Patient Information
Mr Goldbloom offers the following patient information. Select a topic to read more:
A letter of referral is required. This often comes from your GP but may also be from another Health Care Professional such as your Podiatrist, Physiotherapist or Medical Specialist. We prefer the referral is received either prior to, or at the time of making your appointment. This is so Mr Goldbloom can arrange any extra scans or obtain any other relevant information to best prepare you for your first appointment.
Mr Goldbloom will take the time to evaluate and discuss your condition. He will ensure you understand your diagnosis, and formulate a treatment plan which may involve further scans, referral to an Allied Health Practitioner or preparation for surgery.
Imaging/investigations
Mr Goldbloom must be able to access all imaging and investigations related to your condition. We ask that you please bring the report or at least the details of which radiology company performed the scan and your patient ID (if applicable).
Please call the office on 03 9928 6188 or email info@orthoam.com.au to request an appointment. Once your appointment has been scheduled you will receive a confirmation email.
What do I need to bring?
When you arrive at your appointment you will be requested to complete a Patient Registration Form. You will need to bring the following with you:
- Medicare Card
- Private Health Insurance Details
- Imaging/investigations related to your condition.
- Reports from Physiotherapist, Podiatrist or other Specialists.
- Information on ongoing medical conditions and current medications.
- Details of any other Specialists that you have ongoing contact with who may need to be involved in your care.
- Workcover and TAC patients will need to bring their claim details.
What if I have a cut or a rash on my leg?
If you have a cut or a rash on your leg or think you have an infection this must be treated prior to your surgery. If you have any concerns, please contact Mr Goldbloom’s rooms to discuss this further.
What if I am feeling unwell?
If you are feeling unwell this must be treated prior to your surgery. Please contact Mr Goldbloom’s rooms to discuss this further.
Can I take my regular medication?
This needs to be double checked with your anaesthetist. Generally, you should take your normal medication with a small sip of water. Patients taking blood thinning medication will have special instructions.
Will I see my surgeon prior to surgery?
Yes, Mr Goldbloom will see you before your operation.
How long will I stay in hospital?
This depends on your surgery, but usually one night.
Will I see my surgeon after my surgery?
Yes, Mr Goldbloom will see you after your operation in hospital.
Do I need to make an appointment to see Mr Goldbloom after my surgery?
You will be informed of this appointment time before your surgery.
How do I obtain a work certificate?
If you require a work certificate, you can ask whilst you are in hospital or contact Mr Goldbloom’s rooms after surgery.
Will I need help at home?
You may need help at home after your surgery. This needs to be carefully considered and arranged before you have your surgery.
When can I drive?
Returning to driving is not a straight-forward question. You must feel confident to use the brake in an emergency situation. You may be able to drive in 4-8 weeks after surgery. This will depend on which foot undergoes surgery, type of surgery, how well you are recovering and whether your car is manual or automatic. Returning to driving may have insurance implications which need to be checked.
When can I return to work?
These time frames are speculative only and must be confirmed by our team:
- Sitting duties at 3 weeks after surgery.
- Standing duties indoors between 3 weeks to 2 months after surgery
- Outdoor duties 2 months after surgery.
Will I have pain?
Some patients experience more pain than others. This does not mean that the surgery was less successful. It is important to adequately manage your pain. Our team take multiple measures to reduce your pain during the post-operative period. When the local anaesthetic given to you at the time of surgery wears off, you will begin taking oral pain medication as prescribed. Your anaesthetist will discuss issues around pain medication prior to the operation. They will also provide you pain relief to take home.
When does the swelling stop?
Swelling is a normal part of healing. It can be very frustrating and although it usually reduces six weeks after surgery, it can last for longer. Rest and elevation are every important to help swelling.
How do I care for my wound?
You will be given instructions on how to care for your wound before discharge. Dressings and casts must be kept dry. When you have a shower, you will need to cover your foot with a bag and seal the top with tape. Dressings should remain intact until your 2 week review with Mr Goldbloom and the Wound Nurse Specialist, unless instructed otherwise. If your dressings become very blood stained, wet, too loose or too tight please contact Mr Goldbloom’s rooms to arrange the dressings to be changed.
When can I travel by aeroplane?
After foot and ankle surgery, there is risk of developing a deep venous thrombosis (DVT). You are given anti-DVT medication in hospital however, If you are planning to travel by aeroplane during the first 3 months, please discuss this with Mr Goldbloom before your surgery.
What if I have concerns outside of normal working hours?
It is possible that concerns about your operated leg will arise outside of normal working hours. In such a scenario Mr Goldbloom’s team suggests you choose one of the following options depending on how urgent you feel your situation may be.
- Attempt to contact your local doctor if they run an after hours service.
- Contact your nearest Emergency department
- Present in person to your nearest Emergency department
- Contact Mr Goldbloom via the Hospital switchboard
Download FAQs PDF
Foot and ankle surgery is a specialised area. Every patient is different and Mr Goldbloom will devote time for discussing goals of surgery to achieve the best outcome. It is important that you play your part in ensuring your procedure and recovery run smoothly. Therefore, it is important to be familiar with instructions both pre and post operatively. If there is anything you do not understand, please ask.
Results of Foot and Ankle Surgery
Results vary from patient to patient. It can take between 3-12 months to achieve your desired outcome.
This will be related to a number of factors including:
- The severity of your condition.
- Your personal goals of surgery.
- How well your body responds to surgery.
- Your compliance to the rehabilitation requirements.
Foot and Ankle Devices
It is very likely you will be required to purchase a foot or ankle support to protect the work done during surgery. You may also require a mobility aid to assist you in getting around. It is worthwhile planning a week in advance to ensure you have time to source the footwear and trial the aids required before your surgery.
Download Foot and Ankle Devices PDF
Fasting
Fasting is required to make your anaesthetic as safe as possible. The Anaesthetist may cancel your surgery if you are not fasted. Do not eat or drink after:
- Midnight for a morning case.
- 7:00am for an afternoon case.
These time frames are to be adhered to unless our team instruct you otherwise.
What You Bring to Hospital
- Your Anaesthetist may need pathology results and will contact you before your surgery.
- Your regular medication.
- The information pack given to you at your consultation.
- Any questions that you have written down and wish to ask.
- Clean feet.
- You may be instructed to bring your scans to hospital.
What to Wear
Please remove all nail polish and make up. Leave valuables and jewellery at home. Wear loose clothing that you can easily fit over bulky dressings. Please ensure your feet and nails are clean.
Getting Home from Hospital
When it is safe for you to be discharged, you will need someone to take you home after surgery.
Pain Management
A local anaesthetic will be given to you at the time of surgery. It will provide you with pain relief for approximately 6-18 hours after surgery. As this wears off you will begin to feel tingling or pain in your foot. When this occurs, you should alert the nurses and you will begin taking oral pain medication as prescribed. Your Anaesthetist will provide you pain relief to take home. Your pain must be under control before you go home.
Dressings
- Dressings and casts must be kept clean and dry.
- When you have a shower, you will need to cover your foot with a bag and seal the top with tape. The hospital can educate you about this prior to your discharge.
- Dressings should remain intact until your 2-3 week review with Mr Goldbloom and the Wound Nurse Specialist, unless instructed otherwise.
- If your dressings become very blood stained, wet, too loose or too tight please contact Mr Goldbloom’s rooms to arrange the dressings to be changed.
Post-Operative Consultation
You will have a consultation with Mr Goldbloom and the Wound Nurse Specialist approximately 2-3 weeks after your surgery. Depending on your surgery and needs, you may require further review with Mr Goldbloom.
Download Preparing for Foot & Ankle Surgery & Rehabilitation PDF
There are two stages of post operative rehabilitation in foot and ankle surgery.
Whilst in hospital, you will usually be seen by a Physiotherapist for:
- Appropriate footwear.
- Gait aids (ie crutches).
- Exercises to do at home in the early stages.
- Assessment of your ability to safely manage your post-operative instructions before you go home.
*Once you have passed the early recovery period*, your rehabilitation will be tailored to your exercise goals and achieving a full recovery of the operated foot.
ELEVATION, ‘NON-WEIGHT BEAR’, Partial Weight bear, AND REST
During the early recovery period, you may need help at home. You must follow your post-operative instructions from our team to allow a good outcome.
It is important to rest and keep your foot elevated above the level of your heart for 23 hours a day for the first 2 weeks after your surgery. Elevating of your foot will encourage healing and decrease the chance of wound infection and break down. It will also help with pain and swelling.
In addition to this, some surgeries will require you to ‘non-weight bear’ for anywhere between 2-8 weeks from the time of surgery. This means you can rest the affected leg on the ground with no more than one kilogram of weight through that leg.
In some cases you will only be required to ‘partial weight bear’ (eg. 50% of your bodyweight), after surgery. A reasonably good way to understand this is to weigh yourself and then place only one leg on the scales with increasing weight until it reaches half your bodyweight.
We advise using the time leading up to surgery to anticipate issues with following your post-operative instructions and prepare accordingly. For example, if you live with family who are dependent on you. Options may include home help assistance through your local council, respite care or a period of inpatient rehabilitation after your surgery. This should be discussed with our team at consultation.
REHAB PROTOCOLS
i-Walk 2.0
Following surgery, there are a few options for ambulation. A hands-free option is the i-Walk 2.0.
This is suitable for people with:
- reasonable strength and coordination.
- the other leg is still fully functioning.
The i-Walk device has a 90 degree splint for the lower leg to rest on.
The bottom of the i-Walk then functions as a peg like substitute for the foot and leg.
It is worth trialling the i-Walk prior to your surgery to make sure that you have the balance and coordination required.
Pre-injury Ability
- Average or above strength and balance
- No gait abnormalities such as a shuffle or a limp
- Ability to get up or down stairs without using a hand rail
- No neuropathy of the feet or legs
- No diabetic ulcers of the unaffected limb or any other conditions that may affect your proprioception
Capacity
- Between 147cm and 198cm (the i-Walk 2.0 is adjustable to cater for these heights)
- Weight of less than 125kg
- Maximum thigh circumference at the top of the thigh is less than 71cm
Other requirements
- Injury is only to one leg or foot
- Injury is below the level of the knee
- You can bend the knee of the injured leg to 90 degrees (casts and boots can still be worn with this device as long as the knee can still bend)
The i-Walk 2.0 is suitable for the following injuries and conditions
- Foot fractures
- Ankle injuries
- Achilles tendon ruptures
- Tibia and fibula fractures
- Post-surgically for many conditions (check with your surgeon’s rooms)
Risks of Foot and Ankle Surgery
No surgery is risk free. General risks of surgery include infection, blood clots and complications related to the anaesthetic. Numerous precautions are taken to reduce risks and your surgery is meticulously planned to ensure the desired outcome. Some precautions taken are the administration of antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection and blood thinning medication is given to prevent blood clots. Mr Goldbloom will talk to you about general and specific risks related to your surgery at consultation.
When to Contact Mr Goldbloom’s Office
If you experience any of the following, please contact Mr Goldbloom’s room on (03) 9928 6188
- Wound feels tender and hot. (Please note pink antiseptic is used during your surgery. Your leg will stay pink for a few weeks.)
- An odour or discharge coming from your dressings.
- Your dressings are showing an excessive amount of fresh blood.
- Your dressings become very blood stained, wet, too loose or too tight.
- Fever and a general feeling of unwell
- Prolonged, uncontrolled or severe pain.
- Calf pain or swelling.
- Swelling that is not reduced with elevation of the leg.
- A change of colour in your toes or toes become cold.
- Side effects due to the medications you have been prescribed.
If your concern arises outside of normal working hours Mr Goldbloom’s team suggests you choose one of the following options depending on how urgent you feel your situation may be.
- Attempt to contact your local doctor if they run an after hours service.
- Contact your nearest Emergency department
- Present in person to your nearest Emergency department
- Contact Mr Goldbloom via the Hospital switchboard
Download Preparing for Foot & Ankle Surgery & Rehabilitation PDF
Initial Consultation
In the majority of cases, the cost of your appointment is partly contributed by Medicare. Our team can claim this electronically for you upon providing your Medicare details. There is usually a remaining “out of pocket” cost for you which is to be settled on the day of your appointment.
There is no out of pocket cost for Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) Gold Card Holders or those with valid WorkCover or TAC claims.
Cost of Surgical Treatment
Private health insurance can financially assist to you to have your operation in a private hospital, by the surgeon of your choice and a reduced wait time. Having private health insurance does not mean the entire cost associated with your surgical treatment is covered. There are several costs to surgery in the private setting and most of these are outlined below.
Mr Goldbloom’s Fees
Mr Goldbloom’s fee structure is guided by the Australian Medical Association (AMA). Please refer below for further information:
AMA: Position Statement on Setting Medical Fees and Billing Practices
AMA: Guide for Patients on How the Health Care System Funds Medical Care
Some contribution is made to this cost from Medicare and a variable contribution is made by your private health cover. The variation is dependent on your choice of insurance policy and this is what determines how much “Gap” or out of pocket expense is left for you to cover.
We aim to keep the gap to the absolute minimum. Please discuss this with our team at your consultation.
Assistant’s Fees: Mr Goldbloom will often need a doctor to assist him during surgery, this assistant may attract a small out of pocket fee.
Anaesthetist’s Fees: Anaesthetists work as independent practitioners and as such their fee varies but is often lower than the surgeon’s out of pocket fees. Your anaesthetist will discuss this with you.
Hospital Bed and Theatre Costs: There is a cost for the hospital bed and use of the operating theatre. This is often covered by your private health insurance but you may be required to pay an “excess”. It is important to check prior to your surgery.
Implants and Prosthesis: The cost of any implants or prosthesis needed for your operation are often covered by your private health insurance. It is important to check this prior to surgery.
Blood Tests, X-rays, Scans and other Investigations that are needed during or after your operation may incur added costs.
Allied Health: A physiotherapist will see you in hospital to provide you with appropriate footwear, crutches and instructions about weight-bearing. An exercise program to do at home to promote blood flow and maintain motion of other joints during recovery will be given to you. Additionally, to achieve your personal goals of surgery you may need to see your physiotherapist or podiatrist after your operation. This may incur added costs to your bill.
Post Operative Foot and Ankle Supports: It is very likely you will be require to purchase some sort of foot or ankle support to protect the work done during surgery. Examples include a “post op shoe” used after forefoot surgery and a “CAM boot” used after ankle surgery. These range in price from approximately $100 to $500 and will usually be fitted by trained staff.
Pharmacist: There may an out of pocket cost for medications on discharge that needs to be confirmed with the hospital.
Review by a Medical Specialist (if required): Some patients may require review by a medical specialist around the time of their surgery. This is often covered but may incur an out of pocket fee that needs to be checked with the physician.
Public (Uninsured) Patients
Mr Goldbloom sees public (uninsured) patients at his practice.
Your condition might not need operative treatment and you just want the advice of a surgeon. You can get a referral from your GP or Health Care Professional and make an appointment with Mr Goldbloom.
When surgery is recommended, you are given an approximate price of self-funding surgery in the private system. If you wish to proceed with surgery, then an exact quote will be drawn up for you for which we require up front payment. The cost of the quote is then deducted from the final cost of surgery. If you choose to self-fund your surgery, our team are able to arrange a payment plan for you.
For non-urgent problems, it may be worth investigating with private health funds regarding their policies on ‘waiting periods’. This waiting period might still be shorter than waiting for your operation to be performed at a public hospital.
Mr Goldbloom treats foot and ankle injuries in patients whose care falls under Transport Accident Commission (TAC) or WorkCover.
Cost
If your injury needs surgical treatment, you will bear no out of pocket cost for the operation. Our team require written acceptance of liability for the cost before we can book your surgical procedure.
If you have a current claim number, we can bill TAC or WorkCover directly for your consultation. If your claim number cannot be supplied on the day of your consultation, you must pay in full. Most of the time, this account can be claimed through WorkCover or TAC by the patient.
Most imaging or investigations you require are billed directly to TAC or WorkCover. Sometimes this will need to be checked with your case manager before having them done.
TAC and WorkCover usually fund all your post-operative rehabilitation such as physiotherapy. In some cases, if all the routine funding has been used, special applications may be required for more funding. Mr Goldbloom can assist in completing the required paperwork for this.
Prior to making an appointment with Mr Goldbloom
- Our acceptance of TAC and WorkCover referrals is based on a current claim number and details of your case manager. Your employer must lodge a new workover claim first or you must contact TAC to commence a new claim.
- Obtain a referral from your General Practitioner (GP), Health Care Professional such as Podiatrists, Physiotherapists or Medical Specialist. We prefer the referral is received either prior to or at the time the appointment is made. This is so any extra scans or other relevant information can be obtained.
- If you have any questions, or wish to make an appointment please call 03 9928 6188.
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