WHO IS ON MY CHILD’S SURGERY TEAM?

On the day of your child’s surgery, you and your child will meet all who are involved in the surgery including the anaesthetist, and members of the nursing staff..

HOW WILL I FIND OUT DETAILS OF MY CHILD’S SURGERY TIME?

You will be contacted by phone no later than one day before your child’s surgery. If your surgery is scheduled for Monday, the latest you will be contacted is Friday

WILL MY CHILD NEED A BLOOD TEST BEFORE SURGERY?

Most children undergoing day surgery require no preoperative lab work preoperatively. If certain investigations are necessary in order to make the surgery as safe as possible, Dr Patel will advise you accordingly.

CAN I STAY WITH MY CHILD BEFORE SURGERY?

You may accompany your child to the operating theatre and remain with him/her until he/she is asleep. You are encouraged to remain with your child during the duration of his/her stay.

HOW WILL I KNOW HOW MY CHILD’S SURGERY WENT?

Dr Patel will contact you either by phone or in person to discuss the outcome of your child’s surgery. He and his team will also provide you with instructions to follow at home to assist with a full, uneventful recovery.

IF MY CHILD NEEDS TO STAY IN THE HOSPITAL, CAN I STAY WITH HIM/HER?

If your child is requires admission to the general paediatric ward, you are encouraged to remain with your child throughout their stay. For those parents whose children are admitted to the neonatal or intensive care units, parents are encouraged to spend as much time with their children as possible within hospital regulations.

HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN MY CHILD’S SURGERY IS COMPLETE?

A member of staff will notify you.

DOES DR PATEL SEE CHILDREN OF ALL AGES?

Dr Patel sees most children from birth up to the age of 16 years. Dr Patel also sees parents of unborn babies who have been diagnosed with a suspected congenital. If your unborn child has a suspected congenital problem that may require surgery you are welcome to contact the practice for a consultation.

DO I NEED A REFERRAL FROM ANOTHER DOCTOR TO SEE DR PATEL?

You do not require a referral from another doctor to see Dr Patel. Please be aware however that your medical scheme may not cover the consultation costs involved if you are not referred via the appropriate channels. As each scheme and plan is different it is your responsibility to ensure that you follow your scheme rules.

DO YOU BILL MY MEDICAL SCHEME DIRECTLY?

All consultations are billed to your medical aid. It is important to note that your medical scheme may not cover certain aspects of your child’s consultation or treatment.

The financial interactions of doctors, medical schemes and patients is often very complex and we endeavour to assist you in all financial matters to ensure that you are aware at all times of the cost implications of your child’s treatment. It is however very important that you are familiar with your specific medical scheme rates and rules as ultimately the responsibility for settlement of all accounts remains that of the guarantor/parent or main member of the scheme.

ARE YOU A DESIGNATED PROVIDER OR CONTRACTED WITH MY MEDICAL SCHEME?

Please contact the practice for an up to date list of the medical schemes that Dr Patel is contracted with.

WHAT DO I DO IN AN EMERGENCY?

For emergencies outside office hours, you can contact Dr Patel directly if you are an existing patient. For all new patients, it is recommended that you are seen in the casualty unit or by your regular doctor prior to referral to Dr Patel.

WHAT IF MY CHILD IS ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL?

Having your child admitted to hospital can be distressing for your child and yourself. For this reason, we try to make your child’s stay with us as pleasant, and efficient as possible. Please speak to Dr Patel about any concerns you may have.