Your First Visit
Your First Appointment at Breast and Wellness Centre
We understand that attending your first appointment can feel overwhelming, so we aim to make the process as smooth and supportive as possible. Your initial visit is an opportunityity for us to understand your concerns, review your medical history, and develop a personalised care plan tailored to your needs. Our compassionate team is here to guide you every step of the way.
What to Expect During Your First Visit
1. Registration and Initial Paperwork
To save time on the day of your appointment, you can complete the registration form online before your visit by requesting a link from our staff. Alternatively, you may arrive 5–10 minutes early to fill out any necessary paperwork in person. Please also bring any prior imaging, pathology reports, or referral letters to ensure a thorough evaluation.
2. Discussion of Medical History
Your specialist will discuss your medical history, symptoms, and any prior treatments to gain a full understanding of your condition.
3. Examination and Assessment
A physical examination, including breast ultrasound, may be performed, and further tests or imaging might be recommended if necessary.
4. Treatment Planning
Based on the findings, your doctor will discuss potential treatment options and next steps, ensuring all your questions are answered.
Important Notes
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Parking: This is limited at Westmead Private Hospital. Parking can be found at Coles or across the road at Westmead Public's multi-storey car park. Please allow sufficient time to park.
What to Bring?
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Medicare card and/or private health insurance details.
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Referral letter from your GP or another specialist (if applicable).
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Any relevant imaging, such as mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRI scans.
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Pathology reports or prior medical records.
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Can I Book an Online Consultation?Yes, we offer online consultations for your convenience. To book, please fill out our online appointment request form, call us at 85296699, or email us at reception@breastandwellnesscentre.com.au. Once your booking is confirmed, we’ll provide details on how to connect with our specialist for your virtual consultation.
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What information do I need to provide when booking an appointment?When booking, please provide your full name, contact information, preferred date and time, and the reason for your visit. For first-time visits, having a referral from your doctor to claim the fee from medicare is helpful.
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What are the consultation fees, and is there a Medicare rebate available?The fee for an initial consultation ranges from $320 to $350. Fees for subsequent visits range from $175 to $250. If you are eligible for a Medicare rebate, the subsidy will be processed at the time of your appointment.
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What should I bring to my appointment?You should bring your referral letter, Medicare card, health fund card (if applicable), any relevant X-rays or imaging, and a list of your current medications. This will ensure your consultation proceeds smoothly and efficiently.
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How Long Does It Take to Get an Appointment?The waiting time varies depending on the urgency of your case. We prioritise urgent patients and aim to see them within 1–2 working days. For non-urgent cases, the waiting time may be longer.
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How soon can I schedule my surgery?The timeline for scheduling depends on the urgency of your condition, your choice of hospital, and availability. Urgent cases are prioritised, and private hospitals often offer more flexibility with dates.
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What is the difference between public and private hospitals?Public hospitals provide care funded by the government, typically at little or no cost to the patient, but wait times can be longer. Private hospitals offer faster access to surgery, greater choice of surgeons, and more personalised care but may involve out-of-pocket costs unless covered by private health insurance.
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What should I bring on the day of surgery?You’ll receive a checklist that includes items such as your Medicare or private health insurance card, any medications you’re taking, and hard copies of images you have. You also might have been asked to bring a surgical bra or garment to the theatre.
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What is the cost of the first appointment?The cost ranges between $250 and $450, depending on the type of consultation. Medicare rebates or private health insurance may apply to eligible patients.
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How soon can I start treatment?The timeline for starting treatment depends on your specific condition. Urgent cases are prioritised, and we aim to begin your care as soon as possible.
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Can I bring someone with me?Absolutely. You are welcome to bring a family member or friend to support you during your appointment.
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Do I need a referral to book an appointment?A referral is not always necessary, but it may be required for certain treatments or to claim Medicare rebates. Contact us to confirm.
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Will any tests or procedures be done during my first visit?In most cases, your first visit will involve a consultation and physical examination. If additional tests are required, such as imaging or biopsies, these will be scheduled separately or discussed during your appointment.
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How long will my first appointment take?Your first appointment typically lasts between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your case.