Surgery

Surgery Information

• Are there out of pocket costs for surgery?

  The costs of surgery in Australia are complicated and depend on many variables including the type of condition being treated, its severity, the type of operation being performed, what is done during surgery as well as other variables such as which health fund you belong to, whether you are covered by DVA or WorkCover and sometimes to which hospital you are admitted.

  For the majority of patients there will be a “gap” to pay (usually no more than $500 dependent on your health fund/level of cover).

  An estimate of your medical costs will be provided by our Practice Manager. You will need to contact your health fund  to confirm your coverage of the relevant item numbers, along with any additional possible out of pocket costs.

• Surgery has been recommended, what is my next step?

  If following your consultation with Dr Graze surgery has been recommended, our reception staff will talk you through the process.

  • For patients undergoing surgery at John Flynn Private Hospital, our reception staff will assist you in finding a suitable date for your procedure. You will then receive the following emails in relation to your booking:

  • For patients undergoing surgery at the Tweed or Murwillumbah Public Hospital/s you will need to complete the “Recommendation for Admission” Booklet, which once processed will ensure your place on the surgical waitlist.
    • (for more information please visit “How do I join an elective surgery waitlist“)

   

• Preparing for Surgery at John Flynn Private Hospital

  You have now booked a surgical date with Dr Graze, once our reception staff have finalised the booking you will receive the following information via email (if you do not have a valid email this will be posted)

  • Confirmation of Surgery Booking (this includes all pre & post operative appointments as deemed necessary by Dr Graze along with other relevant information)
    • Admission Date
    • Imaging / Films required
    • Pre Operative Clinic – Shoulder Surgery ONLY
    • Pre Admission Clinic – Joint Replacements ONLY
    • Post Operative Wound Check
    •  Rehabilitation options post surgery

  •  Informed Financial Consent
    • This includes an estimate of medical costs including your out-of pocket “gap” fees
    • Confirmation of ceasing of medication/s if required
    • Rehabiitation Information brochures – Usually Joint Replacements

  •  Pre & Post Information Brochures (this includes information brochures relevant to your procedure)
    • JFH Admission guide
    • Pre-Operative Procedure Guide
    • Anaesthetic Information
    • Pre-Op Showering
    • Care of your Incision
    • Post Operative Guidelines

  •  Pre-Operative Checklist
    • “Potential reasons your procedure may be delayed” which needs to be completed and submitted
• Preparing for Surgery at Tweed / Murwillumbah Public Hospital

  You have completed a “Recommendation for Admission” (RFA) booklet to be placed on the elective waitlist for surgery in the NSW Public Hospital System at the Tweed or Murwillumbah Hospital/s and the process will proceed as follows:

  • Your surgery booking will be processed by Hospital Bookings (located at the Tweed Hospital) on receipt of your RFA. They will then contact you directly to confirm your place on the elective waitlist (usually by post)
  • Prior to your admission you may be required to attend a Pre Admission Clinic either in person or over the phone. The relevant hospital will contact you directly to arrange this.
  • The day before your admission you will be required to contact the relevant hospital for your Admission & Fasting times

  Fore more information please visit “Surgical Services – The Tweed Hospital”

• My surgery has been completed, what is next?

  All patients MUST attend a post-operative wound check in Dr Graze’s rooms with our Nurse.

  Patients who underwent surgery at John Flynn Hospital will also see our Physiotherapist.

  This clinic  occurs on a Monday morning ONLY in Dr Graze’s rooms [approx. 10-14 days post surgery].

  If you transfer to Inpatient Rehabilitation, Dr Graze will review you at John Flynn Hospital 2 weeks post surgery.

  If you have been asked to wear a sling or brace, please do as instructed.

  Some procedures mean you are unable to drive for up to 6 weeks, you will be advised by Dr Graze if this is relevant to your procedure.

  Prior to discharge from hospital, you will be given post-operative instructions. Please follow these closely as it will have a great impact on your recovery.

  Information in relation to post-operative exercises for shoulder surgery will be made available on our website, simply follow the link supplied by our reception staff. You should also take a copy of the post-operative instructions to any consultations you may have with your GP or physiotherapist following the procedure.

  Some patients may need ongoing physiotherapy and support prior to returning home in the form of Rehabilitation. If rehabilitation is required it will be discussed with you during your hospital stay.

  You will then be visited by a member of the Rehabilitation Team and they will provide you with all relevant Information and options:

  • Inpatient Rehabilitation [For surgery in the Private and Public Hospitals]
  • Outpatient Rehabilitation [For surgery in the Private and Public Hospitals]
  • In-Home Rehabilitaiton [For surgery in the Private Hospital Only]