Your first consultation.
What do I need to bring?
At your first consultation our staff will ask you to complete a new patient questionnaire, this will allow the practise to register you and will save you time when you arrive.
You can download the Patient Registration Form and email it to us ahead of time if you prefer.
Please bring with you your Medicare and any private health insurance details, as well as copies of any medical imaging (X–rays, Ultrasounds, CT scans, MRI scans) that you might have. We also kindly request that you have an up to date referral from your GP or healthcare provider.
What will happen at the first consultation?
Our dedicated team of orthopaedic specialists will assess your condition and create a detailed management plan for your specific needs. Our surgeons will consider you as a whole human, and tailor their advice and treatment to what suits you, and your life. This could involve surgery, or non-surgical management.
From there, we will provide you all the information required for any upcoming treatments, as well as what to expect down the line.
Do you offer telehealth?
During the COVID-19 period, surgeons at Victorian Bone & Joint Specialists are able to offer Telehealth services, which allow for video consultations over the internet. We can arrange for an initial assessment to be done for patients via Telehealth, then decide from that point the next step in management. Similarly, for routine follow-up we are able to arrange for a Telehealth consultation. This drastically improves time spent on travel, fuel costs, parking costs, accommodation expenses, multiple consultations etc. If would like to have a Telehealth consultation please call our rooms.
Requirements for telehealth consultations
Telehealth is a major advance for thousands of rural patients and patients who are limiting contact during the COVID-19 period, but it does require a few things to get organised ahead of time:
A Valid Referral: You are required to email (practicemanager@vbjs.com.au) or fax through a valid referral from your GP prior to your scheduled appointment.
A Completed and Returned Patient Registration Form
Imaging and X Rays: The surgeons will need to see copies of your imaging to make a correct assessment of your problem. Please ensure that you have sent through a copy of your imaging digitally/online, or that you have scanned and sent through your images. This MUST BE the actual images not the report. Please contact the rooms ahead of time to ensure that we have received all the correct imaging.
A Smartphone or Computer: You need to be able to run Skype with a steady internet connection
Skype: Skype is a video conferencing app that is free to download from the app store or online, you are required to register this application prior to your scheduled appointment. https://www.skype.com/en/
Dr Slattery’s Skype ID is: drdavidslattery@gmail.com
Dr Stevens’ Skype ID is: drjarradstevens@hotmail.com
A Quiet Location: Please arrange for your Telehealth appointment to occur in a quiet place, eg home office or similar, where there won’t be interruptions and you will be able to hear, and be heard without distraction.
Eligibility
Patients across Australia are eligible for a telehealth consultation under Medicare.
