Dr Andrew Dean
WA Medical Oncology
What to
expect
Information for
new patients.
Below is a brief introduction to your treatment with the WAMO team. More will be explained to you during your first consultation.
If you have any immediate questions give us a call on (08) 6465 9200 or fill out our contact form and we will get back to you.
REFERRAL PATHWAY & APPOINTMENTS
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, your General Practitioner (GP) or Specialist Doctor will make a referral to see one of our Medical Oncologists. Your Doctor may give you the referral to make your own appointment, or more commonly, they will send a referral to our practice directly.
Once your referral is received, our administration team will contact you to make an appointment for you to see one of our Medical Oncologists. If you are being referred to Dr Andrew Dean, you may also be allocated an initial appointment with John McKenna, our Medical Oncology Nurse Practitioner who will part of your team providing holistic cancer care.
After your appointment is confirmed, our administration will send you some information about our practice, information about our fees and the locations of our practice.
If you are unable to attend your appointment, please contact our administration team with 24 hours notice. We are a busy practice and always endeavour to fill our clinic days. There may be a charge for missed appointments with no notification.
FIRST APPOINTMENT
The purpose of the first appointment allows our team to introduce themselves, review your referral and investigations, and take a full medical and psychosocial history before making a treatment plan with you. We encourage you to attend your first appointment with a support person, whether this is a family member or friend.
Please bring the following to your first appointment:
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A valid Medicare card.
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A valid Health Insurance card or DVA card if applicable.
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A valid referral letter from your GP or referring specialist.
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A full list of medications that you currently take.
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Any results or correspondence you may have that may be relevant to your consultation e.g. specialist reports, x-ray/scan results, pathology results, blood test results, details of any family history of cancer, etc.
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A payment method to settle your account; cash, cheque, EFTPOS or credit card (Mastercard or Visa card) are accepted.
COMMON PATHWAYS
There are several outcomes following your initial appointment, this may include a:
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Recommendation of anti-cancer therapy such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, clinical trials and/or palliative care.
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Recommendation for a clinical trial.
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Referral for further investigation such as radiology, surgery, a biopsy or a blood test.
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Recommendation of surveillance and follow-up within a specific timeframe.
If you need further information on any of these topics, please refer to our resources page.
CONSULTATION FEES
Depending on the consultant you are under, our fees differ slightly. Payment should be made with our reception team following your consultation. Please check your Medicare Safety Net threshold for out-of-pocket costs in a calendar year, a significant proportion of further out-of-pocket fees are rebated by Medicare. Also, note that for billing purposes Medicare requires that you have a valid referral. Referrals are valid for 12 months from your General Practitioner and 3 months from your Specialist. In the absence of a valid referral, you will not be able to receive the appropriate Medicare rebate.
Relevant fees and rebates to see a WAMO Oncologist are outlined in the tables below. Please note, these are not visible when viewing on a tablet or mobile. Please contact us or view this site on a desktop.
DR ANDREW DEAN
CONSULT TYPE
FEE
MEDICARE REBATE
OUT-OF-POCKET
ITEM NO.
Initial Consultation Complex
(max. once per year)
$420
$231.35
$188.65
132
Initial Consultation
$300
$123.30
$167.70
110
Subsequent Consultation Complex
(max. twice per year)
$250
$115.85
$134.15
133
Subsequent Consultation
$150
$66.25
$83.75
116
DR MARTIN BUCK
CONSULT TYPE
FEE
MEDICARE REBATE
OUT-OF-POCKET
ITEM NO.
Initial Consultation Complex
(max. once per year)
$320
$231.35
$88.65
132
Initial Consultation
$250
$123.30
$117.70
110
Subsequent Consultation Complex
(max. twice per year)
$215
$115.85
$99.15
133
Subsequent Consultation
$150
$66.25
$83.75
116
DR MIHITHA ARIYAPPERUMA
CONSULT TYPE
FEE
MEDICARE REBATE
OUT-OF-POCKET
ITEM NO.
Initial Consultation Complex
(max. once per year)
$320
$231.35
$88.65
132
Initial Consultation
$250
$123.30
$117.70
110
Subsequent Consultation Complex
(max. twice per year)
$215
$115.85
$99.15
133
Subsequent Consultation
$150
$66.25
$83.75
116
PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE
All patients with adequate private health insurance cover which is held for more than 12 months prior to treatment, and who receive inpatient care and treatment at St John of God Subiaco Hospital are covered without a gap for services provided by the Medical Oncologist. All medications that are listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) are also typically covered with minimal (basic PBS script) or no charge.
OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES
Patients will be responsible for payment of out-of-pocket expenses. These expenses include:
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Outpatient consultation fees as above (these are not covered by private health insurance).
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Relevant insurance excesses.
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Radiology and pathology services.
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Medications that are not covered on the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS).
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Non-PBS prescribed medications.
MEDICARE
We encourage you to keep receipts and track of all of your medical expenses. It is worthwhile registering for Medicare Safety Net, a scheme offered by the Federal Government to assist individuals and families with excess medical expenses. Once you reach a particular Safety Net threshold of out-of-pocket costs in a calendar year, a significant proportion of further out-of-pocket fees are rebated by Medicare. To find out more about Medicare Safety Net, visit the Human Services Website and search “safety net” or visit your nearest Medicare branch. Safety Net thresholds change each year and are updated on the Human Services website.
