Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions, Answered
We understand that navigating orthopaedic care can raise many questions. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions our patients ask. If you have a question that isn’t covered here, please don’t hesitate to contact our team — we’re here to help.
Do I need surgery, or are there non-surgical treatment options?
Not all orthopaedic conditions require surgery. Many problems can be successfully managed with non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, exercise programs, medications, injections, or activity modification. Your specialist will assess your condition and discuss all appropriate options with you before recommending surgery.
What happens if I decide not to have surgery?
In some cases, symptoms may improve with non-surgical treatments. In others, the condition may remain stable or gradually worsen over time. Your surgeon will explain the likely natural progression of your condition so you can make an informed decision about whether surgery is the right choice for you.
What are the risks and complications of orthopaedic surgery?
All surgeries carry some risk. Possible complications may include infection, bleeding, blood clots, nerve or blood vessel injury, stiffness, persistent pain, or the need for further surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the specific risks associated with your procedure, so you fully understand them before proceeding.
What happens if my surgery does not achieve the expected outcome?
While most patients experience improvement, no surgery can guarantee a specific result. If your outcome is not as expected, your surgeon will review your progress, investigate possible causes, and discuss further treatment options if required.
How do I get an appointment with a TOC specialist?
All patients require a referral from their GP. Further information from any treating healthcare professionals is also very helpful to provide. Once you have a referral, you can contact our rooms to schedule an appointment. Our team will guide you to the most appropriate specialist for your condition.
Which surgeon should I see for my condition?
Orthopaedic surgeons often specialise in specific areas such as knee, hip, shoulder, spine, hand, or sports injuries. If you are unsure which specialist is most appropriate, our team can review your referral and help direct you to the right surgeon.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
Please ensure you have completed your patient registration either via our portal, or form. Ensure you have sent us your referral, any relevant imaging X-rays, MRI, CT scans and reports. Previous operative reports or medical records can also be helpful.
Will I need imaging before or after my appointment?
In many cases, imaging such as X-rays or MRI scans helps your surgeon diagnose your condition. Most often it is helpful for your GP to arrange some imaging before your appointment. If additional imaging is needed, your specialist will organise this after assessing you.
Where will my surgery be performed, and how long will I stay in hospital?
Surgery will be performed at a private hospital. Our specialists work at a large range of private hospitals. We can advise you on which hospitals each specialist operates at. The length of stay depends on the procedure and your individual recovery. Some procedures are day surgeries, while others may require one or more nights in hospital.
What fees and out-of-pocket costs should I expect?
Costs can vary depending on the procedure, hospital, specialist and anaesthetist and whether you have private health insurance. Our team will provide you with information about fees and potential out-of-pocket costs before surgery so you can plan accordingly.
Do you accept patients without private health insurance?
Yes. However appointments for uninsured patients are limited. There will be a longer waiting period for patients without private health insurance. Waiting periods will be discussed with you prior to committing to an appointment.
Do you accept private health insurance, WorkCover, TAC, or DVA?
We see patients with private health insurance as well as those covered by WorkCover, TAC, and DVA. Please let our team know your coverage when booking so we can advise you on the appropriate process, documentation and fees.
How long is recovery, and will I need physiotherapy or rehabilitation?
Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery and your overall health. Many orthopaedic procedures benefit from physiotherapy or rehabilitation to restore movement, strength, and function. Your surgeon will outline a recovery plan tailored to your procedure.
When can I return to work, driving, or exercise?
The timeline for returning to normal activities depends on your specific procedure and individual recovery progress. Your surgeon and care team will provide personalised guidance on when it is safe to return to work, resume driving, and gradually reintroduce exercise and physical activity.
Who do I contact if I have concerns after surgery?
If you have concerns after surgery, please contact our rooms during business hours. If you experience urgent symptoms such as severe pain, fever, or swelling, you should seek immediate medical attention or attend your nearest emergency department.
Can I get a second opinion?
Yes. Seeking a second opinion is common and can help you feel confident in your treatment plan. If you would like a second opinion, your GP can refer you to another orthopaedic specialist.