Your First Consultation

Your first appointment is an assessment — a chance for Dr Julyan to find out what is causing your problem and to talk through your options. Importantly, seeing the surgeon does not mean you will need an operation. Many shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand problems are treated very successfully without surgery. The focus is on the best care for you.

1What to bring

• Your ID and medical aid (scheme) card.
• Your referral letter, if you have one, and any authorisation or reference number.
• Any previous X-rays, ultrasound, CT or MRI scans and their reports — bring the actual images on disc, USB or a link, not just the report.
• A list of your current medication, supplements and allergies (please mention blood thinners such as aspirin, warfarin or clopidogrel).
• A short note of your symptoms: when they started, what makes them better or worse, and how they affect your work and sleep.
• Your questions — and a family member or friend if you would like one with you.

2What happens at the visit

• Dr Julyan will ask about your problem and your general health.
• He will examine the affected shoulder, elbow, wrist or hand — checking movement, strength and nerve function.
• X-rays or a scan may be arranged if they are needed.
• He will explain the diagnosis and your options in plain language.

3A visit does not mean surgery

• Non-surgical care is usually tried first: activity changes, medication, physiotherapy or hand therapy, splints, or an injection.
• If surgery is the best option for you, you will discuss exactly why, what it involves, the benefits and risks, and the recovery — before any decision is made.

4Costs and your medical scheme

• Specialist fees may differ from your scheme’s rate — please ask the rooms about any possible co-payment.
• Planned procedures and hospital or day-case admissions usually need pre-authorisation from your medical scheme. The rooms will give you the procedure and diagnosis (ICD-10) codes to arrange it.
• Authorisation confirms cover but is not a guarantee of full payment. It is worth checking your cover for implants and for physiotherapy with your scheme.

Getting to us: the rooms are in Suite 6, Netcare Pretoria East Hospital, Moreletapark. For urgent injuries outside office hours, go to your nearest casualty/emergency unit; for a life-threatening emergency phone 10177 or 112.