Please select from the list of Frequently Asked Questions.
How much will I be out of pocket?
If I need hospital treatment, where can I be admitted?
How many times will I need to see him?
How long will I have to wait for an appointment?
Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
What do I need to bring along to my appointment?
What if the patient does not speak English?
How long will the consultation be?
How can I pay for treatment and consultation in the private rooms?
Will my health fund pay for my treatment in private rooms?
How do I pay for my treatment in hospital?
Who do I talk to if I have some feedback to provide to the Barwon Breast and Melanoma Surgery?
How much will I be out of pocket?
Wherever possible the patient's health insurance fund is billed direct for treatment provided by Mr Brandt to hospital in-patients. This usually includes payment for at least one post-operative visit in the rooms some 1-3 weeks after surgery. A co-payment or excess may be applicable depending on the level of cover. For uninsured patients or patients with basic hospital cover please discuss costs with practice staff.
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If I need hospital treatment, where can I be admitted?
Mr Brandt can admit patients to any of the three hospitals accepting surgical patients in Geelong . On occasion he may recommend a particular hospital based upon clinical indicators.
How many times will I need to see him?
Patients may need to see Mr Brandt either in the rooms or in hospital only once before surgery. Usually patient will also see Mr Brandt immediately prior to surgery. After surgery, Mr Brandt regularly reviews patients whilst they remain in hospital and there will be at least one post-operative visit following discharge from hospital.
How do I get an appointment ?
In order to claim a Medicare rebate patients must have a referral from another doctor. Either a general practitioner or a specialist can refer patients to Mr Brandt.
How long will I have to wait for an appointment?
As a surgeon Mr Brandt does not have consulting every weekday as he spends time in theatre, out-patients, breastscreen, Peter MacCallum etc. We always offer you the first available appointment and for urgent cases will endeavour to make all necessary accommodations. It is our policy that for patients with a confirmed or suspected breast cancer or melanoma referred by their GP will be seen within 3 working days.
Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
Many patients find it comforting and helpful to bring someone with them to their appointment. Others may feel that they would like to protect their privacy by attending alone. This is a decision that rests with the patient. Any films from x - rays, mammograms etc relating to your current problem
What do I need to bring along to my appointment?
Any films from x - rays, mammograms etc relating to your current problem
Letter of referral from your GP or other specialist
Medicare card, pension/health care card, health insurance details, DVA card
Details of medication you take
What if the patient does not speak English?
We have available to us telephone interpreters for non English speakers. If this may be relevant, please advise reception staff at the time the appointment is made so that we can leave sufficient time for the consultation?
How long will the consultation be?
For initial consultations this can range from 20 minutes to 1 hour depending on the problem. But for a review or post-operative visit, this is normally much quicker. If you are concerned with the time it may take, please ask the practice staff at the time of making the appointment.
How can I pay for treatment and consultation in the private rooms?
We can accept cash, cheque, credit card and eftpos
Will my health fund pay for my treatment in private rooms?
No, health funds are not permitted to cover the costs of medical treatment not associated with hospital admissions. If you are eligible for Medicare however, you will be able to claim back a significant proportion of your costs.
How do I pay for my treatment in hospital?
If you have private insurance and are eligible for ‘gap cover' we will charge your health fund direct and you will not receive a bill for your treatment by Mr Brandt whilst in hospital. Furthermore, if you have had surgery, you will not be charged for regular post-operative visits. You may however find that you are liable to make a co-payment or pay an excess – this will depend on your level of health insurance. If you are an uninsured patient and you choose to be treated privately by Mr Brandt, you can settle your account at the practice.
Who do I talk to if I have some feedback to provide to the Barwon Breast and Melanoma Surgery?
We welcome patient comments. Please contact Margaret Nash, Practice Manager so that she may direct your comment appropriately.