For patients

Your first consultation is important. It’s our chance to get to know you, fully understand your condition and how it affects you, and put together a management plan best suited to your situation.

Depending on the nature of your condition, you may be asked to complete one or more questionnaires. These are used to better understand your pain, how it affects your day to day functioning, and the impact your condition has from the psychological perspective.

Dr Bell will take a comprehensive history, and perform a physical examination. Part of the assessment may include a diagnostic ultrasound examination as well.

Feel free to bring a support person. A female chaperone is available if required as well.

‘Intervention’ in Musculoskeletal Medicine generally refers to the use of injections to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal disorders.

To help make a diagnosis, small amounts of local anaesthetic are injected precisely using either Ultrasound or XRay guidance (Fluoroscopy), and response is assessed. To put it simply, if pain resolves following injection of local anaesthetic, we know we’ve hit the spot! With a precise diagnosis made, the right treatment can be recommended.

Interventional treatment comes in various forms. Injections of Corticosteroid can result in good symptomatic relief in many conditions. PRP (platelet rich plasma) uses part of a patient’s blood, precisely injected using ultrasound guidance into the damaged structure (Is PRP right for you?).

Radiofrequency Ablation is a further technique where probes are inserted into the body (usually the spine) to deactivate specific nerves. By doing this, certain painful spinal conditions can be effectively treated.

If your condition is covered by ACC, your consultations are free. If further procedures are required, these are often free as well, although not always. You will be fully advised before proceeding.

We are an affiliated provider to Southern Cross. This means that depending on your policy, no payment is required, and consultation and most procedures are fully funded by Southern Cross.

If you have Health Insurance with another company, the amount of the consultation or procedure that is covered will depend on the policy you hold, and prior approval may be required. Check your policy details to find out. We’re happy to help.

Please note: we will require proof of your health insurance at your first consultation.

If you are self funding your consultation and treatment, let us know. We’ll advise you of the cost beforehand. Please be aware that payment is required at the time of consultation.