A little preparation can help your surgeon understand the problem efficiently and give you clearer answers about diagnosis, treatment options and next steps.
Before the appointment
Think about when the problem started, whether there was an injury, where the pain is felt and what makes it better or worse. Note how it affects sleep, walking, stairs, work, exercise and daily activities.
It is also useful to remember which treatments you have already tried, for how long and whether they helped.
What to bring
- Your current referral and Medicare details
- Relevant X-rays, CT scans or MRI scans and their reports
- A current list of medicines and allergies
- Important medical conditions and previous operations
- Records from earlier orthopaedic surgery, particularly implant details for revision assessment
- Your private health insurance information where relevant
If imaging was completed at a different provider, contact the practice beforehand to confirm whether it can be accessed electronically.
Questions to consider
- What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
- Are any further tests needed?
- What can I try without surgery?
- If surgery is an option, what are the alternatives, risks and recovery requirements?
- What improvement is realistic?
You are welcome to write questions down and bring a family member or support person.
After the consultation
Make sure you understand the agreed next step, including any imaging, physiotherapy, medical review or follow-up appointment. If surgery is proposed, you should receive information specific to the operation before giving consent.
