- SPECIALIST ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON | MELBOURNE, VIC | ALBURY NSW |
- 03 9421 6133
Your Appointment
Preparing for your appointment with Dr Jason Hockings
Phone: (03) 9421 6133
Fax: (03) 9421 6144
Email: reception@drjasonhockings.com.au
Contact Us
When you meet with Dr Hockings, our priority is to make your appointment straightforward and entirely focused on your care. Whether it’s your initial consultation, a follow-up visit, or a telehealth session (follow-up appointments only), we’ll guide you through each step, ensuring you feel informed, comfortable, and supported throughout.
New Patient Appointments
If you are seeing Dr Hockings for the first time, you will need a valid referral from your GP or another medical specialist. A GP referral is valid for 12 months, while a specialist referral is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. Having a referral ensures you are eligible for a Medicare rebate and provides Dr Hockings with important background information about your condition.
To help Dr Hockings assess your condition thoroughly, please bring:
- Your referral letter from your GP or specialist
- Details of any imaging related to your condition such as X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, or ultrasounds, along with the radiology reports. These can often be accessed electronically by our rooms, but it’s helpful to bring hard copies or discs if available
- A list of your current medications and any relevant medical history
- Your Medicare card and private health insurance details (if applicable)
- Information about any previous surgery or treatment for the same condition
- The completed New Patient form, emailed to the rooms before your consultation if possible
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the affected area for examination
Your consultation with Dr Hockings will involve:
- Discussion of your symptoms – including when they started, how they have progressed, and how they affect your daily activities or sport.
- Review of your imaging and test results – Dr Hockings will explain your scans and what they show in relation to your condition.
- Physical examination – assessing movement, strength, and function of the affected area.
- Diagnosis and treatment options – you will receive clear information about your condition, and any surgical or non-surgical options will be discussed.
- Next steps – whether that involves starting physiotherapy, arranging further tests, or planning surgery, you will have a clear outline of what will happen next.
To get the most from your visit, it can be helpful to:
- Write down your questions beforehand so nothing is forgotten during the consultation
- Bring a support person if you would like someone to listen, take notes, or help you remember details
- Be honest about your symptoms, activity levels, and goals so Dr Hockings can tailor your care to your needs
Interstate & Telehealth Appointments
For patients who live in rural or remote areas, interstate, or overseas, telehealth appointments may be available. These are conducted via secure video conferencing, allowing you to speak directly with Dr Hockings from home.
For telehealth consultations, please ensure you have:
- A reliable internet connection
- Access to your imaging (digital copies if possible)
- A quiet, private space for your consultation
Returning Patient Appointments
If you are returning to see Dr Hockings for a review or follow-up, please bring:
- Any new imaging or test results since your last appointment
- Updates from your physiotherapist or GP if you are undergoing ongoing rehabilitation
- A list of any changes in your symptoms, medications, or general health
Please note: You may need a new GP referral if your original referral has expired. GP referrals are valid for 12 months, and referrals from another specialist are valid for 3 months from the date of issue. A current referral is required to ensure you can claim a Medicare rebate for your consultation.
Consultation Fees & Payment Information
Consultation fees are payable on the day of your appointment. A portion of the fee can usually be claimed back from Medicare if you have a valid referral. We accept payment by EFTPOS, Visa, Mastercard, and cash.
- Initial Patient Consultation: $260 (Including Telehealth)
- Subsequent Patient Consultation: $150
If you are unable to attend your appointment, please contact our rooms as soon as possible so we can offer the time to another patient. We appreciate at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling.
If you are covered by WorkCover, TAC, or DVA, please let our reception team know when booking your appointment. In some cases, a co-payment may apply.
During your consultation, Dr Hockings will explain the most appropriate surgical approach based on your condition, anatomy, and individual needs. Many people experience a significant improvement in pain, function, and mobility following hip replacement surgery. Recovery timelines vary depending on the surgical approach and your overall health, but most patients gradually return to walking, driving, and normal activities over the course of several weeks to months.
If you’re living with hip pain or stiffness that’s affecting your quality of life, a thorough assessment can help determine the cause and guide the right treatment path.
