Initial Consultations
At your initial consultation, there will be a comprehensive assessment of your current problem in order to determine the diagnosis if this is currently unknown or the most suitable treatment if a diagnosis has already been established. An important part of this assessment is obtaining information about your past medical history, previous operations, other current medical problems, medications and any medication allergies.
Depending on the nature of the problem, additional investigations may be arranged (e.g. blood tests, x-rays or a biopsy). Most of these investigations can be undertaken at Greenslopes Private Hospital or at a centre closer to where you live.
If the diagnosis is known or can be established in the initial consultation, you will receive helpful information about the nature of the problem, the treatment requirements and guidance about the long term outlook.
What do you need to bring with you?
- A referral letter - Often your GP or other referring doctor will have faxed or posted your referral; however, if you were given a referral letter ensure you bring this with you. Not only does the referral letter contain important information about your problem, but a valid referral is essential for you to be able to claim a medicare rebate for your consultation.
- A list of all your current medications - Preferably you should also bring the medications themselves, as this helps confirm the doses and the particular brand of medication you are using. It is helpful if you can write on your list approximately when you started the medications and why you are taking them. It is important that you bring your own medication list even if your doctor has listed medications on your referral. Do not assume that the correct medications are on your referral, bring your own list based on what you are actually taking.
- A list of your medical problems - Include: current medical problems and approximately when they started; past medical problems and their duration; and operations and the approximate year they were done. The information you provide is a valuable addition to what may already be included in the letter from your referring doctor.
- X-rays and the written report for each X-ray - It is important that you bring any X-rays you have available regardless of when they were done. It is very helpful if you bring the report for each X-ray if you have this or can obtain it from the company who performed the X-ray.
- Previous blood tests - If you have had blood tests, even months or years ago and have the results (or have information about which laboratory performed the tests) please bring this with you.
- Medicare card and, if you have it, your health insurance or DVA card.