Firstly you need a current GP Referral, this referral doesnt need to be specifically made out to Dr. Khoury - but it should outline the reason you need to seek Orthopaedic treatment. Fun fact - you as the patient have the power of who you would like to see for treatement, not your GP. You can be guided by the recommendations of your GP but if you would like to see a particular surgeon than that is your right.

The easiest way to make an appointment is by calling our rooms and speaking to our team they will assist you and work with you to make a time.

During your first consultation with Dr. Khoury you will be asked a series of questions about your condition, general health and activity levels.

Dr. Khoury will perform a physical examination so you must dress in clothes that will allow easy access to the problematic areas. If you are attending for your hip or knee we suggest you bring shorts.

If you require surgery, you will then visit our Patient Coordinators who will book a surgery date with you and answer any further questions you may have.

Please remember to bring the following items with you:

• A referral letter from your GP

• X-rays, MRI’s, CT scans, bone scans, or ultrasounds relating to your problem

• Medicare or Veterans Affairs card

• Details of your health insurance or workers compensation claim

• Operation reports or medical records relating to your problem

• Any progress reports from your physiotherapist

• A list of your medications and any allergies

We encourage you to complete your Patient Registration Form prior to your appointment.

Many people find it helps to bring a support person with them – your partner or a friend. You're very welcome to bring someone with you on the day.

(6 weeks prior to surgery you must undertake the following recommendations)

Smoking

Smoking is the single most important risk factor for the development of complications after any orthopaedic surgery.

The complications include:

• Heart/lung complications

• Wound healing problems

• Wound or implant infection

• Impaired bone healing

• Risks of further surgery

• Need for admission to intensive care.

You can decrease your risk of complication by stopping smoking at least six weeks before your surgery.

Medications

You must tell your surgeon or the nurse all of the medications you are taking, as some will need to be stopped before you can have surgery.

Blood thinning tablets, such as aspirin or warfarin and some anti-inflammatory tablets are just a few of the tablets that need to be stopped. Please also let us know if you are taking blood pressure or diabetes tablets. It is also very important that you tell us about any medication allergies that you have.

Admission to Hospital

The hospital staff will telephone you the day before your procedure to let you know what time to arrive at the hospital.

If you are having a day procedure, we ask that you wear loose, comfortable clothing and leave jewellery at home. Ladies, please do not wear any makeup. If you are staying overnight in hospital, you will need a bag with your pyjamas or nightgown, a dressing gown and slippers. Please do not bring any valuable items.

If you are having a morning procedure, you will be asked to fast from midnight the night before.

If your procedure is on the afternoon list, you will be able to have an early light breakfast (tea and toast at about 6am). Fasting means nothing to eat, drink or smoke.

You don’t need private insurance to be able to have your surgery sooner …

Many patients who are uninsured are now seeking to fund their own surgery in a private hospital due to the current waitlist times and their level of pain.

If you do not have private health insurance, you may choose to fund your own surgery through Medipay or accessing your superannuation; are options available for patients.

Please discuss this with our team if you’d like more information on self funded surgery.

For patients who are awaiting approval from TAC or WorkSafe, consultation fees are to be paid at the time of your appointment and a receipt will be provided to you to claim back from the involved insurance company.

Patients who have sustained an injury from a motor vehicle accident or at work, and who need operative management as a result of their injury, will require written approval from the involved insurance party prior to their surgery.