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FAQ

WHO IS A UROLOGIST

A urologist is a specialist who has specialised knowledge and skill regarding problems of the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs. The male and female urinary tract include kidney, ureters, bladder and urethra, as well as, the related organs – testes, prostate, penis, epidydimis, seminal vesicles and associated glands. They deal with cancer and non-cancererous conditions.

DO I NEED A REFERRAL TO SEE A/PROF SOWTER, DR BERGAMIN OR DR SYMONS?

Patients require a current referral from their GP, or referring specialist. You have an option of which specialist you prefer. Please note that a referral from a GP is valid for 12 months, unless otherwise indicated on the referral. A referral, from a specialist is valid for only 3 months. The practice does attempt to notify all patients if a new referral is required, however, it is the responsibility of the patient to ensure they present a new and current referral. Referrals need to be also current if you are having a surgical procedure and wish to claim through either Medicare, Department of Veterans Affairs or any private health fund. Failure to have a current referral will prevent you from claiming any Medicare rebate that you may be entitled to.

Please note that the backdating of referrals is illegal and can result in heavy fines. If you have any questions about referrals or Medicare, please ask your family doctor (GP) or contact Medicare on 132 011

WILL I HAVE TO WAIT LONG FOR AN APPOINTMENT?

We endeavour to see all patients in a timely manner and prioritise urgent appointments where possible.

WHERE CAN I SEE A/PROF SOWTER, DR BERGAMIN OR DR SYMONS?

A/Prof Steven Sowter provides a service in Wagga Wagga, Griffith, Cootamundra, Temora, West Wyalong and Gundagai.

Dr Paul Bergamin provides a service in Wagga Wagga and Griffith.

Dr James Symons provides a service in Wagga Wagga.

ALL appointments are required to be made through the Wagga Wagga office on 02 6925 3355

WHICH HOSPITALS DO OUR SURGEONS OPERATE AT?

Our surgeons operate at all hospitals within the Wagga Wagga district, both private and within the public sector; Calvary Riverina Hospital,  Riverina Day Surgery, and Wagga Wagga Base Hospital. They also provide surgery at Griffith Base Hospital and St Vincent’s Private Griffith.

A/Prof Sowter and Dr Symons operate in Sydney at Westmead Private, Macquarie University Private Hospital, St Vincent’s Private Sydney and Sydney Adventist Hospital.

DO OUR SURGEONS PERFORM ROBOTIC SURGERY?

Yes, both A/Prof Sowter and Dr Symons perform Robotic surgery in Sydney. If you would like to discuss this surgery option, please speak with your Doctor at the time of your appointment for more information.

HOSPITALS

Our surgeons operate at private and public hospitals within the Wagga district; Calvary Riverina Hospital, Riverina Day Surgery and Wagga Wagga Base Hospital.

A/Prof Sowter and Dr Bergamin operates on a monthly basis at both St Vincent’s Private Hospital Griffith and Griffith Base Hospital.

A/Prof Sowter & Dr Symons operate in Sydney at Westmead Private, Macquarie University Private Hospital, St Vincent’s Private Sydney and Sydney Adventist Hospital.

Calvary Health Care Riverina
www.calvary-wagga.com.au/

Riverina Day Surgery – Meurant Ave
www.curagroup.com.au/riverina-day-surgery

Wagga Wagga Base Hospital
www.service.nsw.gov.au/nswgovdirectory/wagga-wagga-base-hospital

Griffith Base Hospital – Noorebar Avenue, Griffith
www.service.nsw.gov.au/nswgovdirectory/griffith-base-hospital

St Vincent’s Private Hospital – Animoo Avenue, Griffith
svpchg.org.au/

Westmead Private Hospital – Darcy Road, Westmead
www.westmeadprivate.com.au/

Macquarie University Private Hospital – Macquarie University
muh.org.au/

St Vincent’s Private Hospital – Darlinghusrt
svphs.org.au/

Sydney Adventist Hospital – Wahroonga
www.sah.org.au/

Chris O’Brien Lifehouse
www.mylifehouse.org.au

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME TO AN APPOINTMENT?

Current referral letter
List of current medications
Pathology / Radiology: We do not require copies of these test, but we will need to be aware of any investigations you have had relevant to your visit with us, so we can request an electronic copy of your results

WHERE ARE THE WAGGA WAGGA ROOMS LOCATED?

We are located at 71 Brookong Avenue, Wagga Wagga. This location backs onto the Wagga Wagga Rural Referral Hospital precinct and can be best reached by turning into Docker Street from the Sturt Highway and Docker Street intersection. You will turn left into Brookong Avenue.

IS PARKING AVAILABLE ONSITE?

There is limited parking located at the back of the practice. Alternatively there is limited street parking on Brookong Avenue. Please allow adequate time to prior to your appointment for parking purposes.

I WILL BE LEAVING WORK TO ATTEND MY APPOINTMENT, WILL THERE BE A DELAY?

Our surgeons endeavour to run on time, however, this may not always be possible. We encourage all patients to phone ahead of their scheduled appointment time, and speak to our staff to determine whether your appointment will be delayed. Our practice also sends out SMS reminders regarding any delays throughout the day. Please notify the staff if you wish to receive reminders via SMS.

I AM A PENSIONER, DO YOUR SURGEONS ‘BULK BILL’?

We are a private clinic and do not bulk bill, however, pension card/ health care card (issued by Centrelink) holders receive a discount on consultation appointments.

HOW MUCH WILL MY SURGERY COST?

Our Practice Manager, Liz will go through your estimate with you at the time of your booking or shortly after. If you have any questions or are unsure of anything please contact Liz on 026925 3355, and request to speak with her.

What is IPTAAS?

Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme which may be available for patients to claim expenses relating to your Doctor’s appointment. For Further information regarding you eligibility for this scheme, please visit  www.iptaas.health.nsw.gov.au or  phone: 1800 478 227. At the time of your Doctor’s appointment, please speak to one of our friendly staff members who can provide you with further information.

ARE MY MEDICAL RECORDS KEPT PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL ?

Your medical file is handled with the utmost respect for your privacy. Our staff are bound by strict confidential requirements as a condition of employment regarding all aspects of your file and care. Ordinarily, we will not release the contents of your medical file without your written consent.

TELEHEALTH

The Urologists at Riverina Urology can provide telehealth consultations to support patients who are unwell or have tested positive to COVID. This service provides patients with the opportunity to have telephone / video conference consultations with the doctors for Follow Up appointments, if unable to attend face to face. However, our doctors request that there be at least one face to face appointment within 12 months.

Telehealth appointments incur full fees.

SCRIPTS

If ongoing scripts are required, please request these at your appointment with the Urologists. If not requested at the time of the appointment, then a script fee may apply.

I HAVE PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE. WHAT COSTS CAN I EXPECT?

Private Health Insurance entitles patients to a choice of surgeon, hospital and procedure / surgery date.

Private Health insurance covers hospital expenses, but only a portion of the fees charged by the surgeon, Anaesthetist and providers of Pathology and Radiology. A portion of these fees will also be covered by Medicare.

Any ‘out of pocket’ fees, the portion NOT covered by your private health insurance or Medicare, will be explained to you and a written Estimate of Fees will be provided 1 – 2 weeks prior to your procedure / surgery date. This is called Informed Financial Consent and is a legal requirement.

I DO NOT HAVE PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE. WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

Patients who DO NOT have private health insurance can still elect to have their procedure/ surgery performed within a private hospital / day surgery. Patients who elect this, will need to cover ALL hospital, Anaesthetic, Surgeon costs prior to the admission date. Patients that elect this will be provided with Informed Financial Consent.

Alternatively, non-insured patients can be placed on the surgeons Wagga Wagga Base Hospital or Griffith Base Hospital Waitlists. There can be up to a 3 -12 month wait depending on the procedure and urgency.

WILL THE PRACTICE PROCESS MY CONSULTATION CLAIM STRAIGHT TO MEDICARE?

Provided that you have a current referral on file, and your bank details are registered with Medicare, we will process your payment to Medicare at the time of your consultation.

WHAT ARE THE ACCEPTABLE MEANS OF PAYMENT?

Full payment at the time of your consultation is appreciated.

Bank cheques, personal cheques, cash, credit cards (Mastercard / Visa) are all acceptable means of payment. We do not accept American Express cards.

Surgery payments can be made via the internet. Estimate of fees, invoices and prepayments will have the banking details provided.

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