Patient Information
Your Journey Starts Here
Understanding what lies ahead is the first step toward recovery. Here you will find clear information on referrals, fees, hospital admissions and what to expect from your first consultation through to post-operative care.
Commitment
Care built on clarity
A well-informed patient is a calm patient.
Clear and honest fee structure with no surprises
We provide written quotes for every procedure and consultation.
Complete pre- and post-operative guidance
Detailed plans to prepare you for surgery and recovery.
Dedicated support at every stage
Our team is with you from the first call to final follow-up.
Transparency
A clear view of your consultation and surgical fees
Financial clarity is part of good care. You will always know the cost before any treatment begins. Dr Handford's practice provides written fee estimates for all consultations and procedures, with out-of-pocket costs explained in advance.
The cost of your initial and follow-up consultations
Understanding surgical fees and theatre costs
Your health fund cover and gap payments
Preparation
Your first consultation with Dr Handford
A valid GP or specialist referral is essential. It ensures you receive your Medicare rebate and allows Dr Handford to review your history before the appointment.
Arrive early
Please plan to arrive ten minutes before your scheduled time. This gives you space to complete any paperwork and provide your referral without feeling rushed.
Discussing your history
Dr Handford will sit with you and listen. He wants the full story of your injury, your pain and what you need to get back to doing.
The physical examination
A focused physical exam follows the conversation. You may be asked to change into a gown so your shoulder or elbow can be properly assessed.
A clear treatment plan
You will leave with a clear understanding of your diagnosis. A written summary and a tailored treatment pathway will be mapped out for you.
Pathway
Your surgical journey
Surgery is a team effort. Dr Handford and his team walk beside you from the decision to operate through to your final follow-up appointment.
Getting ready for your operation
You will receive a detailed pre-admission pack. It covers fasting instructions, medications to pause and what to pack for the hospital.
The day of your surgery
Arrive at the hospital at the time instructed and the team will guide you through admission. Dr Handford will see you before the anaesthetic to review the plan and answer any final questions.
Your post-operative care and follow
Recovery is a steady process. You will have a clear physiotherapy protocol and scheduled follow-up appointments with Dr Handford to monitor your progress and guide your return to activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions patients ask most often before coming in.
Yes, a valid referral from your general practitioner or specialist is required to claim your Medicare rebate. It also ensures Dr Handford has your full medical history before your first visit.
We believe in complete transparency. Our team will provide a detailed, written quote for your consultation and any planned surgery, clearly outlining out-of-pocket costs well in advance. There are no surprises.
The Canopy shopping centre offers a ticketless underground car park with the entrance via the roundabout at the intersection of Finlayson Street and Rosenthal Avenue. Parking is free for 3 hours on levels P2 to P4, or 1 hour express parking on level P1. From the car park, take the lifts or escalators to the Ground Floor — the entrance to Central 105 is opposite the lifts, with Suite 7 halfway down the arcade on the left. Alternatively, Little Street carpark offers 3 hours of free parking with access to Longueville Road via the rear of 102–104 Longueville Road. Timed street parking is also available on Longueville Road.
Yes, telehealth appointments are available for suitable follow-up consultations and for patients in regional areas. An initial in-person examination is always preferred when clinically appropriate.
We strive to see urgent cases promptly. While routine consultations are booked efficiently, emergency referrals from your GP will always be prioritised for the earliest available appointment.
Ready to take the next step
Speak with our practice team about booking a consultation, understanding your fees or preparing for your hospital stay.
