What should I bring with me when I come for a scheduled office appointment?

Apart from medicare and your insurance information

• It is NOT necessary to have a referral to attend the clinic and this does not interfere with obtaining Medicare rebates for procedures (if applicable). If your doctor does give you a referral, please bring it so we can get the doctors details and communicate with the doctor (only if you wish us to, that is.)
  
  
• Medicare card, (especially for varicose vein consultations and procedures)
  
  
• Copies of results, x-rays, MRI's. CT scans etc and any other relevant information, though most people do not have these and do not need them for the procedures performed at the clinic
  
  
• Please print out any quote from the Alia Clinic that you have received over the internet. This helps the doctor or specialist nurse to give you an accurate costing

Are my medical records kept private and confidential?

Your medical file is handled with the utmost respect for your privacy. Our staff are bound by strict confidentiality requirements as a condition of employment regarding your medical records. Ordinarily we will not release the contents of your medical file without your consent.

Do I need a referral to make an appointment?

No, this is NOT necessary, even for procedures that give Medicare and Medicare Safety Net rebates.

What should I expect during first visit?

During your initial visit, the doctor or nurse specialist will explain the specific information about the procedure you want, help you visualize the results and go over the risks. He or she may do a physical examination and will ask you a bunch of questions. Come prepared with your questions too. It is a good idea to write them out, so nothing is forgotten. At the end of the consultation you should feel that all your queries have been answered, you should have a clear understanding of all the costs and be in a position to make a decision about proceeding. Many people make bookings for procedures at the time of the consultation. If you know your work schedule or have that on your mobile or in your diary, that will help you, so please bring it along.

Does Medicare cover the cost of procedures?

Some of the clinic’s procedures do have a Medicare and sometimes a Medicare Safety Net rebate. These include most varicose vein procedures and some laser procedures. Breast reduction procedures in women receive Medicare benefits, and often this applies to male breast reduction as well. Ask the receptionist when you book an appointment. If you would like more information about the Medicare Safety Net, please go to the Medicare website. www.medicareaustralia.gov.au

What about the GST?

Cosmetic procedures are subject to GST, but procedures done for medical purposes do not. Don’t worry about it. All the fees and costings given to patients at Alia Clinic are inclusive of GST if it is applicable.

Is there parking nearby?

Yes, please go to the clinic location map. There is free 2 hour parking in a multi storey car park just down from the Crows Nest clinic and the other locations have parking nearby (except for the city).