Hopefully, you will never require the services of an orthopaedic surgeon. However, life has a habit of throwing up challenges so here's an overview of the process:

1. You have an injury.

2. If it doesn't get better by itself - you see a General Practitioner (GP) either in a medical centre or, in case of severe injury or emergency, you may see an Emergency Doctor, in a hospital. GPs have numerous treatments at their disposal, including:

Splints

Casts

Medication (including pain killers or anti-inflamatories)

Steroid injections

X-rays or ultrasound

3.If none of this helps, you should return to your GP and check they have nothing more to offer you.

4.If your GP feels it should be useful, he or she may refer you to an Orthopaedic Surgeon. If you see a surgeon without a referral, you will not be able to claim any financial benefits from Medicare.

5.You need to make an appointment with the GP's chosen surgeon, and depending on their availability, it make take 1 day to 6 weeks to see them.

6.Take your Xrays and any other investigations with you to your appointment. If you have a current Workcover claim, you should also take your Claim number.

7.The orthopaedic surgeon will spend about 20 - 30 minutes with you, depending on your type of injury. They will ask you a number of questions, and will examine the relevant part of your body. They may request further imaging.

8.You may require surgery. This will be booked in advance and you will sign a consent form, showing you agree to have the procedure done.

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