Frequently Asked Questions
PRE-CONSULTATION
We usually book new patients within two weeks, but timing will depend on your presenting condition, surgeon, and type of appointment.
Yes, all patients need to bring a referral, as this gives our surgeons your medical history.
A valid referral will also entitle you to a Medicare rebate if you have a Medicare card.
Prior to arriving for your appointment, please remember to obtain and bring the following:
- Your imaging on disc or film. If you are unable to obtain it, please call our office to discuss your options. Failure to bring images may require an additional appointment so that the doctor can properly assess your condition.
- Medicare, DVA, Private Health Insurance and Pension card(s) as applicable.
- A form of payment. We ask for full payment at the appointment and will process the claim with Medicare at the end of the consultation.
CONSULTATION
Absolutely, we encourage patients to bring a support person. Currently, due to COVID-19, we are asking that only one support person is brought to the rooms and appointment.
Appointment times vary from consultation type to surgeon. Generally a new patient consultation is scheduled for 30 to 60 minutes and a follow up consultation for 15 to 30 minutes.
During a new patient consultation the surgeon or neurosurgery registrar/fellow will go through your past medical history, current medications, allergies and ask some lifestyle questions. The surgeon will go through your present complaint and a non-invasive examination may be done. The surgeon will go through your imaging and explain treatment plans or options.
Our main clinic is conveniently located near Macquarie University metro station and the Macquarie Centre bus terminal.
For routes, timetables, and further information on getting here by public transport, please visit the Transport NSW website or call 131 500. If you are using their website trip planner tool, set your destination to Macquarie University Hospital.
If you choose to drive, parking options can be found here.
Our satellite clinics are listed here. Each of the sites has close by parking options. For patients visiting our Nepean clinic, current recommended parking is the Nepean public hospital multilevel carpark located at the corner of Barber Avenue and Parker Street in Kingswood.
SURGERY
Once a surgery date has been agreed upon you will receive a quote for surgery from our accounts team. Please familiarize yourself with the information regarding the surgery cost and return the signed financial consent form. If you have any questions, please contact our MQN Accounts team MAccounts@mqneurosurgery.com.
Please see Macquarie University Hospital’s accommodation guide here.
Please see our surgeon profiles to know where your surgeon operates.
PRIVATE
Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie University NSW 2109
Baringa Private Hospital, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
National Capital Private Hospital, Canberra ACT 2605
Nepean Private Hospital, Kingswood NSW 2747
Northern Beaches Private Hospital, Frenchs Forest NSW 2086
PUBLIC
Nepean Public Hospital, Kingswood NSW 2747
Royal North Shore Public, St Leonards NSW 2065
Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick NSW 2031
Your booking form will be triaged by our Pre Admission Clinic. They will advise when you will be admitted, depending on your individual needs.
General anaesthetic. The type of drugs used can be discussed with the anaesthetist prior to surgery.
This is decided by your surgeon and the neurosurgery team postoperatively. If you need to be transferred to a rehabilitation facility, this will be organised before your discharge. Detailed instructions regarding postoperative care will be given to you on discharge and forwarded to your General Practitioner.
PAYMENT METHODS
Payment can be made by EFTPOS, direct debit, or cheque. Cash is discouraged but accepted if the amount is correct. We accept both Visa and Mastercard.
POST SURGERY
An appointment with be made with our nurse practitioner 1 to 2 weeks post-surgery and your surgeon 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery.
Best to confirm with your surgeon before your discharge, as it depends on what procedure you have had. This can be discussed at your post-operative appointment.
For patients who have had a craniotomy or seizure we recommend that you have a driving assessment. Please visit Driver Health for more information.
Best to confirm with your surgeon before your discharge, as it depends on your procedure and the type of work and hours you do. This can be discussed at your post-operative appointment. A medical certificate can be provided from the hospital if needed.
