FAQs

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Do I need Private Insurance for an Appointment

No. Private Insurance may give you a wider choice of Hospitals and operating times. However uninsured patients will have access to Public Lists in Castlemaine and Kerang Hospitals.

What is helpful to bring to your First Appointment?

• Your referral letter if given to you by your GP. If not, check with your GP that it has been forwarded directly to Dr. Jalland’s office.
• Any recent Pathology or Imaging results or let Dr. Jalland’s practice manager know the name of either provider, if possible, before your appointment.
• Your Medicare and, if applicable, your Private Health Insurance details.
• A list of your current medications or bring them with you.
• Write down a list of questions important to you.

Can I bring someone with me to the Consultation?

Certainly, if that is your wish. It may be advisable, if you are under 18 y.o (but not mandatory), and consents are required. A staff member acting as chaperone is available if requested.

Will I have an internal examination?

Only if, in Dr. Jalland’s opinion, it would be essential in helping define and manage your presenting problem, or a PAP smear is required. That opinion will be explained but no examination would proceed without your permission. A chaperone is available if requested.

What if my period is due at the time of my appointment?

Not menstruating at the time of a Colposcopy, used to investigate abnormal smears, is helpful. If you are on the Pill, you can delay your period by ignoring the sugar tablets and moving to the next active tablet. If you are not on the Pill then you could discuss another time however the consultation can still occur, even with menstruation, as an internal examination may not be required. If in doubt please discuss with the Practice manager.

What if I can’t make my appointment?

It is understood that appointments may need to be changed at the last moment. Ideally at least 24hrs. notice would give the Practice Manager a chance to offer that time to others who are waiting for an emergency appointment.

If you have left a mobile number then expect an SMS asking you to confirm your attendance. The Practice Manager can be reached by telephone (03 5443 3488) or email (info@drjalland.com.au).

Occasionally Dr. Jalland may have to change your appointment due to unforeseen circumstances following your booking. All efforts will be made to give you a convenient time.

Payment of Fees

• Payment of consultations is expected on the day in Bendigo. Consultations in Kerang will receive an account, payable within 14 days.
• Payment can be made with Mastercard or Visa credit or debit cards, cash or EFT. Most payments involve co-payments only as the Practice Manager can contact, and organize, your Medicare payment on your behalf from Dr Jalland’s rooms, saving you the need to contact Medicare yourself.
• Pensioners and Veteran Affairs card holders can expect a discount.
• Operations in Private Hospitals may attract a co-payment. Always discuss this with the Practice Manager.
• It is important to discuss any payment difficulties with the Practice Manager as this is important to help in any recovery from illness or operation.

What should I do before my operation?

• If your operation is in the morning; Fast (nothing by mouth) after midnight and expect admission after 7am. Any preoperative antibiotics should be taken at 9.30pm the night before admission.
• If your operation is in the afternoon; have a normal breakfast, take any preoperative antibiotics if required, then Fast, after 7.30am. Expect admission after 11am for major procedures, 12 Midday for laparoscopies and minor procedures.
• Expect the Hospital Admission Manager to contact you to discuss your admission time, what to bring etc.
• Always contact the Practice Manager if you have any uncertainty over advice.

What happens after my operation?

Dr. Jalland partners with experienced local GPs for post-operative care in Castlemaine and Kerang Hospitals and attends post-operative patients in St John of God Hospital, Bendigo, unless a locum is required due to unavoidable absence.

Usually you will receive a pamphlet outlining your procedure and with post-operative advice regarding activity. Other information can be viewed at the Patient information section at www.ranzcog.edu.au.

A post- operative appointment, and recovery/time off work, is usually

• 1–2 weeks post laparoscopy.
• 2 days post minor procedure.
• 6–8 weeks following major abdominal or pelvic procedures.

These times may vary depending on recovery.

What if I think I have a problem after my operation?

Generally you should anticipate steady recovery as outlined with the time off work as noted above. If that is not the case, or there is a deterioration in your condition, then you should present to your nearest major 24hrs Accident & Emergency (A&E) for assessment.

Dr Jalland is usually contacted by the A&E Doctors to coordinate your ongoing care.

If you have a minor issue, contact the Practice Manager who will seek further advice.

What if I am unhappy with my care?

Constructive criticism is welcomed, either related to your consultation, surgery or post-operative care and outcome. Prompt attention to any concern you have by contacting Dr. Jalland may help your care and recovery. Dr. Jalland is more than willing to arrange a second opinion if sought or forward information to another doctor if requested.

If you feel your complaints have not been resolved to your satisfaction than addressing your concerns to the Victorian Health Services Commissioner(health.vic.gov/hsc) may be helpful.