FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Do I need a Referral to see Simon?

A Referral to see Simon is required to initiate the appointment process.

Referrals are available from your GP clinics and other medical specialists. 

• A GP referral is valid for 12 months. 
• A referral from a Specialist is valid for 3 months. 

Once the Referral is received in our Rooms, Simon will triage the Referral and an appointment will be posted/emailed to you. Please ensure the referral states whether you are privately insured or not and that your contact details are correct.

 

What Costs will I have to pay?

There is an out-of-pocket expense with the consult fee and you will be advised of this before your consult. 

There is an out-of-pocket expense for your surgery. You will receive an Informed Financial Consent at the time of booking your surgery which you can take to your health fund to confirm any out-of-pocket expenses.

There are no costs for the first post-operative consult, but a standard follow up fee is charged if subsequent consults are required. 

What should I bring to the appointment?

• Medicare or Dept of Veteran Affairs card.
• Your health fund card/information. 
• Claim number and insurance details for MVIT or workers compensation claims.
• Operation records, medical records, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans etc. from previous doctor visits.

 

What can I do to optimise myself before surgery?

Simon (and his anaesthetist) will assess whether any changes need to be made to your medications before admission. If you are on a blood thinner we will need to plan a strategy for this and this will depend on several factors (including the type of blood thinner and the reason you are on it).

Stopping smoking will greatly reduce your risks of chest complications, infection, and poor wound healing, as well as benefit your long-term health. 
 
Exercise, weight loss and healthy eating will all improve your outcome. 
 
Problems with your skin, teeth and nails need to be brought to our attention, as they can be a serious infection risk. Any teeth or skin infections need to be fully resolved before surgery.

What do I need to bring on the day of surgery?

Toiletries, pyjamas, daytime clothes, non-slip flat shoes, all medications, phone, charger, reading books and anything else you may need during your short stay in hospital.

 

What if I have post-operative problems at home?

If you have problems at home, then your first port of call is to ring Simon’s Reception on (08) 9721 2188 .  

 

If you are unable to make contact with Simon’s Reception, the next port of call is to contact your GP.

 

The last option is to present to the Emergency Department of your local Hospital. If you are unwell this is the best option (especially out of hours) as there is always an on call orthopaedic team at Bunbury Regional Hospital.

 

Hip Replacement Questions

There is detailed peri-operative advice on the website for hip replacement patients (more details)



Knee Replacement Questions

There is detailed peri-operative advice on the website for knee replacement patients (more details)