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 most operations for most patients (depending on your health fund) there will be a “gap” to pay.

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

• Preparing for Surgery

  If you are required to book surgery, our reception staff will talk you through the process. They will assist you in finding a suitable date for your procedure and guide you through the paperwork required by the relevant hospital. Please ensure that you have all relevant personal information with you, e.g. Medicare and Health Insurance Details.

  Patients undergoing surgery at John Flynn Private hospital will be notified by Dr Graze’s rooms of their Admission & Fasting time via SMS 1-2 days prior to the procedure.

  Patients undergoing surgery at the Tweed or Murwillumbah Public Hospital will need to contact the relevant hospital for their Admission & Fasting times.

  Patients required to Cease Medication [Anti-Coagulation / Diabetes Medication] prior to their procedure will be advised by Dr Graze’s rooms &/or your prescribing Doctor [Cardiologist / Endocrinologist / General Practioner] of when to cease.

  If you are undergoing a Total Joint Replacement [Hip, Knee or Shoulder], Dr Graze requires the printed copy of your X-Ray films [electronic images are not suitable] in order for your procedure to proceed. If you do not have the physical films, please contact the relevant Radiology branch where you had your scans & arrange to have them printed for you to take with you to the hospital on the day of your procedure.

  Some procedures require attendance at a pre-admission clinic. Patients undergoing surgery at John Flynn Hospital will be advised by Dr Graze’s rooms of the date and times of the relevant clinic. Patients undergoing surgery at the Tweed or Murwillumbah Hospitals will be advised by the relevant hospital.

  When you shower in preparation for your surgery, please do not use any perfume, deodorant or apply makeup. Patients should refrain from wearing nail polish. All jewellery should be removed, and valuable items left at home.

  If your surgery requires overnight admission, you should take the following to hospital with you:

  • Toiletries
  • Pyjamas
  • Comfortable Clothing
  • Medicare, Health Insurance Information
• Following Surgery

  All patients MUST attend a post-operative wound check with Dr Graze and his nurse [John Flynn Shoulder surgery patients will also see our Physiotherapist]. This occurs on a Friday morning ONLY in Dr Graze’s rooms [approx. 2 weeks post surgery]. We recommend that patients allow up to 2 hours for this appointment. 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 so 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]