About your appointment

About your appointment

A typical first appointment

Arriving on time for your appointment helps you to get the most out of your consultation. A typical first appointment usually progresses as follows:

  • You will need to fill out registration forms and other relevant documentation.
  • Once you’re registered, you’ll be brought through to John’s office.
  • John will chat with you to take a thorough history of your condition.
  • A physical examination will be performed, testing your nervous system, strength, reflexes and sensation, depending on the circumstances.
  • A further examination of your spine and other relevant bones and joints will be undertaken.
  • John will review and analyse any imaging studies you have brought with you, and organise any other tests required.
  • Where possible, John will give you a diagnosis of your condition and construct a treatment plan.

After your first appointment, it’s often necessary to have further testing, diagnostic injections, or consultations with other health professionals to make sure you receive the best care possible. We’ll always try to refer you to these services at locations that are convenient for you, but please keep in mind that the fastest results may not be available from your preferred provider.

A letter is always written to your refereeing doctor and other interested parties you nominate immediately after your consultation. If you would like a copy uploaded to your “My Health Record”, please ask.


What to bring

Before you attend your first consultation with John, please bring with you:

  • Your referral
  • Any relevant imaging and/or investigations you’ve received (CD-ROM is preferable to films). Radiology practices cannot always be relied upon to send images to us in time for your appointment, so bringing images with you saves time and inconvenience.
  • Your Medicare card
  • Private health fund membership details
  • Next-of-kin contact details
  • An interpreter, if you need one.
  • WorkCover patients will also need a claim number, injury date, employer details and insurer details
  • TAC patients will need a claim number.

Bringing a friend is always recommended.


What to wear

Depending on your condition, John will need to examine your neck, back, arms and/or legs. Wearing appropriate clothing (and underwear) will make the examination easier and save any embarrassment.