Frequently Asked Questions

The first appointment is an important consultation because it is allows communication and the formation of a working relationship between you and your doctor. Your doctor will ask you general information about yourself, your past medical problems, and the current situation.  

Your doctor can explain the likely diagnosis from his or her perspective, and will outline and arrange a plan for taking things forward.  Further investigations (imaging studies, blood tests, biopsy) may be required.

• A list of your medications
• Medicare details, insurance details, next of kin contact numbers
• Referral letter if you have it
• Any results of any investigations you have had
• A list of questions that you would like to have answered.

Staging refers to the extent of a medical condition. A condition such as cancer often spreads locally before involving glands (lymph nodes) or other organs. The treatment offered depends on the staging of the condition - localised stages of disease may be treated with local therapies such as surgery or radiotherapy and less localised stages may be treated with systemic treatments, which go through the whole body.

If you are needing an outpatient review whilst your primary specialist is away, one of the other specialists within the practice will be happy to see you.

If you are admitted to the inpatient ward during your doctor’s absence, you will be seen by another specialist in the practice.  Weekend cover for ward patients is also covered by the specialists in the practice.

You will receive information regarding doctor’s fees prior to your first appointment. A portion of the cost is claimable from Medicare. Please feel free to discuss with your doctor or admin staff any concerns that you may have about the financial implications of your care.

Inpatient costs in a private hospital are covered by your private health insurance. 

Cancer treatments include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other targeted therapies.  Most of these systemic treatments are reimbursed by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and therefore involve minimal out-of-pocket cost. However, in some situations there are newer drugs which are not available on the PBS and therefore involve out-of-pocket costs. If your doctor feels such a drug may benefit you, this option will be discussed with you.

Family obviously provide the bulk of emotional support and are encouraged to attend as many appointments as possible with you. We particularly encourage family to attend the first one or two appointments and come along after a restaging scan.

For patients receiving chemotherapy, support is offered by the chemotherapy nurses of the Day Oncology Ward. Because patients receiving chemotherapy get to know these special people very well, they can provide enormous support.

Breast care nurses and other disease specific groups can link patients into groups of patients with similar conditions.

Psychology services are available for all patients if required. Please discuss with your doctor if you think you would benefit from such a referral.

Palliative care is defined by the World Health Organisation as “an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problem associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual.”

For anyone with a serious condition who is experiencing significant symptoms, concern about what the future may bring is to be expected. Where outpatient nursing support would be helpful, we encourage referral to the local palliative care services.