General Referral Instructions:
When writing a referral please state the patient’s age, sex and nature of the patient’s clinical problem and any pertinent additional history or information. We are happy to accept referrals via fax, email or phone.
When referring a new patient, we kindly request that the patient ideally have had recent (within 3 months) plain x-ray. Even if the referral is for a soft problem (such as an ACL rupture), a plain X-ray is still desirable as a “baseline” assessment. A normal x-ray provides useful information. Ultrasounds a hardly ever useful and more often are unhelpful and should be avoided.
More sophisticated imaging such as CT or MRI scans can, in certain situations, be helpful but should only be ordered where appropriate.
For example, it would not be required or appropriate to order advanced imaging of a joint that was obviously very arthritic on plain x-ray.
Referrals can be faxed to (03) 6231 2378 or emailed to: admin@watsonorthopaedics.com
In your referral please endeavour to outline:
(1) Clinical problem
(2) Relevant past history
(3) Relevant social/occupational details
(4) Relevant medications
(5) Information regarding any investigations already performed.
If your referral or enquiry is urgent and/or the patient requires an urgent appointment please make this known to our reception staff, see below.
If you have any queries or concerns regarding scheduling of your patient’s appointment or any other aspect of their care you may request to speak to Mr Watson directly.
Urgent Referrals.
We will aim to see all urgent referrals at our next clinic day or earlier if warranted. During business hours, please contact the rooms directly on (03) 6231 2477. After hours please contact Mr Watson directly, via the switchboard at Calvary on (03) 6278 5333.