What to expect at your first appointment
Embarking on your health journey begins with your initial consultation. During this essential first step, you’ll discuss your objectives and goals to collaboratively develop a treatment strategy to help you reach them. While this may feel like an exciting and daunting first step, our team is dedicated to providing support throughout your entire experience.
Preparing for your appointment
To help you prepare for your initial consultation, below is a list of requirements or documents that need to be completed:
To be able to book your initial consultation a current referral needs to be obtained from your GP. This can be emailed to the team at admin@weightlossoperation.com.au or your GP may send your referral electronically to us.
If you are booking your initial weight loss consultation a $100.00 deposit is required to secure your appointment. This will need to be paid at the time of making your appointment. This deposit will be deducted off the total cost of your appointment.
Please complete your patient registration form included as a link in your appointment confirmation sms before your scheduled appointment.
Please respond to your confirmation SMS that will be sent out 7 days prior to your appointment.
Financial and Scheduling Information
Cost Estimations
We will be able to provide you with estimated costs following your consultation. For patients with private health insurance we can provide you with surgical and anaesthetist fees. For patients who are uninsured quote estimates will be obtained for anaesthetist and hospital fees and surgical fees will be provided on the day of consultation.
Scheduling Procedure Date
Once a surgical consent has been signed, we can look at scheduling a date for your procedure. Dr Puhalla operates from both Gold Coast Private Hospital and Pindara Private Hospital, depending on which hospital will determine availability.
Early Superannuation Access
If you are funding your surgery through ‘Early Superannuation Access’ our team will be able to guide you through the process from lodging with the ATO to when the funds are released through your superannuation fund. Please note that the application process can only begin once your exact surgical date is scheduled and confirmed.
Payment Plan
We also offer a flexible payment plan through Total Lifestyle Credit (TLC). As the only patient funding platform approved by AHPRA, TLC offers competitive rates and a simple online application process. This is a great option for patients who wish not use their superannuation or don’t have enough funds or aren’t eligible. Learn more about their payment plans here.
Why is there a Gap?
While we endeavour to keep surgical costs as affordable as possible for patients, there are still out of pocket costs. Our surgical pricing reflects the expertise, quality and care of Dr Puhalla’s services, and his team. Please note that we do not participate in gap-cover or no-gap arrangements for weight loss or general surgery.
What is discussed in your initial consultation with Dr Puahlla
Medical and Lifestyle History
During your initial consultation, Dr Puhalla will review your medical and lifestyle history from the questionnaire that was included in your patient registration form. This information will assist Dr Puhalla with treatment and surgical recommendations.
Discussion of Goals & Expectations
Dr Puhalla will take the time to listen and understand your motivation for surgery by asking what are your goals you would like to achieve. This is an opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have. Dr Puhalla will provide honest and realistic information as to what can be achieved, potential results, benefits and risk factors associated with surgery.
Physical Assessment
You can request for a nurse to be present during this examination. Our nurse will be present during the examination. This may require Dr Puhalla to feel a part of your body in your area of concern, or remove a piece of clothing for a more thorough examination. This will provide Dr Puhalla more insight into what is causing your concern.
We understand that this can be an uncomfortable experience for some patients, however we are committed to supporting your health and journey as well as your comfort. Our nurse will be present during the examination.
Discussion of Surgical Plan, Risks & Benefits
Following the discussion of your medical and lifestyle history and physical examination if required, Dr Puhalla will discuss which procedure would be appropriate for your health and goals and discuss a tailored surgical plan.
Dr Puhalla will thoroughly explain how the proposed surgical plan will be performed by providing you with a detailed surgical brochure with an explanation of techniques and visual diagram of the procedure.
Additionally, an in depth discussion of the associated risks and benefits of the procedure will be provided to you to ensure you have all the necessary information to make an informed decision.
Addressing Questions & Concerns
Dr Puhalla encourages open communication throughout your consultation. At any point it is important to ask questions you may have about the procedure, risks and benefits and your goals to ensure that your mind is at ease and you are confident with your decision.
We understand that there is a lot of information for you to process during and following your consultation. You will be emailed your procedure brochure and detailed information pertaining to your procedure, post operative care and necessary lifestyle changes to be made.
Find us
- Suite 4, level 6 Pacific Private Clinic 123 Nerang St Southport, QLD 4215
Underground car park into Pacific Private Clinic entry from Cougar street – Free 30 minutes, 2 hours $6
Alternative parking (also underground) is just across Nerang Street at the Queen Street Shopping Centre village (undercover 2 hours fee, open air 45 minutes free)
Get In Touch
- (07) 5667 9766
- (07) 5636 6275
- admin@weightlossoperation.com.au
