Consultation FAQs

Please bring your referral and any X-rays, scans or previous medical records relating to the affected area.

We prefer to have everything ahead of the consultation — please ring the practice to send your referral and imaging across in advance. Scans performed at CQ Radiology, I-MED Radiology or Bolsover Radiology can usually be viewed electronically without your needing to bring discs or films.

Dr Hirpara will need to examine the area you have come to discuss, so dress accordingly. For shoulder consultations a singlet or vest top is helpful — it can be left on through the examination.

Please ring the practice as soon as you know — your appointment can be rescheduled and the time offered to another patient.

Yes — family members and support people are welcome and encouraged at every appointment.

The I-MED Radiology carpark off Spencer Street is the closest option — a short walk to the practice.

An initial consultation is $275, with a Medicare rebate of $86.15 — leaving an out-of-pocket cost of $188.85. Review consultations are $180, with a Medicare rebate of $43.35 — leaving an out-of-pocket of $136.65.

No — the practice does not offer bulk-billed consultations. Medicare rebates are lodged electronically on your behalf at the time of payment.

Full payment is required at the time of your consultation, using either cash, EFTPOS, or credit card (Visa/Mastercard only). 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.

A current referral is needed for Medicare to rebate your specialist consultation. A GP referral lasts 12 months from the date of your first appointment with the specialist — not from the date the GP wrote it — so a referral written several months before your appointment is fine. A referral from another specialist lasts 3 months.

The referral must be in place on or before each service. Without one on the day, that consultation is not rebatable, and rebates for any subsequent surgery are assessed separately against the referral that covers the operation date. Referrals cannot be backdated.

Please obtain a new one from your GP before the appointment. Without a current referral the consultation can still go ahead; however, by law you will not be able to claim anything back from Medicare or your private health insurer.

Yes — second-opinion consultations are welcome.

Yes.

Yes — DVA Gold and White Card patients are accepted with a valid referral. For White Card holders the condition must match the presenting complaint.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. He may occasionally be unavailable — the practice will let you know when scheduling.

Telehealth/video consultation can be arranged for follow-up appointments for out-of-town patients. New patients need to be reviewed and examined in person.

Your GP will receive correspondence about the consultation the weekend after your appointment.

Yes — a consultation involves no medications that affect your ability to drive.

Yes. The practice is bound by strict confidentiality requirements. Your medical records are not released to other parties without your written consent. Full details are on the privacy policy page.