Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What should I bring when I come for a scheduled consultation appointment?
- Medicare or DVA Card
- Private Health Insurance Details
- A list of your medications and drug allergies
- Copies of your medical records, relevant imaging studies (films or CD and reports)
- Operation reports of any previous surgery related to your current problem
- A friend or family member if possible
Are my medical records kept private and confidential?
Your medical file is handled with the utmost respect for your privacy. Our staff are bound by strict confidentiality requirements as a condition of employment regarding your medical records. We will not release the contents of your medical file without your consent.
Do I need a referral to make an appointment?
Most medical specialists will accept only referred patients. This is partly to try to ensure that the specialist you are seeing is appropriate for your condition, and also because a referral allows you to receive the Medicare rebate. Please fax or email your referral and all relevant results to [javascript protected email address], or call the office on . Prof. Miller personally reviews and triages all referrals. She can organize any further testing or imaging you may need prior to your appointment to maximize the efficiency of your care.
How can my family doctor help me to obtain specialist medical care?
Before seeing any medical specialist, you should talk to your family doctor, or general practitioner (GP), who can discuss your condition with you and advise on whether specialist care is appropriate. He or she can help you choose the specialist best suited to your needs. Your GP can help the specialist to care for you by providing relevant information about your health. If you wish, you can request that your GP refer you to your preferred specialist. You are also entitled to seek a second opinion if you wish.
What should I expect during my first visit?
During your initial visit, Prof. Miller will review your referral, listen to your account of the problem, and ask a number of questions. She will likely examine you, and review any test results that you have. For some problems, the doctor will perform an office ultrasound examination of your neck.
Next Prof. Miller will give you her opinion and recommendations. In some cases you will be reassured and no further investigation or treatment will be required. In other cases she may recommend be further tests, a biopsy, an operation, or other treatment. You will have the opportunity to ask questions to be sure you understand.
If an operation is needed, the doctor will explain the specific procedure, help you understand what it involves, and explain the risks and benefits. Please feel free to ask as many questions as you like.
Prof. Miller will send a detailed letter back to your referring doctor, with copies to any other doctors involved in your care. Good communication between your doctors helps us make sure you receive the best possible care.