What do I need to bring for my appointment?
Please bring your referral and any x-rays, scans or previous medical records you may have concerning the affected area.
We prefer to receive as much information prior to your appointment as possible, so please ring the office and arrange to send your referral and scans to us. For any scans performed in CQ Radiology, I-MED or Bolsover Radiology, we should be able to view the scans electronically.
Why do I need a referral?
You will need to bring a current referral to enable your consultation fee to be claimed through Medicare. This is a strict requirement of Medicare. Medicare specifies that a referral from a GP covers your visits for 12 months and a referral from a specialist doctor lasts for 3 months.
Without a current referral you will not be able to claim anything back for your consultation from Medicare; nor will you be able to claim anything from your health fund or Medicare for your surgery fees if you require surgery.
What should I wear to the consultation?
Dr Hirpara will need to examine the area of your body that is of concern. If you see Dr Hirpara for your shoulder, females should consider wearing something such as a singlet that you can leave on while your shoulder is examined.
What if I need surgery?
You will need to see Dr Hirpara for an initial consultation before surgery can be organised. If during the consultation it is decided that you need surgery, a date and a quote can be given to you at the time of your consultation.
What days does Dr Hirpara operate?
Dr Hirpara operates on Monday afternoons. Times will vary, and this can be discussed with the staff when you schedule your surgery. Please be aware that on some occasions he may be unavailable.
What days does Dr Hirpara consult on?
Dr Hirpara consults on Monday mornings. Please be aware that on some occasions he may be unavailable.
When will I go home after having surgery?
Most shoulder, hand and elbow operations involve an overnight stay in hospital. This is because upper limb surgery can be painful for the first night. If you are in hospital, the nurses can administer strong pain relief if it is needed.
Almost all patients having a hand, elbow or arthroscopic shoulder surgery are discharged the next day.
Patients having shoulder or elbow replacement surgery will often spend two nights in hospital.
What do I do if I cannot make my appointment?
Please telephone the office as soon as possible so that your appointment can be rescheduled, and your appointment time allocated to another patient who is seeking advice or treatment.
Are my medical records kept private and confidential?
Yes, they are. My staff and I are bound by strict confidentiality requirements regarding your medical records. The content of your medical records will not be released to other parties without your written consent.
Do I need a doctor's referral to see Dr Hirpara if my shoulder problem is covered under Workcover?
Yes, you do.
How can I pay for my consultation?
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 and credit cards (except AMEX and Diners) are accepted.
If I am uninsured, can I still see Dr Hirpara?
You are more than welcome to see Dr Hirpara for a consultation if you are uninsured. If you require surgery, we can discuss the fees involved with having your operation in a private hospital.
You also have the option of taking out private health insurance and waiting the 12-month waiting time for pre-existing conditions.
