Arranging Your Orthopaedic Appointment in Adelaide
If your GP has suggested seeing an orthopaedic specialist for ongoing hip or knee pain, you might be left with some questions that you couldn’t fit into your appointment.
Understanding the referral process and what to bring to your first consultation can help you prepare for your appointment and avoid unnecessary delays.
Dr David Kitchen is an Adelaide Orthopaedic Specialist who treats hip and knee conditions, including arthritis, sports injuries and joint replacement. If you would like a specialist opinion from Dr Kitchen, ask your GP to direct your referral to him.
Do you need a GP referral to see an orthopaedic specialist?
Yes. A GP referral is required for an appointment with Dr David Kitchen and allows you to claim the relevant Medicare rebate for your specialist consultation.
Your GP may recommend specialist assessment if hip or knee pain continues despite treatment, an injury is affecting your movement, or imaging shows a problem that requires further investigation.
You can also ask your GP about referral if ongoing symptoms are interfering with walking, work, sleep or activities you enjoy. You do not need to know your exact diagnosis or which treatment you might need before requesting a specialist opinion.
Can you choose which orthopaedic specialist your GP refers you to?
Yes. If you would like Dr David Kitchen to assess your hip or knee, ask your GP to address the referral directly to him.
Your GP can send the referral to Dr Kitchen’s rooms electronically. If you receive a copy yourself, contact the practice on (08) 8130 1228 and the team can explain how to forward it and arrange your appointment.
What happens after your GP sends the referral?
Once your referral has been received, Dr Kitchen’s team reviews the information and contacts you to arrange an appointment at a suitable consulting location.
If your GP has already sent the referral and you have not heard from the practice, you can call the rooms on (08) 8130 1228 to check that it has arrived.
If you have experienced a recent injury or your symptoms have become more severe, let your GP know so they can assess the urgency of your condition and provide the relevant information in your referral.
You can also discuss any questions about appointment availability and consulting locations with Dr Kitchen’s team.
Do you need X-rays or an MRI before your first appointment?
If your GP has already arranged X-rays, an MRI or other imaging, bring the images and reports to your consultation. If additional scans are needed before your consultation, Dr Kitchen’s rooms will request these from you and provide the relevant referrals.
Dr Kitchen will review your symptoms, medical history and existing imaging during your appointment. More investigation may be requested if more information is needed to understand your condition or plan treatment.
For example, someone with ongoing knee pain may have already had an X-ray showing arthritis, but the extent of their symptoms and how the knee moves are also important when considering treatment options. An MRI or CT scan is not automatically required for every hip or knee problem.
What should you bring to your orthopaedic appointment?
A little preparation can help you make the most of your first consultation, especially if you have already seen your GP, undergone imaging or tried different treatments. Please bring:
- Recent X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans and imaging reports, if available.
- A list of your current medications and relevant medical or surgical history.
- Your Medicare card and private health insurance details, if you have cover.
- Any questions you would like to discuss with Dr Kitchen.
It also helps to think about how your hip or knee is affecting your everyday life. You might be having trouble getting in and out of the car, waking at night with knee pain or finding that your usual walk takes longer than it used to. If you have a sporting injury, think about the movements that cause pain or instability and what you have been able to do since the injury.
These details help Dr Kitchen understand what you are experiencing, alongside your examination and imaging results.
What happens during your first consultation?
Your first appointment with Dr Kitchen involves discussing your symptoms, reviewing your medical history and imaging, and examining your hip or knee.
He will ask about the treatments you have already tried and what you would like to get back to doing, from returning to sport or an active job to walking more comfortably or maintaining your independence.
Your assessment will help determine which treatment options may be suitable. This could involve continuing physiotherapy, strengthening exercises or other non-surgical treatments. If surgery is being considered, Dr Kitchen will explain the relevant procedure, potential risks and what recovery may involve.
Seeing an orthopaedic specialist does not mean you are committing to surgery. Your consultation is about understanding your condition, discussing your options and giving you the chance to ask any remaining questions. Dr Kitchen takes the time to explain everything clearly, so you can feel informed and comfortable in making decisions about your treatment.
How much does an orthopaedic appointment cost?
Consultation fees apply when seeing Dr Kitchen privately, with payment required at your appointment.
With a valid GP referral, you can claim the relevant Medicare rebate for part of your specialist consultation fee. The practice can generally submit your Medicare claim electronically on the day of your appointment. You do not need private health insurance for a specialist consultation.
If surgery is recommended, Dr Kitchen’s team will provide written information outlining the expected surgical costs and any anticipated out-of-pocket expenses. Your level of private hospital cover, excess and any separate fees for services such as anaesthesia or hospital admission will be considered.
For more information about consultation fees, Medicare rebates and potential surgical costs, visit Dr Kitchen’s Fee Information page.
Orthopaedic appointments with Dr David Kitchen in Adelaide
Dr David Kitchen is an Australian-trained Orthopaedic Specialist who completed subspecialty fellowship training in complex hip and knee surgery.
His practice includes hip and knee replacement, revision joint replacement, ACL reconstruction, meniscus injuries and other sports knee conditions. He also performs Mako robotic-assisted joint replacement and patient-specific knee replacement where suitable.
Dr Kitchen consults privately at sportsmed Stepney, Henley Beach and The Specialist Clinic Port Pirie.
| sportsmed Stepney Healthcare Hub 32 Payneham Road, Stepney SA 5069 | sportsmed Henley Beach 225 Military Road, Henley Beach SA 5022 | The Specialist Clinic, Port Pirie The Terrace & Alexander Street, Port Pirie SA 5540 |
Patients can discuss appointment availability at these locations when arranging their consultation.
Orthopaedic appointment FAQs
Can I book an orthopaedic appointment without private health insurance?
Yes. Private health insurance is not required to see Dr Kitchen for a specialist consultation. Consultation fees apply, and patients with a valid GP referral can claim the relevant Medicare rebate. Private hospital cover becomes relevant if surgery is being considered.
How long will I need to wait for my first appointment?
Appointment availability can vary between consulting locations. Once your referral has been received, Dr Kitchen’s team will contact you to arrange an appointment. You can also call the rooms on (08) 8130 1228 to check availability or confirm that your referral has arrived.
Will I need to pay for surgery if I see Dr Kitchen?
A consultation does not mean surgery will be required. If an operation is recommended, Dr Kitchen’s team will provide written information about the expected surgical costs and any anticipated out-of-pocket expenses. Selected procedures may be available under no-gap arrangements for eligible patients.
Where can I find more information about my appointment?
Dr Kitchen’s Appointment FAQs page provides further information about GP referrals, appointments, Medicare rebates, private health insurance, fees and surgical costs. You can also contact the rooms if you have questions about an upcoming appointment.
Book your orthopaedic appointment with Dr David Kitchen
If hip or knee pain, arthritis or a sporting injury is affecting your mobility, work or everyday activities, speak with your GP about a referral to Dr David Kitchen for specialist orthopaedic assessment in Adelaide.
You do not need to know your diagnosis or which treatment you may need before seeking an opinion. Dr Kitchen will assess your symptoms, imaging and medical history to discuss the treatment options available to you.
*This article is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. All surgical procedures carry risks and results vary between individuals. Consult with Dr David Kitchen MBBS MA (Cantab) BA Hons PhD FRACS FAOrthA (MED0001951664), Orthopaedic Specialist, for a personalised treatment plan.