‘gap’ arrangement no further Medicare or health fund rebate can be claimed by the patient.

We can offer a ‘gap’ arrangement for some, but not all surgical procedures. When discussing a procedure, you should ask whether there is a ‘gap’ arrangement available.

Yes, however you need to make sure you understand all of the costs involved. The most significant cost involved with surgery is usually the hospital admission, and this is what private health insurance generally covers.

Prior to booking a surgical procedure, we will provide you with an estimate of the surgical fees, and request an estimate of the cost of hospital admission. The cost of the hospital admission is paid directly to the hospital before your procedure.

Yes, we will book the anaesthetist for you. About two weeks before your procedure, the anaesthetist’s rooms will contact you to notify you of the estimated anaesthetic fees and to arrange payment. The anaesthetist will see you prior to your operation to discuss your anaesthetic.

We will let the hospital know you are having a procedure. About two weeks before your procedure we will provide you with information about how to complete your online pre-admission form. We will also let you know what time you need to arrive at the hospital on the day of your procedure.

About two weeks before your procedure, we will email you important information about your admission to hospital, including what time you need to arrive for your procedure. Your admission time is generally one and a-half to two hours prior to your procedure.

For minor procedures, you should plan to spend around 5 hours in hospital. Other procedures may require an overnight stay.

It is important that you arrange for someone to pick you up from the hospital, as it is recommended you do not drive for a minimum of 24 hours following a general anaesthetic.

There is a Medicare rebate that partly covers the cost of your appointment with us. You cannot claim the cost of your appointment through your private health insurance. Private health insurance usually covers the cost associated with hospital admission for surgical procedures.

At the time of your appointment, we will record your private health insurance details in the event you require a surgical procedure.

The threshold for the Medicare Safety Net is an arrangement between you and Medicare, and is determined on individual grounds.

You are still required to pay the full amount for the consultation at the time of your appointment.

When your claim is assessed, Medicare may reimburse you with a higher benefit. Any questions you have about this should be directed to Medicare.

We can process your rebate at the time of your appointment, providing your bank account is already linked with Medicare.

Usually the rebate is processed, and you receive the rebate into your bank account, within 24-48 hours after your appointment.

You will be able to claim the rebate after your surgery. We will give you a receipt that you can submit to Medicare and your private health fund.