Frequently Asked Questions
General
What are your business hours?
Our practice is open 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 3.00pm Friday (except holidays). Appointments can be made by calling (02) 6925 2250 during office hours.
Where does Dr Bradshaw consult from?
Dr Bradshaw consults from the following locations:
- Wagga Wagga – Suite 13, 2-10 Docker St
- Temora Medical Centre – 296-298 Hoskins St
- Narrandera Medical Centre – 3-7 Victoria St
- The Gardens Medical Group – Albury – Level 6, 470 Wodonga Place
For all locations, appointments can be made by calling (02) 6925 2250
Do I need a doctor’s referral to make an appointment with Dr Bradshaw?
Yes, we require a referral from your General Practitioner or another specialist prior to scheduling an appointment with Dr Bradshaw. Referrals from a GP or Specialist will allow you to claim the Medicare rebate for the consultation.
Will I have to wait long for an appointment?
We make every effort to see all patients in a timely manner and prioritise urgent appointments if and where possible.
Can I see Dr Bradshaw for any medical condition?
If you have an issue with your hip, knee, foot or ankle, Dr Bradshaw is only too happy to see you. If you are uncertain about your condition, please contact our rooms (02) 6925 2250.
My appointment is during work hours, will there be a delay?
Dr Bradshaw surprisingly runs to time or extremely close to it. If you are concerned about delays please contact our rooms (02) 6925 2250 to enquire about how his appointments are tracking.
At what hospitals does Dr Bradshaw operate?
Dr Bradshaw operates at:
- Calvary Riverina Healthcare – Hardy Ave, Wagga Wagga
- Calvary Riverina Surgicentre – Edward St, Wagga Wagga
- Wagga Wagga Base Hospital – Edward St, Wagga Wagga
What is the best advice we can give a patient?
Maintain as much mobility as possible – look for exercise options that you enjoy and fit into your lifestyle. Equally as important, is maintaining a healthy weight to avoid putting excess pressure on your joints. If a surgical option is your best chance to improve your quality of life, then understand what will happen. Ask questions of Dr Bradshaw so that you are comfortable with the process and follow up care – know how the surgery will impact you and be prepared.
Medicare & Insurance
What about your fees?
Dr Bradshaw’s fees are guided by the Australian Medical Association (AMA) recommended fee. This means that in most instances there will be a part of your surgical fee which will not be covered by Medicare and your health fund. It is important that you ask about this gap. Our staff are fully informed and will be able to help you.
What are your acceptable means of payment?
Consultation: Payment for your consultation is directly following your appointment.
Surgery: A quote will be provided to patients who are considering or have scheduled a surgery date. Deposits for surgery are to be paid in full 48 hours prior to surgery.
Bank cheques, personal cheques, cash or credit cards (MasterCard, VISA) are acceptable means of payment. We do not accept American Express cards.
Will you process my claim straight to Medicare?
As long as we have a valid referral and your bank account details are registered with Medicare, we can process a claim at time of consultation for a rebate to appear in your account with 24-48 hours.
How do I get my rebates after surgery?
By paying in full 48 hours prior to your surgery date we are able to hold the funds as a deposit. Once surgery has been completed with your permission, we can process the claim to Medicare and your private health fund on your behalf.
The rebates should be deposited to your account within 10 business days following our processing. The first and largest rebate will be from Medicare. Your health fund will be notified by Medicare of the rebate amount and your health fund will generally pay 25% of the Medicare rebate.
Do I need to have private health insurance?
The simple answer is no, however, private health insurance allows you and your family to access the right health services at the right time. You have control of your health care and can choose the provider, facility and timing of your treatment.
Does my sports insurance cover the cost of surgery?
Unfortunately, as is the case with private health insurance not all costs will be covered by sports insurance. Please discuss this further with our staff before proceeding with surgery.
I don't have private health insurance - what happens if I need surgery?
Non insured patients have two options:
- You can elect to have your surgery within a private hospital. You will need to cover all hospital and surgical costs prior to hospital admission. Our staff can provide further information regarding this option.
- Patients can be placed on Dr Bradshaw’s Wagga Wagga Base Hospital waiting list. There is generally a 12 month wait for non-urgent surgery.
I know I need surgery and have the item numbers; can I request a quote without seeing Dr Bradshaw?
Unfortunately, unless you have had a consultation with Dr Bradshaw regarding the treatment plan in question, we are unable to provide you with a quote.
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