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Frequently Asked Questions FAQ's

Do I need a doctor's referral to make an appointment with Dr. Bruce Low?

ANS: As Dr Low is a specialist, patients require a referral from their General Practitioner, family physician or other doctor to make an appointment with Dr Low in accordance with Medicare laws. A referral from a GP is valid for 12 months while referral from a specialist is only valid for 3 months. Please be advised referrals need to stipulate any condition you are seeing Dr Low for. If you decide to see Dr Low about a new condition, you will require a new referral outlining the specific condition/s

Do I need to have private health insurance?

You do not require private health insurance for a consultation with Dr Low. Private health cover is only applicable to surgical operations. If you do not have private health insurance, you have the option of paying to go privately or be put on the public waiting list.

If you decide to pay for your surgery privately you will be provided with a quote from Dr Low. Payment is required within 30 days of your procedure. You will be required to place a deposit with the hospital, anaesthetist and assistant surgeon, all of which are billed independently.

Will my insurance cover all your treatments?

Depending on what policy you have taken out with your private health insurance. You may need to contact your private health with an item number which is a code for the surgery you are scheduled for. You may also need to check with your private health if you are covered for surgical instrumentation used in the operating theatre and also prostheses relevant to your procedure. You may be required to pay an excess. This is payable to the hospital on the day of your operation.

What is osteoarthritis?

ANS: 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 physical therapy be required after surgery?

ANS: Major surgery on a joint may take two or three hours in the operating room. Getting 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 physiotherapy 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.

Dr Low will discuss with you when physio applies after the surgery and will provide you with a referral to any physio you desire.

What is a hip replacement?

A hip replacement involves a surgical procedure to replace part or all of a diseased or damaged hip joint with an artificial substitute—a prosthetic hip joint. The operation to replace or mend a joint is known as 'arthroplasty'. The aim of a hip replacement is to alleviate pain and restore function in the hip joint.

What are common causes for back pain?

Back pain afflicts 80% of the population at some point in their lives. Back pain is not always the result of an accident or injury, but often times back pain is due to long-term repetitive faulty habits such as poor posture, improper body mechanics and decline in physical fitness. Other common causes include degeneration of the discs, as well as disc herniations or other causes of pinched nerves, such as spinal stenosis. Not only the discs themselves, however, can be a source of pain. The facet joint, muscles and ligaments can also be involved in creating pain.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition caused by the sciatic nerves in the body becoming inflamed. The sciatic nerves (largest nerve in the body) begin from your lower spine and continue down the buttock area, back of the leg, and into the foot. Symptoms can range from a light tingling feeling, burning sensation to a full blown shooting pain radiating from your lower back, buttock area or leg. Sciatica usually affects only one side, although it is possible to also run down both legs.

How do disc injuries cause back pain?

Injury to the disc can cause pain in three different ways. First, the injured disc can itself be painful. The damage results in development of pain coming directly from the disc. Second, the injured disc may be weakened to the point that it no longer functions as it should. Normally, the discs allow for normal movement of the spine by acting as "shock absorbers" between the blocks of bone of the spine (vertebra). When the disc fails to do its job, the other parts of the spine, such as the joints known as facet joints, may suffer. This can generate secondary pain arising from the other structures. Finally, an injured disc may be displaced from its normal position and pinch (compress) a nerve, causing pain. If the displaced disc compresses or inflames a nerve, there may be back pain, leg pain or a combination of both.