PATIENT INFORMATION

Your Appointment

  • Please bring the following to your appointment:

    • Referral letter from your GP

    • Medicare card

    • Private health insurance card

    • List of current medications

    • Any relevant scans or blood test results

    • A list of questions or concerns that you may have

    Medical appointments can be stressful and overwhelming. Dr Shiraev encourages you to bring a family member or friend along to the appointment to help remember everything that is discussed and to provide you with support.

  • Dr Shiraev will first want to hear about your concerns, and discuss in detail your medical history.

    He will then examine the area of concern, and may suggest further investigations such as ultrasounds or blood tests in order to determine the best treatment plan for you.

  • Dr Shiraev will always recommend non-operative management first, if appropriate. This usually involves medications or lifestyle changes.

    If this is not successful or a patients’ condition is more severe, only then will the possibility of an operation will be explored.

  • Dr Shiraev operates at several hospitals, including Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, the Mater Hospital, Strathfield Private Hospital, Tamworth Hospital, and Tamara Private Hospital.

    Some complex vascular surgical procedures need specialized equipment, which may not be available in certain hospitals.

    If you need an operation, this will be discussed with you.

DELAYS

Dr Shiraev typically runs on time for his appointments. Occasionally, patients with complex problems require a longer appointment time which may result in a delay to your appointment. For this we apologise as we know you have your own commitments.

CANCELLATIONS

If you are unable to keep your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible. Late cancellations or failing to attend may result in cancellation fees, as it prevents other patients from using that appointment time.

FEES & PAYMENTS

You will need to pay for your consultation at the time of your appointment. These fees are partly covered by Medicare, and may be partly covered by your health insurer.
If you do need a surgical procedure, there may be an out-of-pocket cost. If this is the case, a quote will be prepared for you so that you are aware of all out of pocket expenses.

Before Your Operation

  • If you are having a major operation you will need to be assessed by an anaesthetist before your procedure.

    This may occur at the hospital or over the phone several days before your admission, or whilst in hospital.

    This will involve a review of your medical history, your medications, and any previous anaesthetics you may have had.

    There may be a fee associated with your anaesthetic, if being performed in a private hospital. Your anaesthetist will discuss this with you.

  • Some medicines will need to be stopped temporarily before your operation.

    These often include:

    • Strong blood thinners, such as warfarin, dabigatran (Pradaxa), apixaban (Eliquis) or rivaroxaban (Xarelto)

    • Some diabetes medications such as insulin, metformin, empagliflozin and dapagliflozin

    Depending on the reason for the medication, you may need different medications while you have stopped your regular blood thinners. Dr Shiraev will prescribe these for you.

    Dr Shiraev and your anaesthetist will create a plan for you regarding your medications.

  • You will need to fast (not consume food) for six hours before your operation.

    You will be able to have clear fluids (eg. water) closer to your operation time.

    Whether performed under local or general anaesthetic, fasting will minimize your risk of breathing complications from the anaesthetic.

    Instructions about the exact timing of your fasting period will be given to you closer to your operation.

  • In your appointment, you and Dr Shiraev will decide which hospital you will have your operation at and when.   

    The day before the operation, the hospital will contact you to confirm the time of your admission to hospital.