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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Why do I have to fill in this paperwork?
- A: Dr Licina needs to understand your problem fully in order to give priority to people with the most urgent or serious problems, and to those people he can help with surgery.
- Q: Why is there sometimes a long wait for appointments?
- A: As Dr Licina is a surgeon, he spends most of his time in the operating theatre, leaving only a limited amount of time during the week to see patients in his rooms. Dr Licina also receives many more requests for appointments than he can see in a reasonable time.
- Q: Can I have an appointment without filling out these forms?
- A: We can allocate you the next available routine appointment, but it is likely that you will wait longer to see Dr Licina than if you fill the forms out and send them back to us.
- Q: What if the wait for the allocated appointment is too long?
- A: If you feel your condition warrants more urgent attention, you can discuss this with your referring doctor, who may be able to provide more detailed information to Dr Licina. Otherwise, we can provide a list of other spinal surgeons who may be able to see you sooner.
- Q: How much does it cost to see Dr Licina?
- A: Your initial consultation with Dr Licina is $220. This is paid on the day of consultation. You will get about $65 back from Medicare. If a subsequent appointment is required, the cost is $70 or $120 depending on the length of the review. If you have a WorkCover claim, you will still need to pay for the consultation in full on the day. You can then claim back about $145 from WorkCover if your claim is accepted.
- Q: Can I change my appointment once it’s been allocated?
- A: Please call the practice on 1300 52 53 54 to discuss your options. Dr Licina only sees patients on Tuesdays & Thursdays each week. Please give us as much notice as possible to ensure we can accommodate your request.
- Q: Does Dr Licina see patients with a legal claim / WorkCover claim / DVA card?
- A: Dr Licina does not usually see you if you have an active legal claim, except in urgent circumstances; for example, in the presence of spinal cord compression or a fracture. He is happy to see you once the claim has been settled, as a private patient. Dr Licina will see you if you have a WorkCover or insurance claim, but only within 6 months of your injury. Dr Licina will see you if you hold a DVA card, but you will have to pay the full cost for the consultation as he does not accept the DVA rebate.