Gynaecology FAQs
If you would like to claim the Medicare rebate for your appointment, you will need a referral letter, which you can get from your GP.
You can still make an appointment without a referral letter, though you will need to pay the full fee out of pocket.
The referral letter issued by your GP is valid for 12 months from the day of the first appointment.
Referrals from other specialists are only valid for 3 months.
If you would like to make an appointment and your referral has expired, please request a new referral letter. A current referral is important because it means a health professional has recently seen you and provided the most up-to-date assessment of your health concerns.
Dr Shammas charges a fixed consultation fee, however there are extra charges for in-room procedures, such as Mirena insertion / colposcopy biopsy, pipell biposy and vulval skin lesion removal. These fees vary, so please call our reception at Wetherill Park on (02) 9756 2788 or Gledswood Hills on (02) 8105 0590 to discuss our current fee structure.
If you need treatments or surgery, there may also be additional ‘out-of-pocket’ costs where Dr Shammas charges a Known Gap of $500. We try to minimise so you can claim the majority of costs with your private health insurer.
It’s important to discuss your level of cover with your private health insurer prior to any surgical procedure.
When you come for your first appointment, please bring your:
- Referral letter from your GP
- Copies of results, ultrasounds, and any relevant information
- Medicare card, DVA card, Pension card
- Private health fund information
Don’t worry if you don’t have a copy of your results or scan reports – we can request these on your behalf.
If you haven’t been able to complete your Patient Registration Form please do this prior to your appointment or arrive 20 minutes earlier so we have time to register you in our system.
You don’t always need an internal examination – it depends on the reason for your visit.
NB: You don’t need to have an internal examination if you don’t want to have one.
Nothing will happen without your consent. You can also request a chaperone or support person to attend if that helps you to feel more comfortable.
If you don’t want an internal examination, we can discuss your options during your appointment.
You don’t always need to reschedule your appointment if you have your period. It depends on the reason for the appointment as well as whether you need any procedures.
However, if your appointment is for a CST smear or colposcopy, it is best to reschedule. If you’re unsure, please call us at Wetherill Park on (02) 9756 2788 or Gledswood Hills on (02) 8015 0590, and we can discuss your options.
