FAQs - Dr Daniel Rahme

What are your business hours?

Our offices are open 8.30am– 5pm, Monday through Friday (except holidays). Appointments can be offered across all locations by calling 02 9054 4747.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Medicare card
Private Health fund card (if any)
Operation records, medical records, x-rays, MRIs, CT scans etc from prior doctor visits
Progress letter from physical therapist (if applicable)
Age Pension card (if any)
List of current medications

Where does Dr Rahme operate?

Bankstown Public Hospital
Strathfield Private Hospital (Strathfield)
Waratah Private Hospital (Hurstville)
St George Private Hospital (Kogarah)

What if I need an operation?

If it has been determined by Dr Rahme that you require surgery, you will be given an admission form to your choice of hospital at the time of your consultation. Dr Rahme and his administration staff will guide you in the correct way to fill out the forms to be admitted on the public waiting list, or be booked in for a private operation.

Who makes up the Operating (Surgical) Team?

A number of highly trained staff make up the team involved in your operation. This includes Dr Rahme, the surgeon, Dr Michael the anaesthetist as well as a group of skilled nursing and assistant staff.

What does the Anaesthetist do?

The anaesthetist is a doctor trained in the specialty of anaesthesia.
The Anaesthetist:
• administers drugs to temporarily render you unconscious or sedate you to ensure you remain relaxed, comfortable and pain free for the surgeon to perform his task.
• remains with you throughout your operation monitoring your breathing and vital organs to ensure you remain suitably sedated and successfully recover from the anaesthesia.
• uses a combination of drugs and techniques to minimise your pain after surgery

What should I tell my Anaesthetist before my operation?

It is important that you provide your anaesthetist with key health information prior to your surgery so that he can make decisions about the most appropriate anaesthetic for you.
This includes details about:
• recent changes to your general health such as hospital admissions or surgery
• long term medical problems such as diabetes, heart disease or reflux
• any medications you are taking (some people find it helpful to bring a list)
• any allergies you have including to medications or other items
• previous experience with anesthetic, particularly any problems or issues

Why is it important to have an empty stomach prior to surgery?

You will be asked to fast from food and fluid before your procedure so that you have an empty stomach. This is because whilst under anaesthetic your body’s normal reflexes are relaxed. Therefore there is a risk that your stomach contents could enter your windpipe or lungs which can cause significant complications.

Can I smoke cigarettes before my surgery?

It is important to avoid cigarettes for as long as possible before and after your operation, particularly the day of your operation. This will help reduce surgical and anaesthetic risks and help you have the best possible results from your surgery.

What type of anaesthesia will I receive?

There are a number of types of anaesthesia available. Your anaesthetist in conjunction with your surgeon will decide on the safest and most appropriate type of anaesthesia for your situation. You may receive one or a combination of those available.

What are the main types of anaesthesia available?

• Sedation: During sedation you will be comfortable and relaxed for your procedure but will still be able to respond to instructions. You will usually have very little memory of the procedure.

• Local anaesthesia: Local anaesthetic involves using an anaesthetic drug to numb a specific area of the body e.g a hand or foot. Often used for minor procedures, it can be used alone when the patient is awake or in combination with sedation. Numbing a particular area with local anaesthetic can also be useful in controlling post operative pain.

• Regional anaesthesia: Regional anaesthesia involves administering drugs to clusters of nerves to numb a larger part of the body. Examples include an epidural (often given to women in labour), nerve blocks or spinal anaesthesia. These forms of anaesthesia allow you to stay awake during your procedure whilst remaining pain free. The advantage of this technique is that it can also be useful in providing long lasting pain relief for many hours after your operation, therefore avoiding the use of other pain drugs and their associated side effects.

• General anaesthesia: During a general anaesthetic the Anaesthetist administers drugs so that you are unconscious or ‘asleep’ for your operation. During this time your muscles and protective reflexes are relaxed. When a general anaesthetic is reversed you will wake up with no awareness or memory of what has occurred.

Can I still have a private operation even if I don’t have Private Health Fund insurance?

Yes, you can still elect to have an operation at the Private Hospital, however, you will be responsible for all out-of-pocket expenses. We can provide you with a written quote to help you make your decision.

I have been seen at the Bankstown Hospital Emergency Room or was admitted. What are my next steps?

Please call 02 9747 1350 to make an appointment to see Dr Rahme. You will be charged normal consultation fees for this visit as you will be attending the private rooms. Please ensure you bring all the paperwork you were given from Bankstown Hospital, along with any xrays or scans. If you would like Dr Rahme to write back to your local doctor regarding your treatment, you may also like to bring a referral from your GP. You will need either your Bankstown paperwork or a referral from your GP in order to receive the Medicare Rebate on the consultation fee.

How do I claim the Medicare Rebate?

If you have an EFTPOS card (otherwise known as a debit, ATM, keycard etc), the administration staff can process your claim immediately. The rebate will be deposited directly into your cheque or savings accounts immediately. Otherwise, we will print a receipt which you should take to the Medicare Office, or ask for a Medicare Claim Form at your consultation. You can mail this form along with your receipt to Medicare.

Does my Private Health Fund cover any of the consultation fee?

No, Private Health Funds only cover hospital expenses.

How much will I get back from my Private Health Fund for operations and hospital expenses?

Your benefits will depend on your individual Health Fund and your level of cover. Please call your Health Fund to enquire about benefits. We will provide you with a written quote where you will be able to check item numbers with your Health Fund.

When should I have my xray before my appointment?

Please have your xray as close as possible to your appointment. Xrays older than 6 days are not useful.

Where can I have my xray?

You may have your xray at any imaging centre. We will provide you with a list of some of the imaging centres. Most centres don’t require an appointment, but it’s best to call ahead and check.

I lost my xray form. How do I get another one?

Please contact our office and we will be happy to re-issue one, or visit your GP for a new xray request.

Are my medical records kept private and confidential?

Your medical file is handled securely with the utmost respect for your privacy. Our staff are bound by strict confidentiality requirements as a condition of employment regarding your medical records. We will not release any contents of your medical file without your consent.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is caused by the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage is the tough elastic material that covers and protects the ends of bones. Bits of cartilage may break off and cause pain and swelling in the joint between bones. This pain and swelling is called inflammation. Over time the cartilage may wear away entirely, and the bones will rub together. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint but usually affects hips, knees, hands and spine.

Will physiotherapy be required after surgery?

Major surgery on a joint may take two or three hours in the operating room. Getting a full range of motion, strength and flexibility back in that joint after surgery usually takes months. That’s where pre-operative exercise and education and post-operative physical therapy programs come in – to ensure you’re physically and emotionally prepared for surgery, and to maximise your recovery after surgery. Together, such programs are among the most important determinants in the success of your surgery.