Do I need a referral?
A valid Medicare referral is required to claim a Medicare rebate and also mandatory if you choose to have surgery. In most cases this will be provided by a doctor or a specialist nurse practitioner. It would be appreciated if you could email your referral to admin@dgortho.com.au or take photos of your referral and text them to 0493 051 985 prior to your consultation.
What should I bring?
Please bring your referral (if you have not already emailed it to us), any correspondence from allied health practitioners and any imaging reports that you have access to. Registration forms are completed in the clinic on the day of your appointment.
What are the costs involved?
Your initial specialist consult with Mr Goldbloom will be $250. Subsequent consultations will be $150. In some cases, you may require a Cam boot or brace which will incur an additional fee.
Do I need Imaging? Do I need to bring copies?
It is best to have imaging done prior to your appointment. When you call to book a consultation, we will be able to tell you what imaging is required and refer you for these if your GP has not already ordered them for you.
What will happen in my consultation?
Mr Goldbloom will ask you about your medical history and social activities to get a feel for your general lifestyle and health concerns. He will then discuss your foot or ankle issue with you and clinically assess the area. He will review any medical imaging that you have had prior to your appointment. Mr Goldbloom will then provide a diagnosis and treatment plan going forward, either surgical or non-surgical depending on your condition and personal preferences.
What if I have a cut or a rash on my leg?
If you have a cut or a rash on your leg or think you have an infection this must be treated prior to your surgery. If you have any concerns, please contact Mr Goldbloom’s rooms to discuss this further.
What if I am feeling unwell?
If you are feeling unwell this must be treated prior to your surgery. Please contact Mr Goldbloom’s rooms to discuss this further.
Can I take my regular medication?
This needs to be double checked with your anaesthetist. Generally, you should take your normal medication with a small sip of water. Patients taking blood thinning medication will have special instructions.
Will I see my surgeon prior to surgery?
Yes, Mr Goldbloom will see you before your operation.
How long will I stay in hospital?
This depends on your surgery, but usually one night.
Will I see my surgeon after my surgery?
Yes, Mr Goldbloom will see you after your operation in hospital.
Do I need to make an appointment to see Mr Goldbloom after my surgery?
You will be informed of this appointment time before your surgery.
How do I obtain a work certificate?
If you require a work certificate, you can ask whilst you are in hospital or contact Mr Goldbloom’s rooms after surgery.
Will I need help at home?
You may need help at home after your surgery. This needs to be carefully considered and arranged before you have your surgery.
When can I drive?
Returning to driving is not a straight-forward question. You must feel confident to use the brake in an emergency situation. You may be able to drive in 4-8 weeks after surgery. This will depend on which foot undergoes surgery, type of surgery, how well you are recovering and whether your car is manual or automatic. Returning to driving may have insurance implications which need to be checked.
When can I return to work?
These time frames are speculative only and must be confirmed by our team:
- Sitting duties at 3 weeks after surgery.
- Standing duties indoors between 3 weeks to 2 months after surgery
- Outdoor duties 2 months after surgery.
Will I have pain?
Some patients experience more pain than others. This does not mean that the surgery was less successful. It is important to adequately manage your pain. Our team take multiple measures to reduce your pain during the post-operative period. When the local anaesthetic given to you at the time of surgery wears off, you will begin taking oral pain medication as prescribed. Your anaesthetist will discuss issues around pain medication prior to the operation. They will also provide you pain relief to take home.
When does the swelling stop?
Swelling is a normal part of healing. It can be very frustrating and although it usually reduces six weeks after surgery, it can last for longer. Rest and elevation are every important to help swelling.
How do I care for my wound?
You will be given instructions on how to care for your wound before discharge. Dressings and casts must be kept dry. When you have a shower, you will need to cover your foot with a bag and seal the top with tape. Dressings should remain intact until your 2 week review with Mr Goldbloom and the Wound Nurse Specialist, unless instructed otherwise. If your dressings become very blood stained, wet, too loose or too tight please contact Mr Goldbloom’s rooms to arrange the dressings to be changed.
When can I travel by aeroplane?
After foot and ankle surgery, there is risk of developing a deep venous thrombosis (DVT). You are given anti-DVT medication in hospital however, If you are planning to travel by aeroplane during the first 3 months, please discuss this with Mr Goldbloom before your surgery.
What if I have concerns outside of normal working hours?
It is possible that concerns about your operated leg will arise outside of normal working hours. In such a scenario Mr Goldbloom’s team suggests you choose one of the following options depending on how urgent you feel your situation may be.
- Attempt to contact your local doctor if they run an after hours service.
- Contact your nearest Emergency department
- Present in person to your nearest Emergency department
- Contact Mr Goldbloom via the Hospital switchboard
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