What to Bring in
On your first visit please remember to bring the following:
Medical Information
- Referral Letter (GP, family physician or another doctor)
- X Rays, MRI or CT scans
- Medical and Family History
- Copies of Pathology Reports
- Any other relevant information
- List of current medications
- Allergies to pharmaceuticals or other
- Relevant Journal, Exercise or Travel Plans
Personal Information
- Medicare card, DVA card, pension card
- Private Hospital Insurance details
- Driver’s license or valid ID
- If work related - Employer’s Letter
Ask Questions
It’s not uncommon to have questions or doubts, which we will encourage you to clarify before you leave the clinic.
While certain diagnostic tests such as blood tests or imaging tests may be ordered to confirm your diagnosis. We will take time to explain the options for the possible treatments
Some Questions to ask your Doctor
One of the most important things to tell your doctor, apart from your medical history, is any specific concerns or fears you may have regarding your condition or treatment. It is normal to be nervous about your health, but it is hard for your doctor to allay your fears or reassure you that you should keep your thoughts to yourself.
What are Non-Surgery Options?
When surgery is recommended, it is often the best treatment, based on the evidence available. When considering surgery both you and your doctor will balance the risk of surgery against the risk of not having surgery.
There may be other treatment pathways or less invasive approaches that could be considered. Depending on your personal circumstances alternative options maybe preferred.
Multidisciplinary Review
After reviewing any diagnostic results, your doctor may recommend appropriate treatment or involve a number of other specialists to collaborate in the development of your treatment plan. All initial appointments can be done in rooms at Murdoch; however for our rural patients, male patients or those closer to Nedlands, please contact Western Surgical Health as your surgery and after-care will be based here.
Surgery or No Surgery
People decide whether to have surgery or a procedure based on:
- How much their symptoms or problem bothers them
- How likely the surgery or other treatments will help
- Concerns about the risks involved
- How long the recovery period might be
- Whether the surgery or procedure will relieve the pain they currently have
- How much pain the surgery or procedure might cause
- Whether they would have to miss work
- What if I don't have surgery or a procedure?
Some conditions that are treated with procedures or surgery get worse without treatment; some get better, and some stay the same. If the surgery or procedure is not necessary and your symptoms don’t bother you too much, you might decide to try other treatments.
What happens next?
Our staff will go through the details of costs and logistics with you. Please contact my rooms to discuss consultation fees and payment options.
If you still have questions when you leave the office, please do not hesitate to contact us, we are here to help.
A receptionist may not be present at the time of your appointment. Please take a seat in our waiting room and your doctor will be with you shortly.
Different Types of Surgery
Sometimes a condition can be treated in more than 1 way. Ask your doctor what options you have and what the differences are between them. Below are examples of some of the main surgery and procedure options.
Laparoscopic Surgery
For laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon makes smaller cuts and uses special tools that go inside your body and can be controlled from the outside.
Open Surgery
For open surgery, the surgeon makes a cut big enough so that he or she can work directly on the parts inside your body. For most bariatric procedures, laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery is the main type.
Benefits and Risks of the Treatment Options
Every surgery or procedure, no matter how “minor,” carries risks. Make sure you understand what you stand to gain from the surgery or procedure and what you stand to lose.
Related Questions to Ask
- What are the chances that I will benefit and how long is the benefit likely to last?
- What are the most common risks, and how long do their effects last?
- What are the most serious risks, even if they are not very common?
- What if I want a second opinion?
Do not be afraid to ask for a second opinion. No doctor should ever be worried or offended if you want a second opinion. In fact, any doctor should be willing to help you find the best surgeon or interventionist to suit your needs.
The interaction between a doctor and patient is a relationship and sometimes relationships are hard to mature or break down through no fault of either party.
About Anaesthesia
Some of the risks of surgery or procedures come from the type of anaesthesia that is used. Even “minor” surgeries or procedures have risks related to anaesthesia.
These issues will be discussed before any surgery is considered.
What will my recovery be like?
People do not always know what to expect in the recovery period after surgery or a procedure. It’s very important to find out ahead of time the answers to these questions:
- How much pain can I expect and for how long?
- How will my pain be treated or managed?
- How long will I be in the hospital?
- Will I need help when I return home?
- Will I need to have someone drive me home?
- When will I be able to return to work?
After surgery or the procedure, will I be able to do all the things I normally do? If not, how long will I be unable to do these things?
