FAQs

Some common patient questions and answers.

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General questions

COVID-19 UPDATE:  If there are any changes to your appointment, we will be in contact with you to make the necessary arrangements. We appreciate your patience during this busy time as we work through the lists and contact everyone. 

If you have a question that has not already been answered below, please contact us via the number above.

General questions

Can I claim from my private health insurance for a consultation?

No as it is an outpatient service. Your health insurance will only cover inpatient or day admission stays.

Can I claim on the payment for the nurse appointment/prep kit?

It is not claimable through Medicare. It may be claimable or partially claimable through your private health insurance however not every fund will do this. You will need to phone your health fund for more information.

Can I have chocolate whilst on the low fibre diet?

You can have plain chocolate (i.e. no nuts/fruit)

Can I have sugar whilst on the clear fluid diet?

Yes

Can I request scripts over the phone?

Where possible it is best to obtain scripts from your GP. If you do need to get a script from one of our Dr’s we require at least 48 hours notice. Our Drs are not always in the rooms and cannot always do them at short notice. There may be a charge of up to $20 for an over the phone script. This is at the discretion of the Dr. This is to be paid before the script is released. Scripts can be posted in some circumstances.  It is for this reason, it is important that you ask the Dr during your consultation for all required scripts.

Can I take pain killers whilst on the low fibre diet and/or clear fluids diet? 

Yes, you can take paracetamol (eg. Panadol) while on clear fluids or on the morning of your procedure with a sip of water.  No other pain medication is recommended (you can discuss this further with the practice nurse if required).

Do I need a referral if Dr Devereaux/Walsh/Zhou requests that I come back for the follow up appointment?

You will need to have a current referral on file for every appointment. This is the same for any specialist that you visit to ensure you receive your Medicare rebate.

Do I need a referral?

Yes. To obtain a rebate from Medicare you require a current referral. Most referrals come from a GP or a specialist.  It is the patients responsibility to ensure there is a current referral on file.

 

Do I need to see the nurse before a colonoscopy?

Yes. If it has been 12 months or longer since your last colonoscopy with Digestive Diseases Queensland, it is practice policy for you to have a consultation with our practice nurse a minimum of 5 days before your procedure.

How do I obtain the results following my procedure?

Your referring Dr will receive copies of all reports and results.  If further discussion or investigation is required, one of our Drs or our practice nurses, will be in contact with you post procedure.

I am a DVA patient. Is there a cost for the prep appointment and/or prep kit?

We are unable to bill this straight to DVA as there is no item number. Our arrangement with DVA is to charge you $25 to be paid on the day. We will give you a receipt which you can then take to DVA to obtain your rebate.

Is payment required on the day?

We require payment on the day of your consultation. If you see one of our Drs at Chermside Day Hospital or St Andrew’s Hospital, the reception staff will take cash/chq or your credit card details and the payment will then be processed in our St Vincent's rooms on the next business day. We will then post a receipt in the mail.

Is white wine a ‘clear fluid’?

Yes, white wine is classified as a clear fluid however in moderation please.

What are the fees involved with having a procedure? 

The hospital account is payable on the day of your procedure. If you have private health insurance, it is always a good idea to confirm that you are firstly covered as a private patient in the chosen private hospital and secondly that you are covered for the procedures.  If yes, you will usually only pay your private health insurance excess on the day of your procedure if applicable.  Our practice participates in the no-gap cover scheme for selected procedures for private patients and therefore accounts for those procedures will be forwarded directly to your health fund.  For all other procedures, an account will be forwarded to you directly. 

If you do not have private health insurance the hospital account is payable on admission and is non rebatable through Medicare.  To obtain a quote for the hospital account please contact the hospital you will be attending.

What constitutes a clear fluid?

If you can see through it, and it is a liquid, then it is considered a clear fluid. Clear fluids include coffee and tea without  milk, clear soup/bonox, fruit flavoured cordial not coloured red or purple or any bright colours, plain jelly not coloured red or purple or any bright colours, staminade, lemonade, lemonade or clear ice blocks, strained apple or grape juice without pulp.

What if I can’t make my procedure?

We understand that sometimes things come up that are outside of your control. It is essential that you ring our rooms as soon as you know that you can’t make it. We need as much notice as possible to ensure that the theatre lists run sequentially with minimal gaps.

What if I need to cancel my consultation?

We understand that sometimes things come up that are outside of your control. We do require as much notice as possible (preferably at least 24 hours) if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment as this appointment time could be offered to another patient. Please be advised that if you reschedule an appointment you will be offered the next available appointment. Please be advised that if you do cancel your appointment within the 24 hours or do not arrive for your appointment you may be charged a cancellation fee. This is at the discretion of the doctor.

Will I be told when I need a new referral?

It is the responsibility of the patient to obtain a new referral. Our receptionist will endeavour to inform you if you do require a new one for your next visit, however, this is not always possible. If you are unsure, please ask our reception staff when booking your appointment.

When will my referral expire?

Referrals from GP’s last 12 months from the date that you first see the Dr and referrals from specialists last 3 months.  Referrals have to be used for an initial appointment within 12 months of the written referral date.