Understanding what happens next should be simple. Here’s a transparent overview of the process — from GP referral through to recovery and ongoing care — so you always know where you are in the journey.
Your GP or specialist provides a referral. Our rooms contact you to arrange a consultation and guide you on any imaging required.
A thorough assessment with Dr Slattery — history, examination, imaging review, and a full discussion of every option available to you.
A tailored treatment plan that fits your body, goals, and circumstances — whether that’s non-operative care, surgery, or watchful waiting.
Comprehensive follow-up with Dr Slattery and his team at regular intervals to ensure alignment between your needs and treatment.
Every new patient requires an up-to-date referral from a GP or another specialist. This is required to access the Medicare rebate, and to ensure Dr Slattery has the relevant background on your condition.
Please bring — or ensure access to — any relevant imaging: X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans or ultrasound reports. If you don’t have recent imaging, our rooms will let you know what’s needed before your appointment.
Your first appointment typically runs 30–45 minutes. Dr Slattery will take a thorough history, examine the affected joint, and review all imaging with you — explaining exactly what he sees and what it means.
You’ll discuss the full range of options — including non-operative care like physiotherapy, activity modification, injections and pain management, as well as surgical options where relevant. No recommendation is made without you understanding the risks, benefits and expected outcomes of each path.
You’ll leave with a clear plan, written information where helpful, and the opportunity to take time before deciding on any significant intervention.
If surgery is the agreed path, our rooms help you co-ordinate the practical side — hospital booking, pre-admission paperwork, pre-operative assessments, and any specialist reviews your case requires (for example, anaesthetic or cardiology review).
Dr Slattery will explain exactly what the operation involves, the expected hospital stay, and what your early recovery will look like. You’ll have ample opportunity to ask further questions before the day of surgery.
Recovery begins the moment surgery ends. Most hip and knee replacement patients are walking within 24 hours of their operation, with physiotherapy starting in hospital and continuing at home.
You’ll be reviewed regularly — typically at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 12 months post-operatively — with additional appointments as needed. Each review is an opportunity to assess progress, address any concerns, and adjust your rehabilitation plan.
Dr Slattery’s rooms remain available for questions throughout your recovery. For urgent concerns outside of hours, clear escalation pathways are provided on discharge.
Yes. An up-to-date GP referral is required for all initial consultations in order to claim the Medicare rebate. Referrals from another specialist are valid for three months; GP referrals are valid for twelve months.
Initial consultations typically run 30–45 minutes depending on the complexity of your condition. Review appointments are usually 15–30 minutes.
Please bring any relevant X-rays, MRI or CT scans — either as physical films, on a disc, or via digital access. If you don’t have recent imaging, Dr Slattery’s rooms will let you know what’s required before your appointment.
No. Many orthopaedic conditions can be managed successfully with non-operative treatment — physiotherapy, injections, activity modification and pain management. Surgery is only recommended when it offers a clear benefit over non-operative care, and never before other options have been properly considered.
Recovery varies depending on the procedure, your pre-operative condition and your goals. Most patients walk within 24 hours of surgery and return to light activities within 6 weeks. Full recovery typically takes 3–6 months, with continued improvement for up to a year. Dr Slattery will provide you with a personalised recovery plan.
Yes. Dr Slattery operates across four major private hospitals in Melbourne. Your rebate and out-of-pocket costs will depend on your level of cover — our rooms can provide detailed estimates prior to any procedure.
Yes. Telehealth consultations are available for follow-up appointments and some initial consultations — particularly for rural, interstate and international patients. Please contact the rooms to confirm suitability for your situation.
Absolutely. Second opinions are welcomed and common in orthopaedics — particularly for complex cases, revision procedures, or when considering surgery. Please bring all relevant imaging and any previous surgical reports to your consultation.
Contact Dr David Slattery’s Melbourne rooms to book an appointment or speak with our team about referrals, availability, and treatment options.