Understanding your referral and treatment pathways

Explore orthopaedics > Understanding your referral and treatment pathways

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Referral pathway

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The unrecognizable senior adult woman, sitting on the examination table, shows the unrecognizable female doctor the exact place where her knee hurts.

Treatment pathway: from referral to recovery

Slide through to understand your treatment journey from booking your GP in for an initial appointment, all the way through to rehabilitation and ongoing management.

  • 1. Visit your GP for advice

    They may:

    • send you to get an x-ray
    • discuss possible treatment options
    • give you a referral to see an orthopaedic specialist
  • 2. Book an appointment with your specialist

    If your GP determines that you should consult with a specialist, they will provide you with a referral.

    Once you have a referral, you can book an appointment with the specialist via their reception or booking system.

  • 3. Attend your specialist appointment

    Be prepared for your appointment.

    Bring your referral letter, any imaging reports or x-rays that you’ve already completed and a list of any current medications or health conditions.

  • 4. Receive an assessment and treatment plan

    Your specialist will review your condition and any notes from your GP.

    They may recommend additional tests or develop a treatment plan with you.

  • 5. Surgical and 
non-surgical treatments

    Your specialist may recommend a treatment plan that includes:

    • surgery
    • non-surgical interventions
    • ongoing monitoring and management
    • rehabilitation
  • 6. Continue your recovery
    After treatment, rehabilitation may be recommended to support your recovery.
    A personalised program can help improve mobility, build strength and assist your return to everyday activities.

Rehabilitation and recovery

Rehabilitation is an important part of many treatment plans.

Depending on your condition, recovery may involve physiotherapy, strengthening programs, mobility training and support from allied health professionals to help you return to everyday activities as safely as possible.

Explore our Rehabilitation facility

Orthopaedic FAQs

Receiving a referral to an orthopaedic specialist may raise questions for you. Find answers to some commonly asked questions here.

Find answers here

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