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Some Information for patients who's GP wants them to see
a specialist
What to ask your GP
- Why do you think that I need to see a specialist?
- Why are you choosing this particular specialist?
- How much experience does he/she have in treating my type of health
problem?
- Does he/she work at both public and private hospitals?
- How can I make an appointment with the specialist?
- If I do need to be admitted to hospital, how long will I have
to wait?
- If the specialist you have referred me to has a lengthy waiting
time for admission, is there another specialist you can recommend
who can admit me sooner?
- How do I find out how much it will cost to see the specialist?
What to ask the Specialist
It is likely that most of the following questions will be discussed
at the time of consultation with your specialist, but it's a good idea
to use the questions as a checklist.
Note that some of these questions relate only to surgeons.
- What may happen to me if I do not have the procedure you suggest?
- Can you describe exactly what you intend to do?
- How necessary is this procedure?
- How urgent is this procedure?
- How long will I have to wait for my procedure?
- How long do you expect the procedure to take?
- What type of anaesthetic will I need to have, general or local?
- What are the risks associated with the procedure?
- What are the risks associated with the anaesthetic?
- Will I need a blood transfusion?
- Will you or someone else be performing the actual operation?
- At which hospital will the operation be done?
- Do you do many of these operations?
- Will I need any tests before the operation? What are they?
- Is there anything I should or should not do before my operation?
- How long will I be in hospital?
- What happens after the operation?
- How can I expect to feel after the operation?
- What sort of follow up care will I need after I leave hospital?
- How long will I be away from work or unable to perform the routine
tasks that I now do?
- How much will it cost me? (operation, tests, post-op visits, total)
- Are there any alternatives to the surgery for me?
- What should I do if my condition gets worse while I am waiting
for the surgery?
What can I do if I am unhappy about my waiting time?
If you feel that your condition has deteriorated, your GP may be able
to discuss your situation with your specialist or refer you back to
your specialist for a reassessment of your condition. Your specialist
may choose to alter your urgency category which may reduce your waiting
time.
If you require advice on your waiting time, you may
contact the Area Health Service or Hospital Waiting Time Coordinator
who will be able to provide you with current information.
If you have private health insurance or the ability to
pay, you may wish to consider having your procedure undertaken in a
private hospital. If you are exploring this option, it is advisable
to discuss the fees with your specialist.
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