FAQs
Is a referral required to see Dr Steve Landers?
Yes, a referral is required to see Dr Landers for Medicare billing purposes. You can see your GP or Specialist to receive a referral. A GP referral is valid for 12 months and a Specialist referral is valid for 3 months.
How much is an initial consultation?
There are 2 consultations involved with the initial consultation.
The first consultation is with Rachael Hely (Physiotherapist) which is $130.00. Physiotherapy fees through Clinical Precision can be partly claimed through your health insurance fund (with extra’s cover).
The second consultation is with Dr Steve Landers which is $280.00. You are eligible for a $76.15 rebate from Medicare which we can claim on your behalf.
Will it fix my torn cartilage?
No - but we believe in this group of patients it is the inflammatory process of angiogenesis that is causing the recalcitrant pain.
How long will it last? Will the vessels grow back?
Approximately 1/4 of our patients required a second embolisation within 6 months - meaning 75% of our patients only needed 1 procedure to remain pain-free for 12 months.
What rehab is required post procedure?
As part of the treatment pathway with Clinical Precision, you will be required to see Rachael Hely (Physio) at 6 weeks and 6 months post procedure.
You can continue to see Ms Hely as part of your rehab following these reviews if you do not have a regular physio, or you can see your own physiotherapist for ongoing review if preferred.
Is an MRI required?
An MRI is required for Dr Landers to be able to correlate the MRI result with what is happening clinically, to see areas of inflammation and decide on the appropriate course of treatment.
How much is the MRI?
With a GP referral you are not eligible for any Medicare rebates and will incur the full fee out-of-pocket. With a specialist referral the cost for the MRI is only $195 out-of-pocket. Clinical Precision will request the MRI on your behalf to ensure you are eligible for the lower cost.
What is the recovery time? Can I walk on it straight away? Return to work/Return to exercise?
This is dependant on imaging findings and success of embolisation. Some patients report standing up straight away with their pain/stiffness significantly improved or gone. Others find things settle within the first week.
We suggest to rest for 24 hours if able. On occasion, patients will be asked to use crutches to touch weight bear (TWB) for a short period.
Return to work will be discussed at time of procedure. Return to exercise will be discussed with the Physiotherapist 6 weeks post procedure.
Why did this happen in my knee/hip/foot and not in anyone else I know?
We’re not 100% sure and we are currently researching our hypothesis around this.
Does the procedure involve general anaesthetic?
No. The procedure is a 1 hour day-stay procedure and performed with moderate sedation. The procedure is performed by Dr Steve Landers at St John of God Hospital in Geelong.
How much is the procedure for privately insured?
Dr Steve Landers utilised the various health funds ‘Known Gap’ system for rebates on his procedures. The out-of-pocket expense will be a maximum of $500 for privately insured patients.
How much is the procedure for self-funded?
If you do not have private health insurance, you can elect to take out private health insurance and wait the nominated waiting period to undergo your procedure privately.
Alternatively, you can elect to self-fund your procedure. The cost for this is approximately $1,500 with Clinical Precision. There are also costs involved with St John of God directly for the Theatre and day-stay room fees which can be approximately $4,000.
How many times will I have to have it done?
1/4 of our patients required 2 embolisation for full symptom relief and return to full function. 75% of our patients needed one procedure only.
Do I need to take any medication after the procedure?
Recommended to continue regular analgesic medication for the first week post embolisation. Changes can be discussed at the time of the procedure and at the Physiotherapy follow-up 6 weeks post.