Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring with me to my consultation appointment?
Please bring any old records or reports that you think will be relevant to your appointment. Please also bring your Private Health Insurance details and Medicare card. Please be aware that full payment of your consultation is required on the day. Our staff will process your payment electronically with Medicare for you on the day.
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?
Yes. At CGHobart we only make appointments if you have a valid referral from your GP or other Medical Specialist. Please be aware that your referral is valid for 12 months if referred by a GP or 3 months if referred by another Medical Specialist.
What should I expect during my first visit?
At your first consultation appointment with the Gastroenterologist, your medical history, symptoms and relevant investigations will be evaluated and further tests or procedures will be arranged for you if required.
What does Direct Access mean?
At CGHobart, certain patients can be booked for routine endoscopic procedures without prior consultation with a Gastroenterologist. Patients referred by their GP under Direct Access may be scheduled for a procedure in Hobart Private Hospital or Hobart Specialist Day Hospital without a prior appointment in our rooms. Patients will receive detailed written instructions for preparation and information about the procedure via email or post after speaking to our Medical Receptionists.
On the day of your procedure you will have a consultation with your Gastroenterologist prior to your procedure and then a review after your procedure where all results will be explained, reports provided and follow up plans formalised.
Where do I need to go for my procedure?
On the day of your procedure you need to present to the Reception area of the facility where your procedure has been booked:
Hobart Private Hospital, 33 Argyle Street, Hobart
Hobart Specialist Day Hospital, 2 Melville Street, Hobart.
How long will my procedure take?
The procedure itself will only take between 15 and 45 minutes depending on which endoscopic procedure you may be having, however you will need to remain at the hospital for approximately two hours following your procedure for observation and to fully recover from your anaesthetic. You will be in the hospital for around half a day overall, so please bring along reading material.
Can I drive home after my procedure?
As a light general anaesthetic will be administered it is very important that you arrange for someone to drive you home and to stay with you overnight. If you have any problems with this, please discuss with your Gastroenterologist or our reception staff prior to admission. Unfortunately, we cannot allow patients to leave alone in a taxi as you require someone with you when you leave the hospital.
Can I take my regular medication on the day of my procedure?
Most regular medications can be taken on the day of the procedure with water prior to the stated fasting times on the preparation sheets. Exceptions include diabetes medications and blood thinners (apart from Aspirin with is ok to continue). Please contact the rooms for specific instructions.
Who should I contact if I have an issue or question after my procedure?
Please do not hesitate to contact our rooms on 6214 3340 at any stage either prior to or following your procedure with your Gastroenterologist. You will also be provided with emergency contact numbers if you require out of hours assistance following your procedure.
Payment of Accounts for Consultation
A consultation in rooms is to be paid on the day of your consultation. We will process your Medicare rebate electronically for you once payment has been made.