What do I bring to my appointment?
Your Medicare card and debit or credit card. Please pre-fill your patient registration online prior to your appointment. You can enter your personal details, a summary of your medical conditions, what medications you take (including any 6-monthly injections for osteoporosis) and your private health fund details via this online patient registration form. By pre-filling the online registration form, you do not need to bring as much information to your appointment as you will have already sent it through.
Why do I need a referral?
A referral helps us understand how we can help you. Often your Dentist or GP will have known you for a while and understands the problem and the history of the problem you need help with quite well. They will be able to summarise the issue with medical language that reduces the risk of a miscommunication and ensures you get the most out of your appointment. Further, as Dr El-Atem is a medical specialist as well as a dental specialist, he can bill Medicare for consultations. This reduces the amount that you need to pay for your consultation as Medicare will pay a portion. To access this benefit, Medicare requires that you have a valid referral from your GP, Dentist or other specialist. So, if you have a referral, it ends up cheaper for you!
Why do I need an Xray prior to my appointment?
Often, we will need either an OPG or CT (types of Xray/scans) prior to your appointment. Sometimes your Dentist or GP will have arranged a different type of Xray. Depending on what your problem is from your referral, you may need a different type of Xray or scan for your consultation. If we arrange this prior to your first appointment, we can do more during the first appointment and reduce the number of consultation appointments you will need.
When are payments for a procedure due?
Payments for a procedure are due 7 days (or 5 working days) prior to your planned procedure date.