Frequently Asked Questions

For your first appointment at East Obstetrics + Gynaecology, we want to ensure a smooth and efficient process. Here's a checklist of items you'll need to bring:

Referral: Please bring the referral from your GP or referring healthcare provider. This helps us understand your medical history and the reason for your visit.

Medicare Card & Private Health Insurance Details: This is essential for billing purposes and ensuring that you receive any eligible rebates.

Patient Questionnaire: Complete the patient questionnaire provided to you in advance. This information is vital for our team to better understand your health background and specific concerns.

Test Results: If you have any additional medical records or relevant test results that have not already been provided, please bring them with you.

By having these items ready for your first appointment, you help us provide you with the best possible care. We look forward to meeting you and working together to address your healthcare needs. If you have any questions or concerns before your appointment, please don't hesitate to contact our office.

A referral from your GP is valid for 12 months. If a specialist provides a referral, it lasts for 3 months, after which it's recommended to consult your GP for a new referral if needed. If long-term care with one of our doctors is required, your GP can issue an indefinite referral that doesn't expire, allowing you to continue seeing your preferred doctor over the years to come.

Most hospitals allow you to book your admission online. Obstetric patients should complete their admission forms before 20 weeks of pregnancy, noting that your estimated due date should be selected as your admission date. For other surgery admissions, the forms should be completed as soon as possible but no later than one week prior to your booked surgery. 

For the hospitals attended most frequently by our doctors, please see the links below:

Burnside War Memorial Hospital eAdmission

North Eastern Community Hospital eAdmission 

There are various ways you can increase your chances of conception. For more information, please read our page on fertility and book a pre-conception appointment with one of our doctors. 

Your first obstetric appointment will be at approximately 10 weeks gestation. However, to ensure appointment availability, we recommend booking as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed. If you are not yet pregnant but are planning to start a family, we invite you to book a pre-conception appointment to optimise your health in preparation for pregnancy and provide specialised education to enhance your chances of success. 

A balanced diet in pregnancy is important for both you and your baby. Please visit our page on nutrition in pregnancy to learn more.

The Women’s and Children’s Hospital provide an advice line 9am-5pm on weekdays where you can speak to a Pharmacist if you have any questions about medicines, for adults, children, pregnancy and breastfeeding. You can ring if you are unsure if a medication or supplement is safe in your pregnancy, whilst breastfeeding, or even for your newborn after birth. Call 08 8161 7555.

Our specialist obstetrician gynaecologists perform surgeries at both Burnside War Memorial Hospital and North Eastern Community Hospital. 

Understandably, concerns about potential discomfort during the Mirena insertion are valid. It's important to note that the procedure is generally well-tolerated and any discomfort is often comparable to menstrual cramps. Our goal is to make the experience as convenient for you as possible and the quick procedure is usually performed within the comfortable setting of our medical rooms.

We recognise that everyone's pain threshold is different, and your well-being is our top priority. If you have any concerns about potential pain, we are here to address them. For personalised insights and to discuss whether the Mirena is the right choice for you, we encourage you to reach out to our private rooms and schedule a consultation.

In general, it's perfectly fine to keep your appointment even if you have your period. However, if you are experiencing heavy bleeding, it may pose challenges for certain physical examinations. If you happen to get your period on the morning of or the day before your scheduled appointment, please don't hesitate to call and speak with one of our team. They will provide guidance on whether it's advisable to proceed with the appointment as planned. No need to feel embarrassed – making such inquiries is not uncommon, and you certainly won't be the first or last to reach out.

A colposcopy is a medical procedure that involves a detailed examination of the cervix, vagina, and vulva using a special instrument called a colposcope. A colposcope is a magnifying device with a light that allows the healthcare provider to closely inspect these tissues for any abnormalities. The procedure is typically performed in response to abnormal results from a Cervical Screening Test (CST) and aims to further evaluate any detected irregularities.

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of a woman's uterus. It is performed for various medical reasons, including the treatment of conditions such as uterine cancer, severe endometriosis or abnormal bleeding that does not respond to other treatments. It may also be recommended for other reasons as part of a prolapse repair or if precancerous cells are found lining the wall of the uterus. Depending on the specific case, a hysterectomy may involve removing the entire uterus or only certain parts, such as the uterus and cervix. This surgery is considered a definitive solution for certain gynaecological issues, and its appropriateness is determined based on the patient's health condition and the nature of the underlying medical issues. Please visit our page on hysterectomy procedures for further information.

A hysteroscopy is a medical procedure that involves the examination of the inside of the uterus using a thin, lighted tube called a hysteroscope. This procedure allows healthcare providers to visually inspect the uterine lining and diagnose or treat various gynecological conditions. The specific reasons for a hysteroscopy and the procedures performed can vary based on the individual's health and the purpose of the examination.