For patients
What to expect at your consultation
A practical guide to your first appointment with Dr Stephen Watson — from GP referral and what to bring, to consultation options and fees.
Do I need a GP referral?
Yes. A current GP referral is required for Medicare rebates to be claimed against your consultation. A GP referral lasts 12 months from the date it was written; a referral from another specialist lasts 3 months. Bring your referral with you, or ask your GP to email it to reception@lapsurgery.com.au ahead of your appointment.
If you are paying privately and don't want a Medicare rebate, you can technically be seen without a referral — but in almost all cases a referral is in your interest because it triggers the rebate.
What to bring
- Your current GP referral
- Any imaging or investigations you've had (ultrasound, CT, gastroscopy reports, etc.) — bring the report and ideally the images on disc or via secure link
- A list of your current medications, including over-the-counter and herbal preparations
- Your Medicare card and, if relevant, private health insurance details
- For WorkCover or DVA patients — your claim number and insurer / case manager contact
How long the consultation takes
A first consultation generally takes around 30 minutes, longer for complex cases or revision surgery. There is time to examine you, discuss the diagnosis, talk through realistic surgical and non-surgical options, explain expected recovery, and answer your questions.
Consultation options
In person at South Perth
Dr Watson's primary rooms are at 21 Charles Street, South Perth WA 6151. On-site parking is available; public transport via the South Perth / Mends Street bus routes.
In person at a regional WA visit
Dr Watson holds approximately monthly visits to Mandurah, Rockingham, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Esperance, Port Hedland, and Karratha. See the relevant regional location pages for details, or phone the rooms to find the next available date in your town.
Telehealth from anywhere in WA
Telehealth consultations by secure video call are available across all of Western Australia. For most hernia assessments, an initial telehealth consultation is just as effective as an in-person review. Examination, when needed, can be arranged with a local GP, or deferred to a later in-person review.
Fees
For current consultation fees, please contact our rooms on (08) 6311 7578. Medicare rebates apply with a valid GP referral. WorkCover, DVA, and self-funded arrangements are discussed in advance so you know what to expect before your appointment.
Medicare and private health insurance coverage
Medicare rebates apply against consultation, anaesthetist, and surgeon fees for medically indicated hernia repair, provided you have a current referral. The rebate covers part of the fee.
Private health insurance with hospital cover (typically bronze tier or above) usually covers hernia repair at the private hospitals Dr Watson operates at. Out-of-pocket cost varies by health fund and excess. Public hospital pathways are also available, but generally involve longer waits — see the return-to-work page for self-funded options.
Hospitals Dr Watson operates at
- Hollywood Private Hospital
- St John of God Murdoch Hospital
- St John of God Subiaco Hospital
- The Mount Hospital
- Bethesda Hospital
Pathways
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WorkCover patients
If your hernia is work-related, we accept WorkCover referrals.
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Self-funded / time-pressured
If you need to be seen quickly to return to work, most patients are seen within a week.
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DVA cardholders
Dr Watson accepts DVA gold and white card referrals through the standard pathway.
Common questions
Do I need a GP referral?
Yes — a current GP referral is required for Medicare rebates to be claimed against your consultation. A GP referral lasts 12 months; a referral from another specialist lasts 3 months.
How long does the consultation take?
A first consultation generally takes around 30 minutes, longer for complex cases. There is time to examine you, discuss the diagnosis, talk through realistic surgical and non-surgical options, and answer your questions.
Can my partner / family member come with me?
Yes — particularly for first consultations, many patients find it helpful to have someone with them. For telehealth consultations, your partner can join the call.