FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a referral?
Under the Medicare guidelines, if a patient does not have a referral or it is not current then Medicare will not pay any refund. It is a good idea to check with the Reception staff prior to your appointment or when booking in for a follow up consultation, that your referral is current. Please also note that GP referrals are valid for 12 months and Specialist referrals are valid for 3 months.
How do I schedule an appointment?
In order to schedule an appointment with the Urologist, you will need to obtain a referral from your General Practitioner or treating Specialist. This will outline the medical difficulties you are experiencing and gives the Specialist an idea of what is happening with your urological care.
All referrals must be received at the rooms before an appointment can be made. The referral will be triaged according to urgency and our staff will contact you directly to schedule an appointment with the Specialist. Sometimes the Specialist will request further imaging on our patients before they attend our rooms. If additional imaging is required, you will be advised.
What do I bring with me to my appointment?
As outlined above, it is important to bring a valid referral from your GP or Specialist to your appointment with Dr Hazratwala if you don't already have one currently in the system. It is also important for you to bring along your Medicare card or DVA card. Please also bring to your appointment any relevant imaging in the form of X-rays, CT scans or MRI's. It is also important to bring with you to your appointment, any pertinent test results or other relevant investigations that you have undertaken as well as a list of your current medications.
What are the fees?
The standard fee schedule charged at Northern Urology Clinic is in line with the Australian Medical Association recommended fee. This means that in most cases there will be a GAP or 'Out of Pocket' cost. In the event that you are booked in for a procedure you will be provided with a complete written estimate of the costs of your procedure by our Reception staff. We urge you however, to contact your private health insurance provider to obtain further clarification on your level of cover and hence what your rebate will be following any surgery.
What if I need to cancel an appointment?
Please telephone the office during business hours and allow at least 1 day's notice so that we can offer your appointment time to patients on our waiting list.
We recognise that your time is valuable, and we make every effort to run on time. Occasionally emergencies or patients require a little more time than anticipated, and these may cause scheduling delays beyond our control. We apologise if we keep you waiting.
Do you arrange patient travel to appointments?
Travelling to appointments is the patient's responsibility. Our staff do not arrange transport. If you are required to travel for your appointment, please contact your local travel department at your local hospital and obtain travel information and assistance.
Do you arrange accommodation for patients in Townsville?
Accommodation arrangements for treatment are the patient's responsibility. If you are required to travel to Townsville for inpatient treatment, the Mater Hospital has accommodation across from the hospital for use by carers/relatives. This is not available for attendances at outpatient appointments. Please contact the Mater Hospital on 4727 4444 for further information.
Can I see the Urologist privately if I don't have private health insurance?
Yes. You can see the Private Urologist even if you don't have private health insurance. You will be given an appointment and cost will be advised. Payment is required on the day of the consultation for all patients.
Can I have a procedure performed by the Urologist if I don't have private health insurance?
Yes. An uninsured patient can be treated in a private hospital by the Urologist however there will be a cost involved for the Doctor, the Hospital and Anaesthetist (if required). Payment for all surgical procedures (insured or uninsured) is required prior to treatment and part of the Urologist invoice may be claimable from Medicare. Costs for treatment will be advised by the practice staff, however hospital and other expenses will need to be checked with the hospital directly.