Frequently Asked Questions
Below we answer some of the commonly asked questions. If you would like additional information, please get in touch with us.
- You will need a referral from your GP / Specialist or the Emergency Department that you attended.
- You will need to bring hard copies or electronic copies of any scans that have been taken. Please ensure any imagining is no greater than 3 months old.
- Medicare / Private Health information.
- Workcover / CTP claim details.
- Medical History and list of medications taken.
Dr Cheriachan will undertake a detailed history of your condition, perform a thorough examination as well as review your scans.
If required, he may refer you to have more scans / tests to identify the exact problem.
He will then have a discussion with you regarding treatment options for your condition including surgical and non-surgical management and tailor this to your individual needs so you can achieve the best results for your recovery.
This will depend on whether it is your first-time seeing Dr Cheriachan or a follow up appointment and if your injury is associated with a WorkCover claim or a motor vehicle accident (CTP claim).
You can ring our office on 02 9159 9864 or email drdeepakcheriachan@gmail.com to discuss our fees.
We accept the following Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Credit Card –Visa, MasterCard, American Express & Diners Club
- EFTPOS
Dr Cheriachan will provide you with detailed information about the surgery and what to expect afterwards. This includes information brochures so you can be better informed.
Whilst the majority of people who undergo surgery do well and are very happy with their results, all surgical procedures have risks, no matter how big or small. The general risks of surgery include bleeding, infection of the wound, blood clots, slow healing (which often occurs in smokers and patients with diabetes), complications related to the anaesthesia or allergies to the anaesthetic agents and complications such as a heart attack, pulmonary embolism or stroke. These risks are low and mostly less than 5%. It is important to be aware of these risks before consenting to surgery.
We take the utmost precautions and care in order to minimise the risk of complications by giving you antibiotics at the time of surgery to reduce the risk of infection, giving you blood thinning medication to reduce the risk of blood clots and pulmonary embolism if you are going to be immobilised and having blood on standby if you are having a large operation where there is anticipated significant blood loss. You will also be assessed by an anaesthetist to assess your risk of other complications and may also require a review by a medical specialist. During your consultations, these risks will be discussed with you and if you have any queries or concerns Dr Cheriachan will take the time to discuss these with you.
Whilst the majority of people who undergo shoulder surgery do well and are very happy with their function and result, there are risks which are specific to shoulder surgery in addition to the general risks of surgery. This includes deep infection, injury to the nerves tendons or blood vessels close to the surgical field which may require further surgery. Stiffness, developing a frozen shoulder and ongoing pain can occur. Risk of fracture of the bones and abnormal pain responses such as Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) may be experienced.
Most of these risks are low and occur in less than 5 % or cases. It is important to be aware of these risks before consenting to surgery. There are also risks relating to the specific type of shoulder surgery that you are having which Dr Cheriachan will discuss with you in detail during your consultation.
Whilst the majority of people who undergo elbow surgery do well and are very happy with their results, there are risks which are specific to elbow surgery in addition to the general risks of surgery. This includes deep infection, injury to the nerves tendons or blood vessels close to the surgical field which may require further surgery. Stiffness, reduced range of motion and developing abnormal bone formation such as heterotopic ossification or myositis ossificans are possible. Ongoing pain, joint instability and fracture of the bones may occur. Risk of abnormal pain responses such as Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is present.
Most of these risks are low and occur in less than 5% of cases. The most commonly reported is stiffness and usually resolves with time with physiotherapy.
It is important to be aware of these risks before consenting to surgery. There are also risks relating to the specific type of elbow surgery that you are having, which Dr Cheriachan will discuss with you in detail during your consultation.
For patients who don’t have private health, Dr Cheriachan has Public Hospital appointments at Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals, he can place you on the waitlist for your surgery to be performed there, fully covered by Medicare.
Alternately, you can choose to be a self funded patient in the private hospital. Dr Cheriachan’s team can provide you with a quote for the total costs involved with this including the hospital, implant, anaesthetic and surgery costs.
We have clinics in 3 convenient locations:
Orthopaedic Associates, Lakeview Private Hospital, Suite 1, Level 1, 17-19 Solent Circuit, Norwest NSW 2153
*Paid parking available onsite.
Central West Orthopaedics, Suite 204, Level 2, 30 Campbell St, Blacktown NSW 2148.
*Parking available at 5 Colo Lane (3 hours free).
Rouse Hill Orthopaedics, Tenancy T1/4-7 Commercial Rd, Rouse Hill NSW 2155
*Free Parking
Please call our office as soon as possible to make necessary changes.
For patients with private health insurance, Dr Cheriachan’s known gap is $500. Your surgery fee includes post op visits for the two months.
There is also a gap for the Anaesthetist and Assistant Surgeon, Dr Cheriachan’s team can provide you with a more accurate estimate once the type of surgery required is determined.
You will also need to pay your health fund excess (if applicable) on the day of your surgery directly to the hospital.
You have several resources you can refer to:
- Dr Cheriachan’s rooms – 02 8711 0100
- The Emergency Department of the hospital where you had your operation
- Your local Emergency Department
- Your General Practitioner (GP)