We know that living with knee pain is difficult, so we want to ensure your first appointment counts. It’s a valuable opportunity for your surgeon to understand your experience, review your scans and develop a plan for your care.
Here’s how to prepare and what to expect at Melbourne Knee Centre.
Melbourne Knee Centre places strong emphasis on making the first consultation as meaningful as possible, which is why we work hard to gather all the necessary information.
Our team may ask a few questions before your visit, including checking that your referral is current and that any relevant imaging is available.
If further scans are likely to provide helpful information, we may ask you to arrange these before your appointment so that your surgeon can review the findings. This helps to make the best use of your consultation.
The first reason is financial: you need a referral to claim a Medicare rebate for your first appointment and any subsequent ones.
The second reason is clinical: a referral provides a wealth of relevant information from those already involved in your care, enabling your surgeon to make a more informed assessment.
Your first appointment will usually be with one of our surgeons, who will aim to:
Your surgeon may recommend either non-surgical treatment, such as physiotherapy or exercise-based rehabilitation, or knee surgery.
Melbourne Knee Centre is supported by a broader team, not only the surgeon you see in the clinic. Depending on your needs, your care may also involve nurses, physiotherapy input, specialised assistants and administrative staff who help keep the process organised and connected.
Our assistants and bookings team help guide patients through the practical side of care. This may include coordinating appointments, collecting referrals and imaging, explaining next steps and arranging follow-up reviews.
If surgery is recommended, our nurses may help guide you through the booking process, medical screening, practical preparation and financial consent.
We hope you now feel fully prepared for your appointment. However, if you’re unsure about anything – whether your referral is current or if you need more scans – please contact our team before your appointment.
Melbourne Knee Centre prioritises early assessment for athletes with time-sensitive sporting injuries. Our surgeons can review scans, provide initial advice on management and create a plan for treatment and return to sport.
We aim to accommodate urgent referrals quickly, and encourage you to call our rooms on 03 9853 5981.
We encourage you to allow plenty of time for your journey so you arrive feeling calm rather than rushed.
For advice on parking, public transport and the best pedestrian access to our clinic, please visit our contact page.