FAQ’s
Patient Information
Welcome to the Patient Information Page for Dr. Ravi Kumar Cherukuri's clinic. This page aims to provide you with all the necessary information regarding your appointment, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the information provided below.
Patient information form
Download a Patient Information Form
Complete it either by:
Printing it out and writing in pen, or
Completing it on your computer, then printing it out
Sign the last page.
Either
Scan the entire document and email it back to us at info@seaviewclinic.com.au or
Bring it with you to your appointment completed.
Consultation fees
Dr Cherukuri aims to provide all patients, whether they be public, private or workers’ compensation with a clear understanding of the fees charged by his practice.
For consultations at Dr Cherukuri’s clinic, there are standard fees, which are discounted for pensioners (Blue card Centrelink card holders).
Fees are payable at the time of consultation. Payment on the day can be made using cash, credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or EFTPOS.
We can help by claiming your Medicare rebate for you on the day.
Please note that fees are reviewed periodically and are subject to change.
Dr Cherukuri will see public, private and Workers’ compensation patients in his private rooms at Seaview Clinic and Nowra.
For overseas visitors (who are not covered by Medicare) please contact the office to discuss fees and charges.
Surgical fees
Are you a private patient?
Dr Cherukuri is a “NO GAP” provider. Therefore he does not charge above the paid fee by your private health fund and Medicare.
You will have a hospital excess (your fund can advise you what this is) and an anaesthetic GAP fee (your anaesthetist will advise you).
Are you a Workcover patient?
If you are covered by Workcover, generally the insurer will cover the costs for treatment as a private patient in Wollongong Private Hospital. Pre-approval will be necessary in these circumstances. Dr Cherukuri and staff will discuss the process with you at the time of your consultation.
Are you an overseas patient (without Medicare)?
Dr Cherukuri has treated many patients from overseas, some of whom have travelled specifically for the purposes of seeking treatment, and others who have required treatment during their stay in Australia.
In this circumstance, you can check with your Insurance what is covered in your policy with regards to Neurosurgical procedures. Staff can assist you with the MBS item numbers for your pending procedure to check with your Insurer.
Are you a public patient?
If you elect to be treated as a public patient, the hospital will cover your costs and you will be placed on the public hospital waiting list for treatment. Dr Cherukuri will discuss with you the timeframes for the waiting period at the time of taking consent for surgery with you.
You also have the option of being operated in the Private Hospital as an uninsured patient. Fees and quotes can be provided upon request. This process can take up to 7 days to complete a quote including the hospital fees, however, we will do our very best to expedite this process for you.
What should I expect during my first visit?
Each treatment plan is individualised for every patient’s needs and the only way to obtain the right treatment plan is to consult with Dr Cherukuri. He will listen to your needs, review your referral and medical history, examine you, review your scans and provide you with educated advice. Dr Cherukuri will then provide advice as to whether surgery is the appropriate treatment and will discuss with you the pros and cons, risks and expectations. If surgery is not appropriate for you at the time of consultation, alternative conservative treatments will be offered to you.
If you have questions, we encourage you to ask them during this consultation.
Should family or friends attend?
Contemplating surgery on the brain or spine can be difficult to face alone. We recommend that you bring with you a family member or friend to act as a support person and to ask questions you may not have thought of. It’s always important for loved ones to have a clear idea of what is occurring before treatment begins, particularly if you are deciding on whether surgery is the right treatment option for you.
Are my medical records kept private and confidential?
Your medical file is handled with the utmost respect for your privacy. Our staff are bound by strict confidentiality requirements as a condition of employment regarding your medical records. Dr Cherukuri and his staff abide strictly by the Privacy Act.
We will not release the contents of your medical file without your consent.
Fees:
Please request fee information from staff either by phone or by the “contact us” page and staff will advise you of the fees prior to consultation.