Q: Do I need a referral to be seen at the Moonee Valley Specialist Centre?
A: Yes, you do. All patients coming to the centre must have a written referral from their general practitioner (GP) or another medical specialist. When you visit your doctor for your condition, you may be happy to accept the advice of your GP with regard to a specialist. Alternatively, you may like to investigate your choice for a specialist. If your condition is in our specialty area, please give your doctor our contact details so they can write the referral to Moonee Valley Specialist Centre.
Q: Do I need a referral for a Fibroscan?
A: It is preferable to have a referral for a Fibroscan, however not essential. When you have a referral, Dr Nathan Connelly may be asked to go through the results immediately with you. Without one, you will be given the results with limited interpretation and you will need to see a doctor to explain what the results mean.
Q: Will Medicare cover the cost of my consultation or procedure?
A: Medicare provides benefits for the consultation fees of doctors, including specialists, as well as tests and examinations by doctors needed to treat illnesses. Medicare will cover some of the costs for your consultation or procedure. For bulk-billing doctors you won’t have to pay anything.
Q: Do you have car parking available for patients?
A: Unfortunately, no. We do not have a dedicated car park. But there is ample one and two hour street parking on Mt Alexander Road and on Thorn Street just around the corner.
Q: How long will I need to be at the endoscopy centre for my gastroscopy or colonoscopy?
A: Due to the long-lasting effects of the sedative medication you will be given for your gastroscopy or colonoscopy procedure, you’ll be at the centre for between 2.5 to 4 hours. As you wake up from the sedative, we monitor your vital signs to make sure you’re feeling well enough to eat and drink something before you go home. When we’re happy with your recovery and you’re comfortable, we’ll send you home.
Q: Can I drive home after my gastroscopy or colonoscopy?
A: Due to the sedative medication in your bloodstream, you will not be alert enough to drive a vehicle or operate heavy machinery until the following day. We also strongly advise that you do not undertake activities that require you to be alert, such as travelling unaccompanied, working or signing legal documents, after your procedure.
Q: Can I drink alcohol after my gastroscopy or colonoscopy?
A: Consuming alcohol will enhance the effects of the sedative medication you will be given and further impair your physical and mental functions; therefore alcoholic drinks are not permitted until the following day.
Q: Where do I get the preparation for my colonoscopy?
A: You can purchase colonoscopy preparation kits from Moonee Valley Specialist Centre. If you are booking your procedure over the phone, please ask the nurse and she can arrange to have this sent to you in the post. Alternatively, you may come in to the consulting rooms.
Q: Do you only have gastroenterologists at Moonee Valley Specialist Centre?
A: No, in addition to our consultant gastroenterologists and specialist gastrointestinal surgeons, we also provide consultations with professional naturopaths and dieticians.
Q: What happens when I cancel my appointment?
A: We can certainly reschedule your appointment with more than 24 hours notice, if you call and speak with one of our receptionists. However, if you cancel your appointment within 24 hours’ of the appointment date and time you will be charged a cancellation fee.
Q: Can I pay for my appointment online?
A: Yes! We have a PayPal account so you sure can! Please click this link: https://www.paypal.me/mvscentre