Surgery:

Dr Pretorius performs surgical procedures at the Hillcrest Private Hospital as well as the Mater Private Hospital.

There are a few components that determine out of pockets expenses. For those patients with private health insurance, each health insurer has a different level of cover, and it is best to check with your fund that you are covered for the procedure you need to have done. You will receive an Estimate of fees when making your booking for surgery. On this estimate you will find the MBS item number(s), that you will need to refer to when contacting your health fund to check whether you are covered for your proposed surgery and what your level of cover will be.

Known Gap Fees will be discussed with eligible patients by Dr. Pretorius.

The surgical fee includes all visits in hospital and any related follow up visits in the rooms, for about 6 weeks following surgery, depending on the procedure.

It is routine for the surgeon to use an assistant surgeon and this will be discussed with you at the time of the booking of your surgery.

There is a separate fee for the anaesthetic and the anaesthetist will contact you prior to surgery at which time the fee for your surgery will be discussed.

Admission:

The admission process is an important step to ensure that your surgery can run as smoothly as possible. The admin staff in our rooms will explain to you in detail which hospital location your surgery will be performed at and your preparation requirements. If there is anything that you are unsure of or need clarification on, please do not hesitate to contact the rooms on 07 4819 9600.

Please use the information below as a general guide and starting point for the appropriate hospital where your surgery will be taking place:

Hillcrest Private Hospital:

Operating days: Mondays are an all-day list and every 2nd Friday is a morning list. (Please check with Rooms for availability / dates)

You will need to complete the hospital admission forms prior to your surgery and at least a week before the surgery day. You can do this by either of the following options.

1. Online – Hillcrest Online Admission
2. Paper Booklet
3. Scan and Email – this option can be provided by the hospital (they would scan a copy of the forms for you and give you an email address to return it to).

The Hillcrest pre-admission staff will contact you on the Friday prior to surgery to notify you of your admission time and fasting instruction for your Monday surgery.

If you are having surgery on one of the Friday morning’s lists – The Hillcrest Pre-admission staff will contact you on the Thursday, the day before surgery.

There is a wealth of very useful information available on the hospital website with regards to pre-admission procedures that will ensure you are very well prepared and ready for your surgery: Hillcrest pre-admission info

Mater Private Hospital:

Operating day: Wednesday afternoon list. (Please check with Rooms for availability and dates)

1. Online – Mater Online Admission
2. Paper Booklet
3. Scan and email the paper forms to materrockhkampton@mater.org.au
4. Mail – reply paid envelope is provided in Mater admission booklet (allow at least 7 days)

Mater Hospital pre-admission staff will contact you on the Tuesday afternoon the day prior to surgery to notify you of your admission time and fasting instruction for your Wednesday afternoon surgery.

Pre-Surgery:

Depending on the type of surgery you are having done (you will be advised):

• You may be required to have blood, urine and /or radiology tests done prior to surgery. This is usually for major surgeries like joint replacement surgery.
• If necessary, make arrangements for help you might need around the house following surgery.
• Check your list of medication with the surgeon to see whether you are required to stop any medications.
• It is especially important if you use blood thinning medication and newer diabetic medication, called gliptins, which has to be ceased before surgery.
• Stop smoking as soon as possible prior to surgery.
• Make sure you have the necessary equipment to help with your recovery, i.e., crutches / walking aids / mobility equipment / raised toilet seats, etc.

Post-Surgery:

Aftercare is an extremely important part on your road to recovery following your surgery. This includes doing appropriate exercises, wound care and following any rehabilitation program provided to you by your Healthcare team. You might need to see a physiotherapist or an occupational therapist for ongoing treatment to ensure an optimal outcome. Every person’s recovery will be different from the next. We will be there to support you every step of the way.