Your Visit
You may have some questions about your visit to Tristram Clinic, your procedure or even the costs of your surgery – some frequently-asked questions can be found below.
Should you have any other queries or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
before your appointment
A referral from your GP is preferred for a new medical consultation. Please note that some insurance companies will not pay consultation fees without a Medical Specialist referral. A referral is not necessary for cosmetic consultations.
Do I need to inform my health insurance company before my appointment?
Many health insurance companies, and in particular ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation), may require the patient to have written approval before having a surgical procedure, and sometimes, before an initial consultation. The patient must obtain this written approval from their insurer and provide a copy to reception.
If you are unsure what your insurance covers, or if prior approval is required, please contact your health insurance company as soon as possible. As each health insurance company has its own specific requirements, you should ensure that you are familiar with what is required, otherwise you may have difficulty claiming back the cost of your procedure.
your appointment
When you come for your appointment at Tristram Clinic, please bring the following things with you:
A referral letter from your doctor (if you have one)
Any relevant X-rays, blood test results and medical reports (if you have them)
The names of all your medications, creams and ointments, etc., that you are taking or using.
On arrival, you will be asked to complete a registration form. If you prefer, you can complete this form in advance by asking our receptionists to send it to you.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
There are always emergency patients waiting to be seen and cancelled appointments enable us to accommodate them.
If you need to cancel your appointment for a general-anaesthetic operation, we would appreciate two weeks’ notice whenever possible, again this enables us to schedule another patient’s procedure.
surgery location
Where will my surgery be carried out?
Tristram Clinic has two in-house operating theatres for surgical procedures requiring general and local anaesthetics. These procedures are not usually performed on the day of initial consultation. At the initial consultation, we will arrange your surgery for you at a time convenient to you, though please bear in mind that the length of time you may have to wait will depend on waiting lists, as well as the urgency and complexity of the procedure.
Patients requiring an overnight stay will be cared for at Tristram Clinic by our highly skilled staff.
Major surgery is performed at Braemar Hospital and Southern Cross Hospital.
in case of emergency
For urgent enquires during office hours Call Tristram Clinic on 07 838 1035 or call your GP Practice.
For emergencies contact your local Accident and Emergency Department.
If you need an ambulance Call Emergency Services on 111.
payment
When do I have to pay?
Payment should be made at the time of consultation before leaving the clinic. You will generally have to pay all the fees for your consultation and procedure, and then claim this money back from your health insurance company. The amount you will get back depends on the type of insurance cover you have – contact your health insurance company if you are not sure what they cover.
An estimate of the cost of your surgery or procedure will be provided during your appointment. In some cases, payment up front is required for surgical procedures.
Please note that the quotes provided by Tristram Clinic staff are estimates only and fees may vary.
patient fees
Fees vary for many reasons. Any estimate provided by clinic staff, especially over the phone, is an estimate only. When making an appointment we encourage patients to ask our receptionists for an estimate of the consultation cost. This is payable prior to leaving the clinic.
Your specialist will provide a cost estimate for your procedure during consultation.
Southern Cross Healthcare Society
Our clinic is an Affiliated Southern Cross Provider. In most but not all circumstances, consultations, ultrasound scanning and surgical procedures we will be dealing direct with Southern Cross Healthcare on your behalf. You will only hear from us where your type of policy has a shortfall that you will be required to pay.
Some surgical procedures may not be covered under our Southern Cross contract – your Surgeon will advise you of this. In such cases you will be given an estimate of costs and you must contact Southern Cross to obtain a Prior Approval – we cannot do this for you.
Patient fees – Insurance
The patient will generally pay all the fees to the Specialist. If you are insured you will seek reimbursement from your insurer. The value of the reimbursement will depend on the type of policy you have.
Prior approval
Most insurance companies and ACC require the patient to have written prior approval before having a surgical procedure and sometimes prior to an initial consultation. You must obtain this approval and provide a copy to our reception.
Please be aware – all medical insurers have their own specific policy requirements and the policyholder must ensure that they understand the terms of their specific policy or difficulties in obtaining reimbursement of costs may result. If in doubt contact your Insurer.
parking
There are plenty of parking spaces for patients at Tristram Clinic at 200 Collingwood Street.