FAQ's
Some frequently asked questions we get at the clinic
IS MR KEAT OOI CURRENTLY SEEING NEW PATIENTS?
Yes, our clinic is currently taking on new patients who have a valid referral, private health insurance with hospital cover, Workcover or TAC claim.
WHAT IS THE CURRENT WAIT TIME FOR AN APPOINTMENT?
Our practice will triage most referrals that are sent through. Waiting times can depend on the clinical urgency and complexity.
Our aim is to see acute and/or urgent referral within 1 week. Non-acute 2-5 weeks.
HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
You will first need a valid referral from your GP or a specialist. Once you have a referral you can contact us to arrange an appointment. We are happy to accept referrals via email or by fax.
If you are unsure about any of this, you can fill out our contact form here and we will be in touch with instructions.
HOW MUCH DOES A CONSULTATION COST?
When you contact us, our staff will provide you with detailed information about our consultation fees.
If you have a valid Medicare card and a referral, you are entitled to a partial Medicare rebate.
You will be required to make a full payment on the day of your consultation either by credit card, Eftpos or cash.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR WORKCOVER AND TAC PATIENTS
We do not charge a gap for Workcover and TAC patients. Our practice policy for Workcover and TAC enables direct billing to your insurer, providing approval for consultations has been received, in writing prior to your appointment. Failure to provide approval prior to appointment patient paying the workover or TAC scheduled fee, which can be claimed back from your insurer at a later date.
Please make sure to tell us in advance if you are planning to make a Workcover or TAC claim so we can best guide you through the process.
Our primary objective is to avoid any financial challenges on the day of your appointment.
WHAT PAYMENT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
You can pay by credit card, Eftpos or cash.
You are required to make a full payment on the day of your consultation
DO YOU SEE PATIENTS WITH PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE?
We accept patients with private insurance. Our staff will assist cardholders with information that they need to claim their benefit entitlements for hospital cover. Cardholders should note that all health funds in Australia do not contribute to consultation fees.
For surgery there will generally be a co-payment or “gap” fee. Your insurer will provide you with details on what is covered and we can assist with questions where we can.
Unfortunately our clinic does not participate in “no gap” health fund schemes.
WILL I GET A MEDICARE REBATE?
All Medicare card holders with a valid referral are entitled to the scheduled rebate.
Our friendly staff will process your Medicare rebate on the day of your appointment.
DOES MR KEAT OOI SEE PUBLIC PATIENTS IN HIS PRIVATE ROOMS?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate appointments for patients that have been seen in public specialist clinics by Mr Keat Ooi.
We suggest public patients be referred to a spinal outpatient clinic at a public hospital.
Keat does work at the Austin Hospital’s public clinics. You can arrange an appointment there via GP referral to Austin Health Specialist Clinics. Note that wait times can vary in the public system.
WHAT ABOUT WORKCOVER, TAC AND DVA?
Yes we accept patients with WorkCover and TAC claims. There is no charge for DVA patients. Contact us to discuss how we might be able to help.
WHERE DOES KEAT OOI CONSULT AND OPERATE?
Keat has three consulting locations in Richmond, Heidelberg and Wantirna.
He operates out of the Epworth Hospital in Richmond, Warringal Private hospital in Heidelberg and Knox Private Hospital in Wantirna.
See our contact page for more details.
WHAT TO BRING to an appointment
When you come in for your appointment please bring along relevant documents
– Medicare card
– Referral letter from your GP or specialist
– Imaging from your provider such as MRI, CT, x-rays or nuclear medicine scans
– Private Insurance card if you have one
– Workcover or TAC claim approval or a claim reference number