Patient Journey
Embarking on a medical journey can be both daunting and hopeful. At our practice, we understand the significance of a patient's journey through diagnosis and treatment. From the initial stages of evaluation to the comprehensive management of your condition, we are here to support and guide you every step of the way.
Our compassionate and experienced team, led by A/Prof Simon Tsao, is dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to your unique needs. As you navigate through the intricate path of diagnosis and treatment, we are committed to ensuring your well-being, empowering you with knowledge, and fostering a collaborative approach.
Patient Journey
Embarking on a medical journey can be both daunting and hopeful. At our practice, we understand the significance of a patient's journey through diagnosis and treatment. From the initial stages of evaluation to the comprehensive management of your condition, we are here to support and guide you every step of the way.
Our compassionate and experienced team, led by A/Prof Simon Tsao, is dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to your unique needs. As you navigate through the intricate path of diagnosis and treatment, we are committed to ensuring your well-being, empowering you with knowledge, and fostering a collaborative approach.
Making an Appointment
Call (03) 9133 6639
Please let us know if your appointment is for cancer diagnosis or suspected cancer. A/Prof Tsao will endeavor to see you within 2 business days.
We accept self-referral from patients. However, to claim a Medicare rebate, you will need to have a referral from your GP or a specialist.
Prior to your first appointment, we will email you a registration link to provide your medical information. If you would prefer to complete it on paper, please arrive 10 mins early to your appointment.
Day of Your Appointment
Please bring the following information and documents with you to your first appointment:
Referral letter - If you have a referral from your GP or Specialist please bring it to your first appointment
Any medical investigations - this may include any ultrasounds, x-rays, mammograms etc. While we have access to most major radiology images online, it is important to have a backup in case of technical problems.
Patient registration form - If you haven’t completed the patient registration form online, we will have a paper version to complete prior to your appointment. Please arrive 10 mins prior to your appointment time to complete.
We endeavor to minimise your wait time and provide the highest quality of care. There may be times when a patient’s visit is particularly complex or sensitive. We thank you in advance for your patience if this occurs and your practitioner is later than the expected appointment time. We will give you an estimated wait time when you register.
During Your Appointment
- A/Prof Tsao will go through your medical history, medical investigations, and perform physical examinations. He will work with you to come up with a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.
Sometimes we may need to perform an ultrasound assessment. There will be a small additional cost for this, and you will be informed prior to your appointment.
Bringing a support person with you during the consultation can help you to structure your thoughts and questions. They can also help to remember information, and help you deal with emotionally challenging situations.
Medical Investigations
In almost all cases, additional medical tests will need to be conducted to determine your best treatment options. Often these tests include scans or blood tests.
These are conducted to ensure we have the most up to date information about your condition prior to commencing treatment.
Second Appointment
-
A/Prof Tsao will go through all the tests and confirm or make a diagnosis. He will work with you to tailor a treatment plan.
-
If surgery is required, A/Prof Tsao will go through the operation with you and obtain a written consent.
-
If you need more time to think about the options, we will provide all the relevant information to you and arrange another appointment.
-
Depending on the diagnosis and the treatment plan, A/Prof Tsao works with a team of experts who will offer the latest evidence-based treatment options to you. If it is required to involve other specialists, A/Prof Tsao will arrange this for you.
At any point in this process you are able to request an additional appointment with A/Prof Tsao to discuss your treamtment options or any concerns you may have.
If you have been diagnosed with Cancer, you can find out more information on our Cancer Journey page.
Appointment booking is provided in English.
Consultations are provided in English and Mandarin Chinese.