Q: What do I bring when I see Dr Kuo?

You should bring a referral letter from your doctor, your medicare card and your private health fund card (if any). Any tests carried out by your referring doctor relevant to your current problem such as xrays, ultrasounds or scans should also be brought. There will be a fee on consultation and the referral will allow you to claim a medicare rebate.

Q: I have been seen at the Canterbury Hospital Emergency Room or was admitted. What are my next steps?

Please call 02 97895414 or 02 97895700 to make an appointment to see Dr Kuo. Please ensure you bring all the paperwork you were given from Canterbury Hospital, along with any xrays or scans. After review, Dr Kuo will write back to your local doctor regarding your treatment. 

Q: Where does Dr Kuo operate?

Sydney Private Hospital
63 Victoria St, Ashfield NSW 2131
(02) 9797 0555

Strathfield Private Hospital
3 Everton Rd Strathfield NSW 2135
(02) 9745 7444

Hurstville Private Hospital
37 Gloucester Rd Hurstville 2220
(02) 9579 7777

The Canterbury Hospital
Canterbury Rd, Campsie NSW 2194
(02) 9787 0000

Sydney Children’s Hospital
High St, Randwick NSW 2031
(02) 9382 1111

Q: Will I need an operation?

Dr Kuo will take a thorough history, examine you and review your tests. You may require further investigations such as CT or MRI. Depending on the information gained from your examination and various tests Dr Kuo will recommend the best treatment for you.

Often this will be non operative management such as physiotherapy, analgesia, an exercise regime or an injection to the affected area etc. However if these measures do not lead to improvement in your condition, you may require surgery. This will be considered only if it is felt that there is a good chance you will benefit from an operation. 

Q: How much will it cost?

Costs for consultations are available on enquiry and on booking appointments. Medicare will pay a portion of this fee. If surgery is required the staff will always provide you with an estimate for your operation and any expected out of pocket expenses. The staff are happy to discuss any questions regarding fees at the time of booking surgery.
If you have private health insurance, your benefits will depend on your individual Health Fund and your level of cover.
The written quote provided will allow you to check item numbers with your Health Fund.

Q: Can I still have a private operation even if I don’t have Private Health Fund insurance?

Yes, you can still elect to have an operation at the Private Hospital. Medicare will cover some of the surgeon and anaesthetic fee however you will be responsible for higher out of pocket expenses than if you were in a health fund. This option allows you to choose your doctor and the location and timing of your surgery. We can provide you with a written quote to help you make your decision.

Q: What are the problems if I smoke before surgery?

It is strongly recommended that smoking is stopped as long as possible prior to elective surgical procedures. This will help reduce surgical and anaesthetic risks and help you have the best outcome from your operation. Smoking affects the ability of your lungs to clear secretions during and after an anaesthetic. It also reduces blood flow to the operation area, thereby reducing healing potential. The risk of infection is greater if you smoke.

Q: Will physiotherapy be required after surgery?

Major surgery on a joint may take two or three hours in the operating room. Getting a full range of motion, strength and flexibility back in that joint after surgery usually takes months. Pre-operative exercise and education and post-operative physical therapy programs help to maximise your recovery after surgery. Together, such programs are among the most important determinants in the success of your operation.

Q: Can I drive after surgery?

After minor surgery such as arthroscopy, you are able to drive when walking comfortably.
Following joint replacement surgery it is recommended that you avoid driving for at least 4-6weeks. After shoulder surgery, you will wear a sling for up to 6 weeks. I recommend that you do not drive during this period.