Patient Information
Below are the details you need to know about our process, fees, responsibilities, and insurance coverage.
Referral Requirement
We ask that all patients provide a referral from their healthcare provider in order to schedule an appointment at MSM Pain Clinic.
Referrals from your general practitioner (GP) are preferred, as they will provide medical background information, including details of any treatments you have received and any other conditions that may influence your treatment plan. If we are unable to assist with your condition for any reason, we will inform your referring healthcare provider and suggest alternative options.
Private Consultation for Complex Cases
The fee for a private consultation will vary depending on several factors, including:
> The duration of your condition
> The number of symptomatic areas being treated
> The complexity of your individual case
We recommend discussing the cost prior to your appointment as a guideline. However, please note that in some cases, the cost may only be confirmed once the initial consultation is completed.
Interventional injection treatments also vary in cost, and this will be discussed with you prior to commencing any treatment plan.
Payment Information
At this time, MSM Pain Clinic does not have an EFTPOS machine. We kindly ask that payments be made via:
> Cash
> Electronic bank transfer (details will be provided)
Please ensure that any payment due is made after the consultation, unless previously arranged with ACC or another third-party insurer.
Patient's Responsibilities
As a patient, it is your responsibility to ensure that the condition and the region of the body you are seeking treatment for is covered by an ACC accepted claim or private insurance. If you do not have cover for your treatment or consultation, you will be required to pay the fees.
Insurance or Accredited Employer Cover:
> The MSM Pain Clinic is an affiliated provider for Southern Cross Medical Care Society. This means we are contracted to provide certain services to Southern Cross members at agreed prices. Depending on your level of cover, you may need to contribute to the cost of consultation and treatment.
> If your case is being managed under an ACC accredited employer scheme, it is your responsibility to obtain written approval from your case manager before scheduling an appointment. We will only schedule your appointment after receiving this confirmation from the accredited employer scheme case manager.
Making an Appointment
Once a referral is received, the clinic/Dr Singh will assess the appropriateness of the referral and triage it based on urgency. The receptionstaff will arrange an appointment in coordination with the patient's availability. Upon arrival, patients will be asked to fill out a registration form, and our team will be available to assist with any questions or concerns.
If a patient is unable to attend their appointment, we ask that they contact the clinic to rebook or cancel their appointment.
Communication with Health Professionals
At MSM Pain Clinic, we prioritize clear communication with the healthcare providers involved in the patient's care. Referring professionals will receive a copy of the initial consultation notes, and ACC or any third parties involved in the patient's treatment or funding will also be informed about the consultations and any intervention procedures recommended.
If further referrals or case reviews are required, the relevant medical records will be sent to other specialists involved in the patient's ongoing care.
If a referral is made to another specialist for treatment beyond the scope of MSM Pain Clinic, the patient will be discharged from our care once they have been transferred to the new provider.
Active Participation in Treatment
We strongly encourage all patients to actively participate in the treatment plan recommended by Dr. Singh. While Dr. Singh will tailor the treatment to your individual needs and adjust the plan as necessary, the outcome of treatment cannot be guaranteed.
If you encounter any challenges or issues during your treatment, it is essential that you discuss them openly with Dr. Singh. Together, you can make any necessary adjustments to ensure the treatment aligns with your capabilities and goals.
Please be aware that if you do not fully participate in your treatment or follow the advice provided, we cannot guarantee a positive outcome.
We aim to make your experience with MSM Pain Clinic as seamless and effective as possible. If you have any questions about your referral, treatment plan, fees, or insurance, please feel free to contact our clinic staff.
Patient Privacy and Communication Preferences
Patients have the right to request that their medical information not be shared. If a patient chooses to keep their information confidential, it may affect:
> Cover for payment of the consultation by ACC or other third-party funders.
> Future referrals or treatment plans involving other healthcare providers.
If a patient has concerns about sharing information, they should inform Dr. Singh during their consultation. The patient should also discuss their preferences with any third party involved in payment for their treatment.