Preparing for your Hospital Procedure

Dr Sarah Tolerton

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Post Operative Instructions

Dr Sarah Tolerton

HAND SURGERY

SKIN EXCISION IN HOSPITAL

SKIN EXCISION IN PROCEDURE ROOMS

FAQ’s

Dr Sarah Tolerton

How do I make an appointment and do I need a referral?

Please call the rooms on 02 9399 8799 to make an appointment. A referral is necessary to claim any Medicare rebates available for your consultation. It also provides useful background information on your health condition for Dr Tolerton and initiates communication between Dr Tolerton and your primary care physician or GP.

If you are a WorkCover patient and won’t be claiming through Medicare, a referral is not vital.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Please bring any investigations that have been performed including the reports. This may include x-rays, ultrasound, CT, MRI, blood tests or histopathology.

How long after my consultation can I have surgery?

If you are ready for your planned procedure, we will endeavour to fit you in as soon as possible. In most cases this is within a week. If you have a traumatic injury, this can often be arranged the same or following day.

Where will Dr Tolerton perform my surgery?

Dr Tolerton operates privately at St Luke’s Private Hospital in Potts Point, Sydney Surgical Centre in Randwick and Prince of Wales Private Hospital in Randwick.

Minor procedures under local anaesthesia may be performed by Dr Tolerton at the onsite facility at Randwick Plastic Surgery.

She is also currently appointed at Sydney Hospital Hand Unit, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney Children’s Hospital and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

What are your procedure fees?

Fees vary depending on the procedure you require. A personalised quote will be provided to you following your consultation once the details of your procedure have been finalised.

Which costs will my private health insurance cover?

This varies between health funds and the procedure required. Health insurance will often cover the majority of your hospital fees and a small portion of your Surgeon and Anaesthetist fees. The “gap” will be discussed during your informed financial consent.

To find out more, contact your health fund with the medicare item number/s for your planned procedure and they will inform you if you are covered under your policy. The medicare item number/s that relate to your surgery will be advised following your consultation.

Do I have to pay a hospital excess?

Despite your health fund covering the hospital fees for your procedure, you may still have a policy excess fee to pay to the hospital on admission. This fee may be up to $500 and your health fund can advise you in advance if this will be payable.

How long will it take to recover from my procedure?

Recovery varies greatly between patients and procedures performed. It is tailored to your work, activity levels and the procedure you have. Expected recovery will be discussed at your initial consultation and you will provided with further information at the time of your surgery.

I can’t find my question on this list...

Please do not hesitate to contact us on 02 9399 8799 or email info@randwickplasticsurgery.com.au