Glucosamine And Chondroitin Sulphate
	How Long Will My Appointment Take?
	Infection At Site Of Joint Replacement
	Medical Management Of Osteoarthritis
	Osteoporosis
	Popliteal Or Baker's Cysts
	Smoking & Surgery
	What Should I Expect During My First Visit?
	What's Not Covered By Medicare?

HOW LONG WILL MY APPOINTMENT TAKE?

No two patient visits are exactly alike. The length of your consultation will depend on the complexity of your condition and whether further investigations or hospital admission will be required. Your time is valuable and we make every effort to run on time. As you can imagine, emergencies occur that cause scheduling delays beyond our control. We apologize in advance if we keep you waiting.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY FIRST VISIT?

During your first visit your Orthopaedic surgeon will ask you a series of questions about your complaint and about your health, activities and general lifestyle. He will study past tests or treatments that you have had and possibly refer you for further diagnostic tests. Once you return with the test results he will then inform you of your diagnosis and discuss the appropriate treatment with you. The doctor will explain the details of any specific procedure you might need and discuss the risks and alternative treatment options with you.

WHAT'S NOT COVERED BY MEDICARE?

Medicare does not cover such things as the following...

• Private patient hospital costs (for example, operating theatre fees or accommodation).
  
• Medical costs for which someone else is responsible, for example, a compensation insurer, an employer, a government or government authority).
  
• Medical services which are not clinically necessary.
  
• Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, eye therapy, chiropractic services, podiatry or psychology.
  
• The cost of prostheses.
  
• Medicines.
  
• Medical and hospital costs incurred overseas.
  
• Dental examinations and treatment.
  
• Ambulance services.
  
• Home nursing.
  
• Acupuncture (unless part of a doctor's consultation).
  
• Glasses and contact lenses.
  
• Hearing aids and other appliances.
  
• Surgery solely for cosmetic reasons.
  
• Examinations for life insurance, superannuation or membership of a friendly society.
  

Private health insurance can be arranged to cover many of these services.