Neurosurgery

Commonly asked questions

• What is a neurosurgeon?

  A neurosurgeon is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats patients with injury to, or diseases/disorders of the brain, spinal cord and spinal column, and peripheral nerves within all parts of the body. Surgery performed by neurosurgeons today is far more precise than in the past. New technologies and techniques allow neurosurgeons to perform surgery with the least invasive procedures called Minimally Invasive Surgery.

  A neurosurgeon gives you an overall focus on your nervous system and the condition that affects you. Your neurosurgeon will work with you to determine the best treatment to achieve the best outcomes possible for you.

  Learn more
• How do I see a Cabrini neurosurgeon?

  You will need a referral from a GP or specialist to be seen by a Cabrini neurosurgeon.

  Your referral letter needs to be dated, signed and include any relevant information to qualify for a Medicare rebate.

  Choose a specialist from our dedicated team of expert neurosurgeons by visiting our Find a Doctor directory.

• What will it cost to see a neurosurgeon?

  Specialists can set the fee they feel is reasonable for their services.

  You can speak with your specialists administration staff to determine out of pockets costs for appointments prior to seeing the specialist.

  Cost of out-of-hospital treatment (‘outpatient’ services)

  If you see a Cabrini neurosurgeon in their consulting rooms, some of the costs you might encounter could include:

  • The cost of your specialist consultation
  • Costs for tests. Your specialist may also order a range of different tests in diagnosing your condition.

  Medicare may cover some, or all, of the costs for treatment and tests outside of hospital (‘outpatient’ services).

  By law, private health insurance cannot be used for medical treatment outside of hospital.

  Cost of in-hospital treatment ('inpatient’ services)

  If you are admitted to hospital for treatment, some of the costs you might encounter could include:

  • The costs of the surgical treatment provided by your neurosurgeon during your hospital admission
  • The costs of other doctors who provide care during your hospital admission, such as an anaesthetist
  • Your hospital account will include costs associated with your hospital accommodation, theatre fees and any prosthetics
  • You might also be charged for pathology tests, x-rays and other forms of medical imaging requested your specialist during your hospital admission

  If you are a private patient, then you may have a portion of your costs covered by Medicare, some by your private health insurer and there may also be a gap that you need to pay. We recommend you enquire about the likely cost of your hospital stay before you arrive.

  You can contact your admitting doctor about medical, surgical and diagnostic costs and our Cabrini Patient Services Department about your hospital account or potential costs associated with your hospital stay.

  For further patient admission information please refer to our Your stay at Cabrini booklet.

• How long does it take to get a diagnosis?

  Your neurosurgeon will guide you through the process, because getting a diagnosis varies from patient to patient.

  In some cases, a diagnosis can be made after the initial consolation. Other conditions may require more time and testing to diagnose.

  At Cabrini, we offer advanced imaging for neurological patients, including MRI and PET/CT scanners, which provide superior imaging quality.

  To make this process as smooth as possible, our diagnostic services are all based in the one convenient location at Cabrini’s Malvern hospital.

  To learn more about the diagnostic procedures provided at Cabrini, please visit Medical Imaging and Pathology pages.

• What programs do Cabrini offer for people diagnosed with a primary malignant brain tumour?

  Cabrini Neuro-oncology Program.

  Our program is Australia’s only dedicated service that extends care from the hospital ward to the home for patients with a primary malignant brain tumour.

  The neuro-oncology nursing service has been developed to guide and support you and your family throughout treatment either in hospital or at home. Our nurse’s objective is to streamline care where possible to support you throughout your illness, providing continuity of care.

  How does the service work?

  You and your family will be introduced to a dedicated neuro-oncology nurse at the time of diagnosis. Following discharge from hospital, the neuro-oncology nurse will continue to liaise with you and your medical team to provide symptom management and psycho-social support in the community as required.

  Our neuro-oncology nurses provide the following services as part of the program:

  • Initial assessment
  • Management of symptoms
  • Education
  • Psycho-social support for the patient and their family/carer while they are an in hospital or living in the community