Patient Care

Physiotherapy

It is common for Arcadian Specialists to refer you to a physiotherapist for conservative management, pre-operative conditioning or post-operative rehabilitation. The physiotherapist are subspecialised and work collectively with your Arcadian Specialist.

You will be seen by a physiotherapist on the ward the day after your surgery. A rehabilitation plan will be provided to you, together with an exercise programme that is appropriate for your procedure. This time is also important to ask questions with your therapist as they will help you understand the best ways to perform your exercises. You will also learn how to shower and dress after surgery, as sometimes it can be difficult. Helpful tips on sleeping and resting to promote your healing in the recovery process is also a valuable question to ask your rehabilitation specialist.

Hand Therapy

It is common for Arcadian Specialists to refer you to a hand therapist for conservative management, pre-operative conditioning or post-operative rehabilitation. The hand therapist are subspecialised and work collectively with your specialist.

You will be seen by a hand therapist the after your surgery. A rehabilitation plan will be provided to you, together with an exercise programme that is appropriate for your procedure. This time is also important to ask questions with your therapist as they will help you understand the best ways to put your splint on and off, when to wear your splint and when to do your exercises. You will also learn how to shower and dress after surgery, as sometimes it can be difficult. Helpful tips on sleeping and resting to promote your healing in the recovery process is also a valuable question to ask your rehabilitation specialist.

Consultation

To ensure your appointment with the specialist is organised and you are prepared for the consultation please take a moment to read through the information below so you understand what may be required of you before you arrive at Arcadian.

MAKING AN APPOINTMENT WITH an arcadian specialist

You can simply call Arcadian on 1300 990 190, Monday to Thursday between the hours of 8am to 5pm, and Fridays between 8am to 4pm, excluding public holidays, to make an appointment.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED AT YOUR APPOINTMENT

You will need to bring a current referral from your general practitioner or referring doctor. This referral provides the Arcadian Specialist with important information regarding your condition, including your medical history, and it also facilitates you to be able to claim part of the consultation fee through Medicare. If you have been referred by your physiotherapist or other allied health professional to see the specialist, you will still need a referral from your general practitioner or other medical practitioner to claim your rebate through Medicare.

SPECIFIC ITEMS YOU WILL NEED TO BRING TO YOUR INITIAL CONSULTATION:

Referral from your general practitioner
Medicare card
Private health insurance card
Radiology (X-rays, CT Scans, MRI and other information relevant to your condition)
Information on previous surgery with another doctor
Workers Compensation claim details (if applicable)

INITIAL CONSULTATION

The Arcadian Specialists and their teams are committed to providing individualised and personalised care. Your first consultation will be longer than your subsequent and post-operative appointments. This allows time for your specialist to examine you and take a medical history. Please make sure you bring to your appointment the following information.

Referral letter from GP.
All X-rays, MRI and CT Scans (any other investigations).
A list of all your medications.
Medicare and other relevant cards (DVA).
Your health fund details.
WorkCover and Third Party patients require your insurer and claim information including claim number and approval paperwork.

SUBSEQUENT CONSULTATION

The Arcadian Specialist may require you to return for a subsequent consultation. This may be to discuss results from investigations or to review your progress and future treatment.

POSTOPERATIVE CONSULTATION

You will be advised of any postoperative consultations when you are provided with your surgery information. These consultations are very important to your recovery following surgery and to discuss your future rehabilitation needs. Generally speaking, these consultations will be conducted with a physiotherapist or hand therapist depending on the procedure.

PAYMENT

Payment is required at the time of your consultation. You may pay by cash, cheque or credit card. Please advise the Arcadian team prior to the consultation if you require your account to sent to a third-party, i.e. WorkCover or other third-party insurance company. You must provide your claim number and details of your ‘Approved’ claim. If a third-party does not accept liability, you will be responsible for the account and may be required to pay for your consultation at the time of your appointment.

CONFIRMATION OF YOUR APPOINTMENT

If you provide a mobile phone number an SMS reminder will be sent out one business day prior to your appointment. Please reply to the SMS to confirm your attendance.

CANCELLING OR RESCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT

Please let us know at least two days prior to your appointment if you need to cancel or reschedule, cancellation fees do apply, as waiting lists for Arcadian Specialists are in high demand.