The decision to see a medical specialist can be challenging.

Some common questions are addressed below. The team will be happy to answer any additional questions you may have before the consultation; don’t hesitate to contact us by phone or email. Josh will happily answer any other concerns or questions during your visit.

Typically, people are referred by their General Practitioner or another medical specialist (e.g., a nurse specialist, physiotherapist, or another clinician). The referral will already include all relevant information, and Josh’s team will contact you or the referring clinician directly if any critical information is missing.
No. Josh and his team understand that accessing GPs or other specialists for appointments can be challenging before referral. Josh’s team will contact your GP for up-to-date medical history and medications. Some insurers may require a referral. Please check with your provider.
Typically, patients start an initial workup before referral. Your referral will be reviewed, and if Josh and his team feel it would be optimal to have additional investigations before review, they will contact you to discuss this further.
This varies depending on the referral condition and current patient volumes. Josh & his team will triage each referral and see as soon as feasible based on the urgency of your condition. They will strive to see any person who is clinically urgent, in significant pain, or whose independence is threatened by their condition. If you experience any increases in pain, safety concerns, or health changes while waiting, please let Josh and his team know as soon as possible so we can accommodate the necessary changes.

Your appointment, what is expected and what to bring

ACC/Insurance details. If you are not sure, feel free to contact us beforehand. Please make a list of questions. Even in initial consultations, a lot of information can be discussed; it is easy to forget questions you may have.
Josh & his team encourage you to bring support people to your consultation. Having their support is helpful; they can remember extra information and ask additional questions.
We do not provide interpreters, but please contact Josh’s team as soon as you think this may be required. They can direct you to services that can assist. Josh prefers trained interpreters to family members. Medical terminology and general discussion may lead to misunderstandings without a trained professional.
Absolutely. Josh and his team always prefer face-to-face consultation, and in some situations, it’s required. First appointments are often inappropriate for telehealth, but subsequent follow-ups and result discussions can usually be done from the convenience of your own home or work.
Sorry, this service is not currently provided.
Yes. We understand that not everyone has the resources for private treatment. Josh is happy to arrange your referral to public health care if you prefer. Specialist referrals do not get particular preference, but sometimes, the additional workup or information gained in your consultation process can help strengthen your referral.
Josh is an affiliated provider for many major insurance providers. You may be responsible for a shortfall or initial payment as part of your policy.

He also works frequently with emergency service providers (e.g. Police, Fire & Emergency) and armed services.

Depending on your situation, we invoice you following your appointment and accept bank transfer payments. We do not have an EFTPOS/credit card facility.

If you are under the care of ACC, they cover the entire cost of your visit. Josh does not add a surcharge. There may be surcharges for investigations or treatments provided by other organisations Josh refers to you. This will be discussed with you prior.

Common questions around planning surgery

Although booked and planned in coordination with your needs, ACC funds this surgery and their approval is needed. For some procedures, no prior approval is required, but many procedures can take between 2 and 12 weeks to get approved. This is not something Josh & his team have any control over and depends a lot on the ACC team’s resources. Don't hesitate to get in touch with them for updates. But also, if your condition deteriorates, please let us know, and we can advocate on your behalf with the ACC team or transfer your care to public acute orthopaedic service if necessary.
This process varies between companies.

As a Southern Cross-affiliated provider, his team can apply directly for many procedures.

Some have portals where we can apply directly on your behalf. Others require you to collate all the relevant information and send it to them. Josh and his team will help you with this process and provide all the information needed.
Once you have a pre-approval number/letter, please let us know.
Josh and his team appreciate that not everyone has insurance. We can provide costings so you can understand what your treatment will cost. We can plan and book a date when you are happy and agree to proceed
- Staying active. This helps maintain fitness and helps with your recovery
- Consider engaging with a physiotherapist. Many patients find that the support and guidance of a physiotherapist improve their journey through surgery and recovery. Josh works with many excellent local providers and can help make suggestions that may suit you.
- Stop or cut back on smoking. Smoking causes numerous health issues, but around surgery, it has a significant impact on wound healing, infection rates and your ability to recover from your anaesthetic. If you would like help with smoking cessation, please see your GP or contact Josh’s team.
- Arrange for support at home, care for pets and time off work. Josh and his team can help discuss options/needs with you during your consultation. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Before you leave the hospital, you will be provided with;
- Your first follow-up appointment
- Discharge instructions
- ACC/Medical certificates
- Contact details for Josh & his team.
- Script for post-op pain relief & other medications
- Arthroplasty patients should receive aids for home (e.g. toilet seat riser) before discharge.
- Josh encourages major surgery patients to see their GP or practice nurse for a wellness check and wound review around two weeks post-op. If this facility/resource is unavailable, or you’d prefer to see Josh, please let us know, and the team will help make other arrangements.