Frequently Asked Questions FAQ's

Do I need a doctor' s referral to make an appointment with Dr. Breit?

ANS: As a Specialist clinic, patients need referral from their General Practitioner, family physician or other doctor to make an appointment with Dr. Breit.

Can X-rays be done in your practice?

Yes, X-ray facility is either available on site or adjacent Office to Dr. Breit's practice.

Do I need to have private health insurance?

Private Health insurance allows you and your family to access the right health services at the right
time. You have control of your health care and can choose the provider, facility and timing of your treatment. With the security and protection of private health insurance, you have access to an extensive range of private hospitals and can rest assured that your health is in good hands.

Will my insurance cover all your treatments?

Insurance will only cover medical treatments. Cosmetic treatments are not covered.

What are the Medicare rules about referrals to specialists?

If you want Medicare to help to pay for specialist medical services at the referred rate, it is essential to discuss your condition and possible referral with your family doctor before you see the specialist. Please note that the backdating of referrals is illegal and can result in heavy fines and prison sentences. If you have any questions about seeing medical specialists or about the Medicare benefits system, please ask your family doctor or contact Medicare on 13 2011.

What is osteoarthritis?

ANS: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is caused by the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage is the tough elastic material that covers and protects the ends of bones. Bits of cartilage may break off and cause pain and swelling in the joint between bones. This pain and swelling is called inflammation. Over time the cartilage may wear away entirely, and the bones will rub together. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint but usually affects hips, knees, hands and spine.

Will physical therapy be required after surgery?

ANS: Major surgery on a joint may take two or three hours in the operating room. Getting full range of motion, strength and flexibility back in that joint after surgery usually takes months. That's where pre-operative exercise and education and post-operative physiotherapy programs come in - to ensure you're physically and emotionally prepared for surgery, and to maximise your recovery after surgery. Together, such programs are among the most important determinants in the success of your surgery.

What is a hip replacement?

A hip replacement involves a surgical procedure to replace part or all of a diseased or damaged hip joint with an artificial substitute—a prosthetic hip joint. The operation to replace or mend a joint is known as 'arthroplasty'. The aim of a hip replacement is to alleviate pain and restore function in the hip joint.