While in hospital, you will be visited daily by Dr. Bessell. On discharge, you will be asked to ring his rooms to make an appointment for a post-operative check. Your care over this period is our responsibility. Further follow-up will depend on your condition and recovery. Reports of your progress will be sent to your GP or referring doctor at regular intervals and on completion of your treatment.
Removal of Sutures / Staples
If you need sutures removed after discharge from hospital, you will be asked to ring Dr. Bessell’s rooms to make an appointment for this to be done. Sometimes after discharge from hospital, a problem may arise which causes you some concern, for example the wound may weep a little. If you have any post-operative problems, please phone our office first. This will usually resolve any questions, and if necessary an appointment can be made for you to be seen. If the situation is urgent, it may be necessary to call Dr. Bessell’s mobile phone.
Pathology tests
Nearly all tissues removed at operation are sent to the pathologist for examination, as only the microscope can reveal some unsuspected conditions. It is in your long term interest that this is done.
Radiology
X-rays are often taken during the operation for removal of the gall-bladder, and occasionally this is necessary during other operations also.
Fees
Dr. Bessell has a philosophy that right from the beginning patients are fully informed about his charges. Please feel free to question us regarding fees, and we will provide you with an estimate. If this is your first appointment with Dr. Bessell, a gap payment is required at the time of attendance, and a smaller gap payment for follow-up visits. Post-operative visits are free for a certain period set by Medicare. If you have private health insurance, most health funds will cover the majority of the surgeon’s gap for your operation. You may be required to make a co-payment which is usually a small amount compared to the total gap. We have no responsibility for the charges from the hospital, the assistant, the anaesthetist, pharmacy, pathology, radiology, or physiotherapy. The majority of these will also usually be reimbursed from your health fund.
