Question 1

How do I make an appointment?

Accepted Answer

A referral from a General Practitioner or Specialist is required prior to any appointments being made. Sending the referral by fax or email.

Question 2

How long will it take to get an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Appointments are triaged based on clinical urgency. Hence a referral is required prior to anything being made. We will endeavour to book you as soon as possible.

Question 3

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

A referral from a General Practitioner or Specialist is required. This referral should have been sent to us prior to making any appointments. Prior to your appointment you will have completed patient information forms and medical information, these should have been sent to us beofre the day of your appointment, if not please ensure you bring them with you to your appointment.

Question 4

Do I need to bring any imaging with me to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

On most occasions Neurosurgery+Spine will be able to access your imaging if it was done at one of the larger private radiology companies in Adelaide. If this was not the case and imaging was done interstate or at a smaller radiology company, please contact us prior to your appointment. We will endeavour to access this imaging prior to your appointment to ensure that everything goes as smooth as possible.

Question 5

What can I claim from my health fund?

Accepted Answer

For the consultation, you receive a Medicare rebate. Your health insurance does not provide any rebate for outpatient consultations.  
Your health fund will be used when admitting to hospital, either for injections under neurolept sedation or surgical intervention.

Question 6

How much will surgery cost?

Accepted Answer

Surgery costs will be discussed at the time of consenting for surgery. They are based on the type of procedure you are having done.

Question 7

Can I continue to take all medications, other than blood thinning medications prior to surgery?"

Accepted Answer

You can continue to take regular medications as long as they are not blood thinning, as normal. You may also continue to take anti-inflammatories eg. Voltaren, Nurofen, Brufen. If you are diabetic  please contact your anaesthetist.

Question 8

Why would my surgery be cancelled / postponed?

Accepted Answer

If you are unwell for any other reasons eg. chest infection, urine injection, cold, it would be best to postpone your surgery. If your symptoms in which you were having the surgery for have resolved or got better please notify us.

Question 9

When can I drive following surgery?

Accepted Answer

Usually you will be able to drive after 2-3 weeks following surgery. If you have bigger operations such as fusion operations, this time will be longer and will be based on your progress after surgery.

Question 10

When can I fly home follow surgery?

Accepted Answer

If you have had spinal surgery, flying home can occur about a week post surgery.  
For brain surgery, this time frame alters significantly based on your condition. Usually you will be unable to fly for 4-6 weeks post surgery.

Question 11

When can I return to work?

Accepted Answer

Return to work will be based on your surgery and recovery. Most people will be able to return to work 3-4 weeks post surgery.

Frequently asked questions