During your initial visit you will be seen by our staff who will ask you about your medical history and your symptoms. A focused neurological examination will then be made by your doctor.
While many patients want to discuss in great detail the exact event which may have caused their injury, the most important information your health care team needs involves your symptoms (such as where you have pain, weakness, numbness, etc.) and what limitations these symptoms place on your every day activities. Please take the time to write down this information.
After reviewing your medical history and diagnostic tests, you will be presented with a number of treatment options. We will inform you of the risks and benefits of each option and will assist you in making the final decision concerning which option is best for you.
As part of your visit, we will take a history of your symptoms and perform a physical examination. If you already have x-rays, MRIs or other diagnostic images, please bring them with you to your office visit. We may order other tests and images during your visit to confirm a diagnosis. Once we determine your diagnosis, we will work with you to develop a treatment plan to meet your particular medical needs.
If you have any questions regarding your diagnosis or treatment, or office policy and procedure, please call our office. Your call will be returned during our normal business hours.
The Patient’s Role: Understanding Your Responsibilities.
You are the only one who can decide which treatment is best for you. It is important that you recognise that you have a responsibility to participate in, and take ownership of, any decisions involving your health care. You will be asked to make the final decision about what is best for you, so ask questions about anything you do not understand.
Your family and close friends are an important part of the collaborative process. We encourage you to include them in any education sessions we provide concerning your condition. If you choose to have surgery, we will make every effort to keep family members informed of your progress and to involve them in your recovery process.
Deciding which treatment option is best for you involves weighing the risks and benefits associated with each option. If you eventually choose to have surgery, your physical condition and your mental attitude will determine your body’s ability to heal. You must approach your surgery with confidence, a positive mental attitude and a thorough understanding of the anticipated outcome. You should have realistic goals — and be willing to work steadily to achieve those goals.
For your convenience, we have listed the details of a number of accommodation options for family members near to our operating facilities.
Central Coast Region
Crowne Plaza Terrigal
Phone: 02 4384 9111
Located: Pinetree Lane, Terrigal
Email: [email protected]
Ibis Budget Hotel
Phone: 02 4325 7692
Located: 63 Central Coast Highway, West Gosford
Email: [email protected]
Sydney Region
The Randwick Lodge
Phone: 02 9310 0700
Located: 211 Avoca Street, Randwick
Email: [email protected]
The Gemini Hotel
Phone: 02 9399 9011
Located: 65-71 Belmore Road, Randwick
Email: [email protected]
Depending on whether you have private health insurance or not will determine whether there is a significant cost differential. Costs associated with surgery differ depending on the procedure being performed, your level of coverage and costs of the surgeon. Private health insurance covers the majority of the cost involved. For further information, please discuss with the Coastal Neurosurgery administrative team.
If you have an emergency after normal office hours, you will be directed to go to the nearest hospital emergency room where you will be evaluated by the emergency room physician. They will be in-direct contact with your doctor or the on-call doctor from our clinic.
We are a multidisciplinary clinic with a dedicated focus on Brain, Spine and Pain. Our integrated team of sub-specialists strive to offer patients a collaborative, innovative and convenient service when undergoing large-scale surgery, such as procedures involving the brain and spine.