We recommend that adults and children over 12 wear face masks when attending our clinic, but no longer provide masks to patients and carers. Videoconsultations are conducted via telehealth at our dedicated virtual clinic. We are experiencing high demand for appointments hence require that all patients provide a referral prior to booking an appointment so that we can identify and manage urgent and emergency conditions in a timely manner, and so that our surgeons can assess your suitability for a telehealth appointment and identify any further information or tests that might be required before your consultation. If our surgeons assess that your condition (especially recent injuries) is best managed with hand therapy rather than surgery we may recommend that you see a qualified hand therapist (physiotherapist or occupational therapist) rather than schedule an appointment with our surgeons. Dr Tomlinson will cease to offer consultations and surgical services where a Medicare Rebatable Item Code does not apply from 1 July 2023. This includes injections for palmar hyperhidrosis. If you are eligible to get vaccinated and/or boosted, please do. so.

Your Initial Telehealth Consultation

Created 29 March 2020, last modified 22 September 2022

We appreciate that your time is valuable. We endeavour to run as close to schedule as possible and to provide you with all the information you require to make informed decisions about your treatment. Please help us to do this by providing us with your medical history, preparing a list of any questions and bringing any x-rays or other results and scans that are relevant to your condition. Please also ensure that you check in to the virtual waiting room via your computer or device (or alternatively available via your phone, if you elect to have a telephone consultation) five minutes prior to your appointment.

We ask all patients to submit this form before your initial appointment. If you have any questions, please ask.

Patient Registration Form

Do I need a referral?

Yes, a referral from your general practitioner (GP) is required if you are to schedule a consultation, and in order to claim part of the cost of your consultation and surgery from Medicare.

How much will it cost for the initial consultation?

Our initial consultation fee is $320; this fee is payable on the day for all patients including Workcover and TAC patients. This consultation fee is eligible for a Medicare rebate of $78.05 with your doctor's referral. If you have a Workcover or TAC claim number you may be able to receive a partial reimbursement the consultation cost from Workcover or TAC.

What if I can’t make my appointment and need to change or cancel?

We ask that you provide at least 24 hours notice by phone if you will not be able to be present face-to-face or via phone or videoconference for your scheduled appointment. Appointments that are cancelled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours notice will attract a full consultation fee. If you are late for your appointment this will reduce the amount of time that you will have to see your surgeon, which may make it necessary for you to schedule an additional appointment - so please make sure you are checked in to the virtual waiting room on your computer or device at the time of your appointment, or alternatively have your phone line open and ready to accept our call.

What should I send through prior to my appointment?

We require that you send us your GP's referral before we can book you an appointment. Please also send through:

The three forms above - Patient Registration, Privacy Consent and Photography consent; this will include your Medicare or Veterans' Affairs card number and expiry, and any health insurance details (private health, Workcover or TAC claim number and date)
Details of all relevant x-rays, scans, nerve studies and other test results
A list of your medications if these do not fit within the Patient Registration form

How can I make the most of my appointment?

We appreciate that your time is valuable and have put together tips to assist you in making the most of your appointment.

We recommend that prior to your appointment you:

1. Read your appointment confirmation email fully. This email contains contain general information that will assist you in preparing for your appointment. Depending on what information you have provided to our administrative staff, the email may include additional general information and website links regarding the treatments that may be offered or discussed during your appointment. (click here for our full list of pre-appointment tips)

How do I access an "emergency" or earlier appointment?

At Melbourne Hand Surgery we have a number of “emergency” appointment slots available each week, and sometimes earlier appointments become available if a person contacts us to move or cancel their scheduled appointment. Read here for information on how we allocate these appointments and how you can maximise your chances of accessing one, should you wish to do so.

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