Below are some commonly asked question by patients.
Q Do I need a referral to see Dr Madden?
A Yes, as Dr Madden is a Specialist Surgeon, you will need a referral from your Specialist or General Dentist, General or Specialist Medical Practitioner or Allied Health Professional.
Q What do I need to bring to my consultation?
A You will need to bring your referral, Medicare card, Private Health Insurance details ( eg HCF, Medibank Private) or Workcover Reference Details or Claim Number and your X-ray, OPG or CT Scan which has been given to you. We require you to fill out a patient information form and medical history, provide digital xrays and referral in advance to ensure your medical record file can be prepared before you arrive.
Q Am I out of pocket for the Consultation?
A We are moving to prepayment for consultations - initially this will only be for extended consultations.Our staff will advise you on this. There will be an out of pocket expense for your consultation. However, following your consultation, you will be issued with a receipt which can be used to claim a Specialist Consultation rebate from Medicare.
Q Can I receive quotes over the phone before the consultation?
A We are happy to provide an estimate of expenses for common procedures such as removal of teeth or wisdom teeth over the phone. A formal written quote and estimate of fees will be provided at the time or soon after your consultation. The cost of your surgery relates to procedure complexity, your preference and location of surgery (in rooms v in hospital).
Q How long will my consultation last?
A Depending on the level of complexity, the consultation will last between 15-40mins.
Q Can I have a consultation and treatment on the same day?
A If you have an urgent case, or have time constraints, Dr Madden can may be able to offer treatment at the same time as the consultation. This issue needs to be raised with the staff during the time of booking the appointment to allow sufficient time to be put aside and all investigations e.g Xrays, blood tests need to be carried out in advance. It also depends on whether the procedure is straight forward and can be performed in the rooms under local anaesthetic. Dr Madden will ultimately make this decision at the time of booking or consultation.
Q Am I required to pay upfront for my surgery?
A All surgical fees are required to be paid no later than 1-2 weeks prior to the procedure. This process will be explained during the consultation and payment options will be listed on the quote/informed financial consent that will given during the consultation. We are a CASHLESS practice : Visa, Mastercard, Eftpos, Bank Transfer are accepted payment methods - there is a small transaction fee for credit card payments
Q Will there be a fee if I fail to attend an appointment?
A YES - this is part of the agreement when you book to see Dr Madden.
We are a busy practice and try to manage our waiting list quickly and effectively. When you notify us early, we are happy to offer you another appointment. The courtesy of advanced notice gives us an opportunity to allow another patient to take your consultation appointment so it doesn’t go to waste. Unfortunately, it has become increasingly common for people to cancel appointments at the last minute or not show at all. Failing to attend an appointment without at least 1-2 business days (24-48 hours notification) will result in an invoice which will reflect the amount of time that has been set aside for you and the full cost of your consultation. Last minute surgery cancellations will also incur a cancellation fee. Certain circumstances such as illness supported with a formal doctor certificate will allow the fee to be deferred or treatment rescheduled.
Q Do I need to contact the Hospital and Anaesthetist?
A We will contact both the Hospital and Anaesthetist for you after the initial consultation. They will then contact you for payment prior to the procedure. The necessary paperwork will be completed during your consultation and a checklist will be given to you. If you fail to hear from the Hospital or Anaesthetist, you will have the necessary phone numbers to call them before the procedure. Any concerns or questions can be addressed by our staff. Complex medical needs may require a phone consultation with the anaesthetist prior to surgery.
Q How do I claim from my Private Health Insurer?
A After you surgery, you will be issued with a receipt of service listing the date, items numbers and description of services supplied. This can then be used to claim the surgical items from your Health Fund. Dr Madden doesn’t deal directly with any of the Health Insurers. It is the responsibility of the patient to make their own claims to their health fund. Please note As there are thousands of health insurance policy variations there are also a wide range of rebates provided by the funds. Your health insurance level of cover and the rebate is dictated by the policy you have chosen. In the event your injury is work related, we can liaise with your workcover agent once you have established a claim number.
Q Do I need to see Dr Madden again after the surgery?
A SOMETIMES.
Dr Madden will always make another appointment if he feels it is necessary to review you again. Usually it is not necessary for routine oral surgery and our staff will contact you in the post-operative period to ensure healing is progressing well. Complex jaw surgery, facial trauma and dental implant surgery will have scheduled post operative appointments. If you have any concerns, you should not hesitate to contact the practice. Written instructions about post operative care will be given to you at the time of surgery for you to review and with emergency after hours contact details. Please refer to the patient information section in this website for post operative questions and advice.
Q If I don’t have Private Health Insurance can I still be treated?
A YES - You can most certainly be treated by Dr Madden if you aren’t privately insured. All surgical fees with be given in the form of a quotation during the initial consultation. Hospital and Anaesthetic fees will be given as an estimate and can be confirmed by contacting both parties on the phone numbers provided during the consultation.
Q How long after surgery before I can return to work?
A After oral surgery we suggest between 1-7 days rest depending on the complexity of surgery and type of work you do.
A single tooth extraction may allow for you to return to work the next day.
Multiple wisdom teeth usually requires on average 5-7 days rest.
After complex jaw surgery and facial trauma we suggest a period of 2-4 weeks off work.
Q Can I get a medical certificate for time off work?
A Yes, please request a medical certificate on the day of surgery if it is required.
Q Which hospitals does Dr Madden work at?
A
Chris O’Brien Lifehouse
119-143 Missenden Road, Camperdown 2050
(Cnr Missenden and Salisbury Rd)
Ph: (02) 8514 0000
https://www.mylifehouse.org.au
Ramsay Surgical Centre, Miranda
Level 1, 533 Kingsway, Miranda, 2228
Ph: (02) 97170700
www.ramsaysurgicalcentremiranda.com.au
Kareena Private Hospital
86 Kareena Rd, Caringbah, 2229
Ph:(02) 9171 0000
Sydney Surgical Centre, Randwick
Level 1/166-168 Belmore Rd, Randwick NSW 2031
Ph: (02)93998844
www.curagroup.com.au/hospital/sydney-surgical-centre/patient-information/
St George Private Hospital
1 South Street , Kogarah NSW 2217
Ph: (02) 9598 5555
Fax: (02) 9598 5000
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Respiratory Links
Woolcock Institute of Medical Research
431 Glebe Point Road, Glebe NSW 2037
Ph. (02) 9114 0000
North Shore Private Sleep Laboratory
Short Stay Unit, Level 1
North Shore Private Hospital
3 Westbourne St
ST LEONARDS NSW 2065
Ph: 02 8425 3713
Fax Number: 02 8425 3194
http://www.northshoreprivate.com.au/Our-Services/sleep-laboratory.aspx
All of these hospitals have comprehensive arrangements with all of the major health funds. Please contact the hospital directly for information regarding your hospital based expenses.