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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a doctor's referral to make an appointment at your clinic?

As a Specialist clinic, patients need referral from their General Practitioner,
family physician or other doctor to make an appointment.

Can x-rays be done in your Division?

x-rays can be done in the x-ray Department of the Children’s Hospital at Westmead with a referral from Dr Bellemore.

x-rays can be done on the same day as your consultation with Dr Bellemore. No appointment is required for x-rays.

What should I bring with me when I come for an appointment?

When you come for your appointment, remember to get the following:

• Medicare card.
• Referral letter from your GP, family physician or other doctor.
• Have your insurance information.
• Copies of operation records, medical records, x-rays, MRIs, CT scans
  and so on from prior doctor visits.
• If you have had surgery elsewhere, please bring a copy of your
  operation report

What about your fees?

Our standard consultation fee charged in this office exceeds medicare rebates. This means
that the consultation fee will include a gap payment that is not covered by medicare or
your health fund. Our secretarial staff will inform you of consultation fees at the time you
make your appointment.

Fees are payable on the day of consultation.

What are your acceptable means of payment?

Fees will be reviewed with you at the consultation visit.

Bank cheques, personal cheques, cash or credit cards (MasterCard, VISA) are
acceptable means of payment. We do not accept American Express cards.

Do I need to have private health insurance?

Private Health insurance allows you and your family to access the right health services at
the right time. You have control of your health care and can choose the provider, facility
and timing of your treatment. With the security and protection of private health insurance,
you have access to an extensive range of private hospitals and can rest assured that your
health is in good hands.

What are the Medicare rules about referrals to specialists?

If you want Medicare to help to pay for specialist medical services at the referred rate, it is
essential to discuss your condition and possible referral with your family doctor before you
see the specialist. Please note that the backdating of referrals is illegal and can result in heavy
fines and prison sentences. If you have any questions about seeing medical specialists or
about the Medicare benefits system, please ask your family doctor or contact Medicare on
13 2011.