Frequently Asked Questions

What fees and charges apply, and how are they billed?

Consultation fees

Dr Nigel Hartnett’s consultation fees are listed below.

Note: All consultation fees are payable on the day.

  • Initial Consultation – Fee $220.00, Medicare Rebate $78.05, Out-of-pocket $141.95.
  • Initial Consultation (Aged Pensioner or under-16-year-old Discount) – Fee $150.00, Medicare Rebate $78.05, Out-of-pocket $71.95.
  • Follow-up consultation – Fee $110.00, Medicare Rebate $39.25, Out-of-pocket $70.75.

Surgical procedure fees

Our fees have been developed in accordance with the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and the Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) as set out by the Australian Health Service Alliance (AHSA) and Medicare.

Surgical procedure fees should be discussed with one of our administration staff, who will provide an estimate for you so that you can assess what costs will be incurred.

Whilst we endeavour to provide the most accurate estimate possible before surgery, it is possible that the doctor may need to perform additional or different surgery (with different MBS item numbers and costs), therefore the cost to you may change.

If you undergo surgery, there will be no out-of-pocket fees charged for the first 6 weeks following surgery.

Note: All payments are required at least 7 days prior to your procedure.

View Fees and Payment.

What days does Nigel consult?

Mr Nigel Hartnett consults at his main rooms at 34 Bell Street, Heidelberg every Monday, every second Wednesday afternoon, and three Thursday mornings a month.

Nigel consults at Macedon Health, 1 Thursday morning a month.

Nigel consults at Blackburn Specialist Suites or Bounce Physiotherapy, Blackburn, every Thursday afternoon.

Nigel has a specialist knee physiotherapist Rhiarna Hill who consults with him in the main rooms at Heidelberg every Monday and one Wednesday afternoon a month. Some of your appointments may be with Rhi – these appointments are bulk billed.

Please call Nigel's rooms on 03 9471 1268 for all general or appointment enquiries.

Where are the Specialist Suites located?

34 Bell Street, Heidelberg Heights

Nigel Hartnett Knee Surgeon is located at the top end of Bell Street along a one-way strip heading east towards Burgundy Street. When entering the building you will be met by one of the team – Joyce, Kerry, Libby, Claire, or Trish.

Parking

Parking is available on Bell Street. There is ample parking on the road in front of the rooms with a mix of one and two hours available. 

Transport Options

Bus: You can travel via public transport catching the 903 or 513 bus. The stop is 75 metres from the rooms travelling east. If you are travelling west on the 903 or 513 bus the stop is 225 metres away and there is a steep uphill walk. For bus timetables visit www.ptv.vic.gov.au/timetables.

Train: Heidelberg train station which is part of the Hurstbridge line is 568 metres away. It is a steep uphill walk. You could take the 903 or the 513 bus west which will get you to 225 metres away from the rooms with a steep uphill walk. For train information visit www.metrotrains.com.au or www.ptv.vic.gov.au.

Blackburn Specialist Suites and Bounce Physiotherapy

Blackburn Specialist Suites and Bounce Physiotherapy, Blackburn are located at 195 Whitehorse Road, Blackburn, VIC 3130.

Parking

Free parking is available via the entrance on Maple Street.

Transport Options

Public transport can be either via bus 901, or 286. The Blackburn train station is approximately a 1 km walk.

Macedon Health

Macedon Health is located at 5 Neal Street, Gisborne, VIC 3437.

View our locations

How do I make a booking?

To make an appointment, or for any other enquiries please call Nigel's rooms on 03 9471 1268 and speak with either Joyce, Kerry, Libby, Claire, or Trish. You can also send us an online enquiry.

Remember to bring your referral letter from your GP or existing specialist along with you to your appointment. Without a current referral letter, you will be unable to claim back your Medicare rebate from your appointment fee.

What should I bring to the clinic with me?

It is important that you bring your Medicare card, insurance number, referral letter, medication list, any x-rays, and any other imaging with you regarding your knee condition. Sometimes x-rays or other imaging are put onto a CD. If you are a WorkCover, or TAC patient please remember to provide your claim number.

Nigel also recommends bringing a support person so they can provide additional comments, ask questions, and will also provide you with support when deciding on treatment.

What should I do when I first arrive at the clinic?

Please present yourself to the front desk. Joyce, Kerry, Libby, Claire, or Trish will welcome you to clinic. If it is your first appointment you must fill out paperwork and may be asked to complete questionnaire(s).

At Blackburn Specialist Suites, Bounce Physiotherapy, or Macedon Health, please present to reception. If it is your first appointment you must fill out paperwork and may be asked to complete questionnaire(s).

Nigel does space his appointments to allow as much time with you as needed, and also to minimise how long you have to wait.

If you are a new patient, you can complete our online form to streamline the process.

View New Patient Registration form

What do I do if I need surgery?

Surgery is a big undertaking irrespective of what operation is performed. Nigel believes in providing you with as much information as possible. This will be done in terms of verbal consent, and an information pack being given to you. You will have opportunities to ask as many questions as you wish. No question is too small or unimportant. You must be happy, and you must be fully aware of the risks and the benefits of the surgery. Once this has been done, Nigel will ask you to sign a form giving your consent for the operation being performed.

Nigel operates at one of two private hospitals and will try to accommodate you at the hospital closest to where you live, however there will be occasions where due to a number of factors you may be better suited to another hospital.

Once you have signed the consent form, Nigel will let Kerry or Joyce run through the booking process and give you more forms which you can take away to fill out. Again if you have any questions at any stage please feel free to ask them.

After surgery can I drive myself home?

No. Irrespective of what kind of surgery you have had performed or how long you stay in hospital you will need someone to drive you home.

After surgery do I need someone to be at home with me?

Yes. If you have day-case surgery, you should have someone stay with or be with you overnight. If you have surgery that requires you spending time in hospital you will need support when you go home. It would be advisable to prepare and freeze some meals. Remove all loose carpets, and mats or tape them down along with cords, keep items you use commonly within easy reach. Your partner, family, friends, neighbours may need to help you out with shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry, and driving you to appointments. If you live alone and have minimal support, the physiotherapists will make sure you have all the necessary equipment to go home with. There are also excellent organisations in the community who may also be able to help you initially.