Long Distance Information

Long Distance Patients

Not all health services can be provided in all locations or by all practitioners. Therefore certain centres specialize in particular conditions. You have most likely been managed by other specialists up to this point and have been referred for the minimally invasive management of gynaecological conditions (such as endometriosis), fertility or pain.

Long Distance Questionnaire

Distant Information Sheet Patient

Why have I been referred to this Unit?

You have been referred to this practice for specialist treatment that may not be available within your locality. Not all health services can be provided in all locations or by all practitioners. Therefore, certain centres specialize in particular conditions. You have most likely been managed by other specialists up to this point and have been referred for the minimally invasive management of gynaecological conditions (such as endometriosis), fertility, pain or cancer.

What will be done?

At your first consultation a complete history will be taken and an examination will be performed. This will usually involve an internal examination.
Your treatment history up to this point will be reviewed. The issues that need to be explored include:

1. What is the diagnosis?
   
2. How extensive was the disease at the time of diagnosis and what treatment was undertaken?
   
3. How extensive is the disease now?
   
4. How is this affecting your life and what are your goals in therapy?
   
5. What is the role of the services provided by this unit in your particular case?

What do I need to do?

While non-essential, there are a number of things you can do to streamline your assessment and management:

1. Ask your referring practitioner to forward a detailed letter
2. Obtain your most recent operative notes and pictures (if applicable)
3. Collate your history and all investigations (including XRays) and bring these with you; and,
4. If you have not had a recent ultrasound scan of your pelvis (within the last three months), have this performed or organise for this to be performed in Brisbane prior to your consultation.

Please contact our office prior to arranging travel to ensure that all referrals / documentation have been received and that appropriate bookings have been made.

Will I have an operation at the time of my consultation?

Every effort will be made to arrange consultations, investigations and surgery for long distance patients. However, while every effort is made to minimise your travel, it may not be appropriate or possible to organise surgery in conjunction with your first visit as you may require review by other members of our surgical team, such as colorectal or urological surgeons. Alternatively, you may require other interventions or investigations prior to any surgery. You may also require more than one intervention in a short period of time.

Please contact our office to discuss your case in detail and to plan your visit. You must contact our office directly prior to planning travel and booking accommodation.

How much will it cost?

Our pricing structure is guided by the recommended schedule of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) List of Medical Services and Fees, a public document available from the AMA. Third party agencies, such as hospitals, day surgery facilities or other health professionals, use a fee schedule which is not under the control of this practice. Where the Medicare and health insurance fund rebates do not cover the entire cost of the medical service, the Patient Gap Payment represents the part of the cost of the medical service which you, the patient, will pay yourself. It is likely that you will incur a Patient Gap Payment for medical services at this practice.

This practice supports full financial disclosure as recommended by the AMA and you will receive a full financial quote prior to any intervention.

Do I qualify for any subsidies?

Depending on your point of origin, nationality and reason for referral you may qualify for a number of government subsidies. As an Australian citizen or citizen of a country with reciprocal health care management agreements, you will qualify for a Medicare rebate for some consultation and therapeutic interventions. You may also qualify for the Patient Travel Scheme Subsidy, which may reimburse some of your travel and accommodation costs. Please contact your referring practitioner or health authority for more details.

Can I have this treatment as a public patient?

The decision to go 'public or private' is a personal and financial choice. While there is no difference in the standard of your surgical care, your decision should be based on the value you place on your choice of surgeon, surgical team, health care facility and personal care. Our doctors at Eve Health have public practices at both tertiary women's health care facilities in Brisbane, the Mater Misericordiae Hospital (+61 7 3840 8111) and the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (+61 7 3366 8111). There is no cost to you at any public health facility if you are an Australian citizen. Please contact the Specialist Outpatient Departments at either location for further information.

Accommodation

The following list of accommodation has be compiled to assist you and your family in finding comfortable accommodation during your stay. Should you require any further assistance please contact the hospital for assistance.

Greenslopes Private Hospital

Wesley Private Hospital

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