| WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO MY APPOINTMENT? | When you come to your appointment, please bring the following things.
To save time, fill out our online New Patient Registration Form. If you’re unable to complete this form please arrive fifteen minutes early to complete this form prior to your appointment. |
| HOW MUCH DOES A CONSULATION COST? | The cost of your first consultation is $250 although this in covered in part by your private insurance company. Your first follow up appointment after surgery is complimentary and each subsequent review will incur a cost of $125. |
| WILL I GET A MEDICATE REBATE? | You’ll need to have a current referral from a GP or other specialist to claim a rebate through Medicare for your consultation. Bring your referral and Medicare card to your first appointment. |
| DO I NEED TO PAY FOR THE CONSULTATION AT THE TIME OF MY APPOINTMENT? | Yes, it’s appreciated that you pay for your consultation at the end of your appointment. We have credit card and EFTPOS facilities available for your convenience at the rooms. If you have any questions just call our consultation rooms and we’ll be happy to answer them.
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| DOES MR BARNES CHARGE A GAP FOR SURGICAL PROCEDURES? | The cost of running a quality private practice is becoming increasingly expensive and unfortunately private insurance rebates have not increased at the same rate. Mr Barnes charges a relatively small gap for most surgical procedures, however this may vary depending on the complexity of your operation and level of insurance cover. |
| HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO WAIT BEFORE MY SURGERY IS BOOKED? | If required, you will generally be offered a date for surgery within 2-3 weeks of your first consultation. Emergency procedures for fracture will usually occur within forty-eight hours. |
| HOW LONG WILL MY PROCEDURE TAKE? | Most operations performed by Mr Barnes will take approximately one hour. These include hip replacement, knee replacement, ACL reconstruction and hip arthroscopy. Knee arthroscopy surgery takes approximately thirty minutes, whilst more complicated surgery such as revision procedures may take three hours or more. Mr Barnes will discuss the length of surgery with you at your consultation. |
| HOW LONG WILL I BE IN HOSPITAL AFTER MY SURGERY? | Hospital stays will vary depending on your procedure and each patient. Following is a guide on how long patients can expect to stay in hospital after their procedure. Hip & Knee Replacement – 2 to 4 days ACL Reconstruction – Discharged the day after surgery (after their x-ray) Hip Arthroscopy – 1 Day Knee Arthroscopy – Day procedure |
| WILL I BE ABLE TO WALK AFTER SURGERY? | After surgery you won’t be able to put all your weight through the joint that was operated on, but through the assistance of crutches you will be mobile. This will depend on the procedure you have done, but usually patients leave the hospital on crutches. Your rehabilitation plan will have you moving as soon as possible to assist in providing the best results. |
| WILL I NEED HELP AT HOME AFTER SURGERY? | You’ll need to arrange for family or friends to pick you up from hospital after surgery. You won’t be able to drive for some time, so you may need someone to help with any errands. |
| WILL I NEED TO TAKE TIME OFF WORK? | Yes, you’ll need to arrange with your employer to take sick leave or annual leave. How long you’ll need will depend on your surgery, but Mr Barnes will discuss this with you at your consultation. |
| WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE? | Mr Barnes will be happy to see you without private health insurance. He has a public hospital appointment at The Austin Hospital and will discuss your options for treatment during the consultation. If you do not have private health insurance but still want to treated as a private patient, Mr Barnes can still treat you but you will be required to pay for your surgery in full. |
| DOES MR BARNES SEE PATIENTS WHO ARE INJURED AT WORK (WORKCOVER)? | Yes, Mr Barnes is happy to treat patients who are under Workcover. Please remember to bring your Workcover claim number and details to the first appointment. |
| DOES MR BARNES SEE PATIENTS WHO ARE INJURED AFTER A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT (TAC)? | Yes, Mr Barnes is happy to treat patients who have been injured after a traffic accident. Please remember to bring your TAC claim number and any relevant details to the first appointment. |
| HOW DO I ARRANGE A FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT? | Your follow up appointment will be scheduled at the time of your consultation or surgery. If you need to change an appointment or have any questions just contact the rooms and we’ll be there to help. |
| WHERE DOES MR BARNES OPERATE PRIVATELY? | Mr Barnes operates privately at the Epworth Hospital in Richmond and Warringal Hospital in Heidelberg. He also operates once a week in public at the Austin Hospital in Heidelberg. Click here to see more information about operating locations. |
| WHAT CONDITIONS DOES MR BARNES TREAT? | Mr Barnes specialises in hip and knee orthopaedics. He has a keen interest in revision surgery, the use of robotics and sports medicine. If you’re experiencing hip or knee pain that doesn’t subside with anti-inflammatories or that is impacting you everyday life, Mr Barnes would be happy to see you and discuss treatment options. |
| HOW CAN I CONTACT MR BARNES? | Please ring our rooms on 03 9421 4824 if you need to contact Mr Barnes. Our practice manager Gabriella Bottarelli is very experienced and will be happy to help you. Alternatively, you may email contact@mattbarnes.com.au For any urgent matters contact Epworth Emergency Department at 34 Erin Street Richmond, or your nearest emergency department. |