What should I expect during my first visit?

The best – and only – way to find out which treatment is right for you is to consult with Dr Allan. He will listen to your needs, examine you, review your scans and provide you with educated advice. Dr Allan will provide advice as to whether surgery is the appropriate treatment and will discuss with you the pros and cons, risks and expectations. If you have questions, we encourage you to ask them.

Should family or friends attend?

Contemplating surgery on the spine can be difficult to face alone. We recommend that you bring with you a family member or friend to act as a support person and to ask questions you may not have thought of. It’s always important for loved ones to have a clear idea of what is occurring before treatment begins.

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 confidentiality requirements as a condition of employment regarding your medical records. Dr Allan and his staff abide strictly by the Privacy Act.

Ordinarily we will not release the contents of your medical file without your consent.

Read more about our privacy policies.

What about your fees?

** Consultation fees **

Dr Allan aims to provide all patients, whether they be public or private, with a clear understanding of the fees charged by his practice. All appointments are made through our Newtown office. Fees are standard across locations.

For consultations at Dr Allan’s rooms there are standard fees, which are discounted for pensioners and health care card holders.

Fees are payable at the time of consultation. Payment on the day can be made using cash, credit card (Visa or Mastercard), cheque or EFTPOS.

If you bring your Medicare card, we can claim from Medicare for you on the day.

Please note that fees are reviewed periodically and are subject to change.

Workers Compensation and Third Party patients are welcome, but prior approval from your insurer is necessary before making an appointment.

For overseas visitors (who are not covered by Medicare) please contact the office to discuss fees and charges.

Dr Allan oversees an outpatient clinic at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital on a monthly basis. There are no charges for these clinics for Medicare-eligible patients.

** Surgical fees **

The fee you will be charged for surgery is dependent upon the classification of your hospital admission.

Are you a private patient?

Anyone can elect to be a private patient.

Dr Allan treats both private and public patients. Public patients are usually seen through the outpatient department and all surgical bookings for RPA are through the hospital system.

If you have valid health insurance, you may choose to use this and have your treatment in your choice of hospital. Dr Allan generally charges fees in accordance with those recommended by the Australian Medical Association. You will have the opportunity to discuss the fees charged by Dr Allan prior to surgery, and you will also receive written confirmation of these fees prior to surgery.

Pensioners and health care card holders who elect to use their health insurance in selected cases may be able to use the ‘Known Gap’ or ‘Gapcover’ component of their health insurance.

If you do not have health insurance but still wish to be treated as a private patient, you are able to elect to be admitted to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital or North Shore Private Hospital as a ‘Private Uninsured’ patient. As you do not have health insurance, the hospitals require you to cover the cost of your accommodation. These costs will be explained to you prior to surgery.

The written estimate of fees (or quote) will need to be signed by the patient and returned to Dr Allan’s office prior to the booking of your surgery.

Are you a Workcover patient?

If you are covered by Workcover or a Third Party insurer, generally the insurer will cover the costs for treatment as a private patient. Prior approval will be necessary in these circumstances.

Are you an overseas patient (without Medicare)?

Dr Allan has treated many patients from overseas, some of whom have travelled specifically for the purposes of seeking treatment, and others who have required treatment during their stay in Australia.

In this circumstance, the relevant hospital will produce a written quotation of their overall fees, and these will need to be met as well as Dr Allan’s fees.

Are you a public patient?

If you elect to be treated as a public patient, the hospital will cover your costs and you will be placed on the public hospital waiting list for treatment.

When will I receive an account for the operation that Dr Allan has performed?

An account will be sent at the time of your discharge from hospital.

In the majority of cases the final amount payable for treatment will be the same as the written quotation. Detailed instructions will be included as to the best way to settle your account and also how to claim from Medicare and your private insurer (where relevant).

We respectfully request that your account is settled in a timely fashion and that any out of pocket expense (or “gap” payment) is settled at the time of your follow-up appointment. This is usually six weeks after discharge.

If the ‘Gapcover’ option is being used, Dr Allan’s office will directly bill your insurer. This would also apply to Workcover and Third Party patients.

What about health insurance cover?

We will give you an estimate of your gap prior to your operation. Please note it is your responsibility to ensure your health fund will adequately cover your operation.

We recommend you contact your health fund to confirm your level of cover and its currency as soon as you can.

What payment methods do you accept?

Bank cheque, personal cheque, cash, credit cards (MasterCard and Visa), EFTPOS and direct deposit are acceptable means of payment.