Question 1

Do I need to be referred by my family doctor?

Accepted Answer

It is generally preferable for your family doctor to be involved although self-referral is accepted as well. Referral letters from general practitioners usually provide relevant information regarding your general health, medication list, allergies and any investigations that have been performed, thus making the consultation more efficient and accurate. If you would like to self-refer, please call or email us directly and bring all relevant medical documents and medication list to the consultation.

Question 2

What do I need to bring for the consultation?

Accepted Answer

Please bring any medical documents relevant to the current health issue. If you have any scans or imaging results, please bring it along to the consultation. Please be reassured that if you do not have the relevant investigation results, we can request for the report directly from the relevant service providers. This however may take time and can cause delays in the consultation process.

Question 3

Can I bring a support person?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. It is in fact preferable for you to have a support person if a significant decision needs to be made regarding a treatment option. Your support person will be able to help with recall of information discussed during the consultation

Question 4

If I require surgery, where will it be performed?

Accepted Answer

Surgical procedure is performed at Grace Private Hospital. Grace Hospital is the only private specialist surgical hospital in Tauranga currently. The hospital campus is located at 281 Cheyne Road, Oropi, Tauranga. Please visit their website at www.gracehospital.co.nz

Question 5

I have Private Health Insurance. What do I need to do to proceed with surgery?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your policy, your insurance will often cover the initial surgical consultation and any investigation relevant to your health concern. It is best to inform your insurance company of any consultation or investigation prior to proceeding. If surgery is planned, your insurance company will often require a cost estimate of the operation which includes the surgical, anaesthetist and hospital fee. This cost estimate will be provided to you following the consultation. You will then need to contact your insurance company with the cost estimate in order to obtain a “pre-approval”. This may take several days, depending on the urgency of the condition and need for surgery. We can usually plan for a possible date for surgery while awaiting pre-approval. Occasionally, your insurance company may require further information in relation to your condition before granting pre-approval. Please let us know promptly if that was the case and we will endeavour to provide the relevant information in a timely manner.

If you are insured with Southern Cross Health Insurance, certain procedures such as gallbladder and hernia surgery are covered under an affiliated provider contract agreement. For these cases, we can apply for the pre-approval. If you are insured with one of the other health Insurance companies, you will need to provide them with a cost estimate as described above.

Question 6

How am I invoiced after surgery?

Accepted Answer

There are three invoices in relation to your surgery. These consist of the surgeon’s, Anaesthetist’s and Hospital invoice. The surgeon’s invoice is usually given during the follow-up consultation within 2 weeks of surgery. If you are insured, please pass these invoices to your insurance company to allow for processing of payment. If you are self-paying, we will require an upfront payment of the estimated amount  prior to surgery.

Question 7

Do I meet the anaesthetist prior to surgery?

Accepted Answer

This is dependent on the consultant anaesthetist. You may meet the anaesthetist a week or two prior to surgery or alternatively, you may be seen on the day of surgery itself. If you would specifically wish to be seen by the anaesthetist prior to surgery, please let us know and we can arrange this for you.

Question 8

How much time do I need off work?

Accepted Answer

This will be dependent on the procedure that is being performed. Your surgeon will give you an estimate of time required off work to enable you to recover adequately. If appropriate, a medical certificate can be completed to cover the period of surgery and recovery.

Question 9

What is the process for ACC related procedures?

Accepted Answer

After your initial injury, an ACC application is lodged (usually by your family doctor) and when accepted, you can be referred for an ACC-funded specialist consultation.  If a surgical procedure is required, the surgeon will lodge the necessary ACC form to apply for prior approval from ACC to cover the procedure. Once ACC has made a decision, a letter of notification will be sent to you and the surgeon. If approved, a surgery date can then be decided on and you will not need to pay for any part of your surgery. ACC approved surgery is contracted and performed at Grace Private Hospital.

PETER CHIN

FAQ