Procedures

SURGERY Private patients

All Surgery in the consulting rooms and in private hospitals is performed by A/Prof Neuhaus herself. This occurs in a formal operating theatre. A/Prof Neuhaus sees you prior to the procedure on the day of the surgery. Following surgery you will be in the recovery room for 1 to 2 hours then transferred back to your ward or discharged to home depending on your requirements.

SURGERY – Public patients

If you do not have private health cover and wish to be admitted to a public hospital (Royal Adelaide Hospital) no charges will be involved. However, an account is applicable for your consultation in the private rooms. As a public patient in a teaching hospital A/Prof Neuhaus may or may not be involved in your surgery. Public patients are admitted from a waiting list depending on bed and operating theatre availability. You will be required to attend a pre-admission clinic prior to your surgery. Postoperative care will be through the public outpatients department. Queries relating to your admission should be directed to the Admissions Officer or A/Prof Neuhaus’ registrar at the RAH.

APPOINTMENTS/REFERRALS

Consultation is by prior appointment. This is at our rooms at level 4, 18 North Terrace Adelaide. All appointments require a referral from a General practitioner (Valid for 12 months) or a Specialist Surgeon (Valid for 3 months).

INFORMATION REGARDING THE PRACTICE

Adelaide Plastic Surgery Associates is a group of Surgeons consisting of 1 General Surgeon and Surgical Oncologist and 7 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.  A/Prof Neuhaus sees the following types of patients

Surgical Oncology	General Surgery
Melanoma management	Hernia repair
Benign and malignant soft tissue tumour surgery	Laparoscopic cholesytecomy
Surgical oncology	Upper GI endoscopy
	Carpal tunnel
	Varicose veins etc

OFFICE VISITS

Your first consulting rooms visit post surgery is usually done at 7-10 days at this time your dressings will be taken off, wound checked and sutures removed (if appropriate). Depending on the type of surgery additional dressings may be applied. A/Prof Neuhaus will discuss the details of post-operative care peculiar to your case both prior to surgery and again afterwards. You will also receive written instructions. Our nursing staff are available Monday to Friday 9-5 for any other concerns you may have. If you an emergency outside of hours your surgeon can be contacted via our usual phone number 82131800.

THE FEES

Payment for consultation in full is required on the day. A discount on set fees is given to aged pensioners. All surgical and hospital fees are discussed with the patient prior to surgery. Facilities are available for cash, cheque, EFTPOS or credit card transactions. Fees are based on the complexity of the procedure.  A/Prof Neuhaus’ surgical fee includes all of your normal post-operative care, including the first postop visit and/or in hospital visits. Detailed counselling for patients with cancer and unexpected follow-up is not considered normal aftercare and will be charged accordingly.

MULTIPDISCIPLINARY CASE CONFERENCES

Multidisciplinary case conferences are used to discuss complex cases with other specialists that may be involved in your care, such as radiotherapists, oncologists, pathologists and radiologists. This provides an opportunity to coordinate and streamline your care with other relevant specialists. You should be aware that a charge is incurred for the case conference and a Medicare rebate is payable.

CLINICAL TRIALS

Patients with cancer are encouraged, where appropriate, to participate in clinical trials. Participation is voluntary. Not all patients will be eligible for a trial and trial availability can vary. Trials are generally co-ordinated through the Royal Adelaide Hospital Cancer Centre. A/Prof Neuhaus will be directly involved in any decision to participate in a trial.