What to Bring
Referral from your GP : all patients require a current referral in order to claim back some fees from Medicare . We will ask you to send this through in advance if possible, by fax or email. This will make your visits more efficient for you and streamline obtaining your results.
GP referrals usually last 12 months, however, you can secure an indefinite referral if you have a chronic condition.
Referrals from other specialists only last 3 months.
All current and previous Xrays/MRIs/Ct scans : please do not rely on your GP or the imaging practice to send your films in, as often they will not arrive in time for your appointment . Please make an effort to locate your films and bring them to your appointment on the day, as this will ensure the most accurate consultation and save time in the long run.
Medicare card/DVA card
Private insurance details
Any letters/results/ previous operation information/ pathology : the more information your doctor has available on the day the more accurate your assessment will be. If you have a health summary, please bring this with you. Also, any information about your family history of cancer would be useful.
A list of your current medications
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On The Day: What to expect
Please arrive 10 minutes early if you are a new patient: you need to complete registration details and need to review our privacy and fee policies. We will make a great effort to run to time but unfortunately some unforseen delays may happen.
Privacy Policy: appropriate and accurate medical care involves the careful sharing of information between practitioners involved in your management. Our duty of care involves all staff at VBOC, who take your privacy seriously. You will be asked to review and sign our privacy policy.
Fee Policy: fees charged have been determined after a careful review of practice costs and other relevent and material information. Our team is committed to high quality care which is timely and reflects best practice. This is not a bulk billing practice; in occasional, unusual circumstances this may be varied after consideration. All details of charges can be provided in advance, including informed financial consent for any procedures required. You will be asked to pay on the day for your consultation, as a way of minimising our costs to help reduce fees charged.
Support person: often having " another set of ears " to listen to information and results is very valuable. We encourage you to bring a trusted family member or friend with you. If you need a procedure, or matters are complex, small children can be distracting, so please consider not bringing children to your appointment.
Imaging/Biopsies: if needed, we will try to book these to follow your appointment. If you are coming due to a breast issue, don't wear deodorant on the day in case further mammography is needed.
What is a Biopsy?: a biopsy is a sample of tissue, taken either freehand (by your specialist) or under imaging guidance. The purpose of the biopsy is to help your doctor reach an accurate diagnosis.
If something can't be felt but can only be seen on an Xray or an ultrasound, these are then used to guide the radiologist to the correct spot and get an accurate sample. This will usually be done under local anaesthetic (numbing the skin but you are awake). You may experience minor discomfort after the biopsy, which is easily managed with some paracetamol and an ice pack. You will be able to work and drive after this sort of sample.
Results will usually be available within 48 hours.
