DR CHEW-LIN YIP | UROLOGIST

Dr Chew-Lin Yip consults in Mandurah, Murdoch and Rockingham. This page explains what patients need before an appointment and what to expect.

A current referral is required. Ideally it should be available before booking because it explains the reason for consultation and allows relevant results to be gathered.

Referrals are accepted from:

• a GP — usually valid for 12 months from the first specialist visit under current Medicare rules

• another specialist — usually valid for three months

A GP can issue a longer or indefinite referral for an ongoing condition. If a referral has expired, a new one is needed before the next appointment. The rooms can check whether a referral appears current.

Phone (08) 9520 5310. The rooms will ask which consulting location is most suitable, arrange a time, explain the consultation fee and say what should be brought to the appointment.

Please bring:

• the referral, if there is a paper copy

• Medicare and private health-fund cards, where applicable

• a current medication list, including over-the-counter medicines and any blood-thinning medication

• relevant scans or reports and recent blood results if they have not already been sent

• a completed IPSS symptom score or bladder diary if requested; both are available from patient information and forms

• reading glasses if used, because results and diagrams may be discussed

Dr Yip reviews the history and symptoms, performs an examination when relevant, and explains the results in plain language. When a decision is needed, the reasonable options, benefits, risks and alternatives are discussed so the patient can weigh them.

Some questions can be resolved in one visit. Others require further tests. The patient should leave knowing what has been arranged and when results will be discussed.

A partner or family member is welcome. A second person can be helpful, particularly at a first cancer consultation.

Telehealth consultations are available for many follow-up appointments and some initial discussions, particularly for patients who live further from Mandurah, Murdoch or Rockingham. A referral is still required. Suitability, fees and Medicare-rebate eligibility will be confirmed when booking.

A letter is usually sent to the referring practitioner or GP, as appropriate and with the patient’s consent, so ongoing care can be coordinated. Any tests arranged are explained, including where to have them and how results will be provided.

For information about costs, see fees and informed financial consent.

Phone (08) 9520 5310. See contact for the addresses of each consulting location.