FAQs

About your Appointment with Dr Bourke

• Do I need a referral to see Dr Bourke?

  - A dated referral is required from either your General Practitioner or Specialist, or alternatively from your Optometrist

  - Referrals generally have a validity of 12 months until a new referral is required

  - A valid referral is important for Medicare billing and for continuing communication with your referring Health Practitioner(s)

• What are the fees associated with an appointment with Dr Bourke?

  Dr Bourke consults within a Private Practice

  - Consultation fees differ according to the nature of the appointment, for example, New Patient consultations have a different fee than a Review Consultation

  - The Medicare Benefits Schedule contributes towards a portion of the fee(s) charged, as a benefit payable to the individual

  - Private Health Insurers may also provide contributions according to your level of cover

  - Specialised Ophthalmic testing, which is performed on site, is charged separately to the consultation fee. A Medicare Benefit may also be payable to the individual to cover a portion of the cost of these tests.

  - A friendly administrative staff member will discuss all the relevant fees with you before your appointment, and should any further testing or procedure be required, a thorough discussion will be had in regards to the fee(s) payable and the contribution that may be paid by Medicare or a Private Health Insurer.

• How do I make an appointment to see Dr Bourke?

  - Simply call any of our locations to speak with one of our friendly administrative team members who will discuss available appointments and suitable locations according to availability

  - You will need to bring your referral to your appointment as well as your Medicare Card and if applicable, your Private Health Insurance Membership card, Pensioner Card, DVA Card or other access scheme card

  - You will be sent a New Patient Pack that contains important information regarding your appointment and information that we require you to complete and bring with you to your appointment

  - Dr Bourke will endeavour to see patients' within the shortest reasonable time frame and often has emergency appointments available

• What should I expect during my appointment with Dr Bourke?

  - On arrival to your appointment, a friendly administrative team member will check you in and confirm your details

  - Shortly thereafter you will be seen by a highly trained Ophthalmic Technician who will gather information about your eye concern(s) and perform a detailed assessment

  - The Ophthalmic Technician will enlarge your pupils using dilating eye drops. These eye drops will blur your vision and last approximately 3-6 hours. It is strongly advised that you DO NOT drive on the day of your appointment

  - You will undergo specialised Ophthalmic imaging studies on site, that are relevant to your eye condition(s)

  - Shortly thereafter you will be reviewed with a highly trained Clinical Optometrist who will review your imaging studies, detailed assessment and perform a thorough examination of your eyes

  - Finally, Dr Bourke will perform a detailed review of your eyes in combination with the Clinical Optometrist and discuss your results and address your concerns. Dr Bourke wil diagnose any conditions and formulate a management plan

  - The Clinical Optometrist will answer any further questions you may have and provide an in-depth education session regarding your condition(s) and the management plan as well as being available to complete any paperwork you may require

  - At the conclusion of your appointment, a friendly administrative team member will finalise your appointment and book any further appointments or surgery. You will be provided with an information pack to take with you

  - You should expect that your journey through the Clinical Process will take between 2 - 3 hours for a thorough clinical assessment and management plan. We are fortunate to have all of our specialised Ophthalmic imaging equipment on site, thus negating the need to attend another location and return to the clinic.

About your Procedure with Dr Bourke

• Where does Dr Bourke perform procedures?

  Depending on the nature of your treatment, Dr Bourke performs procedures within his consulting rooms or exclusively at Short Street Day Surgery in Southport.

  Transport Options are available to assist patients with travelling to Short Street Day Surgery. Please discuss your circumstances with a friendly administrative staff member.

  - Intravitreal Injections of Medication(s) can be performed in rooms or at Short Street Day Surgery. The circumstances regarding this decision will be discussed with you at your appointment.

  - Laser Treatment for Retinal Conditions are performed at Short Street Day Surgery

  - Specialised Laser Treatment for Macular and Retinal Conditions can be performed in rooms depending on your condition(s).

  - Cataract, Vitreoretinal and Macular Surgical Procedures are performed exclusively at Short Street Day Surgery

• What are the fees associated with a procedure performed by Dr Bourke?

  - There are different fees for specific procedures

  - The fee structure is determined by the Medicare Benefits Schedule who will pay a benefit towards your procedure

  - Private Health Insurers will provide additional cover for eye procedures if you are insured for that level of cover

  - The Day Surgery, Short Street Day Surgery, charges a theatre fee which is independent of Dr Bourke

  - If applicable, an Anaesthetic fee may be charged which is independent of Dr Bourke and a benefit is paid by Medicare

  The nature of your procedure will determine the actual fee to be paid. The Medicare Benefits Schedule and Private Health Insurers provide benefits towards the fees.
  At the conclusion of your appointment, a friendly administrative team member will have a thorough discussion and explanation of the fees relevant to your procedure.

• Would a medical condition stop my Procedure?

  Dr Bourke is generally able to operate on patients with serious medical conditions, however the following consultations may be required:

  (1) A consultation with your General Practitioner regarding your Medical Condition(s) and the safety to proceed with Surgery

  (2) A consultation with the Anaesthetist allocated to your care on the day of your procedure

  (3) An appointment and review at a Pre-Admission Clinic at Pindara Private Hospital prior to your Surgery. This is a bulk billed clinic.

  - It is important to discuss your medical history and any Medical Conditions that you have with Dr Bourke and team in order to arrange the necessary care and management to ensure your Surgery can proceed safely.