General Questions about Evolve Women’s Health Toowoomba
Many new patients to our women’s health clinic ask us general questions about attending their appointment with Dr Chettle or Dr Stinson. These are the answers to common questions about being a patient at Evolve Women’s Health.
Do I need a referral to see a doctor at Evolve Women’s Health?
Yes. As both Doctors are specialist Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, you will need to get a referral from your GP before you make an appointment. You need a referral if you would like to receive a Medicare rebate.
How much does it cost to see a specialist at your clinic?
Because our medical specialists offer private consultations in their rooms, patients are charged a fee.
This fee is a standard rate set and covers those costs of running a private healthcare practice.
All Australian patients are entitled to claim a gap fee or out-of-pocket cost for their consultations with Medicare.
The costs of consultation vary. Please ask our friendly staff about the costs involved in your consultation at the time of booking.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring your referral with you if your doctor has not already forwarded it to our clinic.
It is also important to have as much information as possible to help your medical specialist become informed about your condition, so please bring any pathology or diagnostic imaging results such as blood tests and ultrasounds and scans that may be relevant.
Also, bring with you any relevant past medical and surgical information (including previous pregnancy outcomes).
What is an obstetrician?
An obstetrician is a medical specialist who provides care to an expectant mother during her pregnancy (known as antenatal care), and then labour and delivery.
Their role is to minimise and manage risks during an expectant mother’s pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby.
What is a gynaecologist?
Gynaecologists are doctors that specialise in women’s health and have a detailed understanding of the female reproductive system.
Gynaecologists treat problems that a woman may have with her body, for example with her vagina, cervix, ovaries, tubes or uterus.
Can I visit Evolve Women’s Health if I am planning to get pregnant?
Yes! Women planning on having a baby should take care of their health to increase
chances of conceiving a baby.
At Evolve Women’s Health Toowoomba our specialist Obstetricians can assist you to have a safer pregnancy and healthy baby. This includes managing any potential health risks, genetic problems or medical conditions. In fact, if you have any chronic medical conditions yourself, it is advised you seek the advice of an Obstetrician at least 6 months prior to conception to optimise your own health and to minimise the risks of and to your pregnancy.
When should I first see an obstetrician once I know I am pregnant?
We recommend arranging a dating ultrasound scan at around 7 weeks. Your GP can organise this for you.
Then book your first appointment at Evolve Women’s Health Toowoomba when you are about 8-10 week’s pregnant.
Your initial consultation with one of our obstetricians usually lasts about 45 minutes and gives you and your chosen Doctor a chance to get to know each other.
This is the time to discuss your expectations during your pregnancy and childbirth. We suggest bringing a list of any questions, concerns or special requests.
During this visit, the Doctor will discuss your medical and pregnancy history and complete a physical examination, which might include taking your blood pressure and examining your lungs, thyroid, heart, and abdomen. If you have not had a recent pap-smear or breast examination then this may form part of the examination.
An ultrasound will be performed on your growing baby.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy Care
Evolve Women’s Health Toowoomba is not just about mums and babies. Our women’s health clinic also provides specialist care to women who are experiencing issues with their reproductive health and wellbeing. Both our Specialists are fully qualified Gynaecologists, who can offer treatment, advice, and support for all female health concerns.
These are the frequently asked questions our women’s health clinic receives about our gynaecology services.
Can I visit Evolve Women’s Health if I am planning to get pregnant?
Yes! Women planning on having a baby should take care of their health to increase the chances of conceiving a baby.
At Evolve Women’s Health Toowoomba our specialist Obstetrician can assist you to have a safer pregnancy and healthy baby. This includes managing any potential health risks, genetic problems or medical conditions. In fact, if you have any chronic medical conditions yourself, it is advised you seek the advice of an Obstetrician at least 6 months prior to conception to optimise your own health and to minimise the risks of and to your pregnancy.
When should I first see an obstetrician once I know I am pregnant?
We recommend arranging a dating ultrasound scan at around 7 weeks. Your GP can organise this for you.
Then book your first appointment at Evolve Women’s Health Toowoomba when you are about 8-10 week’s pregnant.
Your initial consultation with our obstetrician usually lasts about 45 minutes and gives you and Dr Chettle a chance to get to know each other.
This is the time to discuss your expectations during your pregnancy and childbirth. We suggest bringing a list of any questions, concerns or special requests.
During this visit, Dr. Chettle will discuss your medical and pregnancy history and complete a physical examination, which might include taking your blood pressure and examining your lungs, thyroid, heart, and abdomen. If you have not had a recent pap-smear or breast examination then this may form part of the examination.
An ultrasound will be performed on your growing baby.
How often will I see my obstetrician during my pregnancy?
Those who have a healthy pregnancy can expect to see our specialist Obstetrician the following times during their pregnancy:
- An initial visit at 8 – 10 weeks
- Every 4 weeks after the initial visit until the 28th week of pregnancy
- From the 28th week of pregnancy, every 2 weeks until the 36th week of pregnancy
- From 36 weeks until delivery of the baby
- Following childbirth, a post-natal visit at 6-8 weeks
High-risk pregnancies will have an individually tailored antenatal schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions About Women’s Health
Evolve Women’s Health Toowoomba is not just about mums and babies. Our women’s health clinic also provides specialist care to women who are experiencing issues with their reproductive health and wellbeing. Dr Chettle is a fully qualified, specialist Gynaecologist who can offer treatment, advice, and support for all female health concerns.
These are the frequently asked questions our women’s health clinic receives about our gynaecology services.
Does Evolve Women’s Health claim the Medicare rebate for me?
Yes, our software processes your Medicare rebate for you. Generally, you should have the rebate in your account within 48 hours providing you have your bank details registered with Medicare. If you do not, they will send you a cheque in the mail.
I’ve had an abnormal cervical screening test, what now?
When you’ve had an abnormal result for a cervical screening test, or you have symptoms (eg. Bleeding after intercourse), your GP will refer you to see a gynaecologist for further investigation. The Gynaecologist will likely perform a colposcopy. A colposcopy is a close examination of the cervix and vagina. It uses a device called a colposcope. The doctor checks the cervix for any unusual changes to the cells after application of a special solution. A colposcopy allows the doctor to have a closer look at the cervix to see if treatment is required. If abnormal cells are visible, the doctor may perform a biopsy (a sample of abnormal cell tissue from the surface of the cervix).
Are there additional charges for a colposcopy or a biopsy?
Yes. As they are individual procedures, they do each attract a fee. If you visit your gynaecologist and require a colposcopy or a biopsy or both, you can expect to be billed for the procedure/s in addition to the consultation fee. Both procedures attract a Medicare rebate.
I have just got my HPV test result back and it is abnormal – what now? How long will I have to wait
Your GP will be able to explain the HPV test result to you and advise you of the next step. This may be referral to a gynaecologist for a specialised examination called a colposcopy. Evolve Women’s Health has the latest high definition digital colposcopy for these assessments. Your GP will refer you to Evolve Women’s Health and you will receive a prompt appointment – we understand that abnormal “pap” results can be extremely stressful.
I am only a teenager, but my periods are horrendous. Am I too young to see a gynaecologist?
No! There is no need to put up with heavy or painful periods at any age. It is important your specialist rule out an underlying medical cause for your issues. Once that is done, a gynaecologist can help you find an appropriate management plan for your heavy and/or painful periods.
I am in my 40’s and my periods are getting really heavy – should I just wait for menopause?
No, you should not. It is vitally important that any abnormal bleeding is investigated to rule out a more sinister cause – especially in the peri- and post-menopausal years. There are many treatment options including non-hormonal, hormonal and surgical. We will be happy to take the time to explore all of these options with you.
How long do I have to wait for surgery in private vs public care?
Public hospitals categorise all surgeries as either 1, 2 or 3. Each category has strict criteria to meet and the timeframe for your operation will depend on your categorisation (In Queensland Cat 1 is supposed to be within 1 month, Cat 2 is within 3 months, and up to 12 months for Cat 3). Most surgeries are Cat 2 and 3 in the public sector. In private gynaecology, we are able to offer and coordinate surgeries much sooner – in some cases within the week! Private gynaecologists have the flexibility to offer surgeries not only urgently, but also at a time that is most convenient to the patient.
