• A Doctor refers you: a GP or a specialist
• A casualty Doctor requests the Orthopaedic Surgeon on Call
• A medical professional such as a physio, biokineticist or other refers you

Can you arrive without a referral?
Of course, for any orthopaedic related problem. Ensure your medical aid does not require a referral first

• An Xray not older than 6 months (for the related problem)
• A CT scan or MRI may be requested (this will be dependent on the orthopaedic problem but will be discussed with you)

• Patient examination
• Review of Xray, MRI or CT Scan
  *Sometimes the diagnostic scans are only requested at the first consult
• Consult is paid in rooms, you claim from your medical aid
  *We offer pensioner discount

• MRI follow-up consultation
  *If required
• MRI Discussion
  *No charge if it is a follow-up

• Establish if conservative management or an operation is warranted
• Conservative management: A follow up date will be discussed and booked
• Operation: Surgery date will be discussed and booked
• If diagnosis is not within Dr Hardcastle’s area of expertise, he will refer you to the related specialist

• Procedure is discussed
• Operation information is shared
• Consent is signed
  *Dr Hardcastle and the Anaesthetist consent

• Referral to physio, Sister Uys, pathology (swabs) as well as Anaesthetist for pre-op checks
  *Procedure dependant|
  
• COVID protocol: Test 3 days prior to procedure
  *Unless you tested positive in the last 3 months
  
• Pre-admission to hospital: Documentation to be completed with the hospital team
  *No food or drink may be consumed for 8 hrs prior to procedure

• Estimation and quotation sent by Letitia from our team and signed
  *This is only Dr Hardcastle’s fees. Additional fees are charged for prosthesis (if any), Anaesthetist, In Hospital physio,Hospital fees
  
• Authorisation from the medical aid for the procedure is required
  *Melissa from our team helps with this
  
• Authorisation number and information regarding medical aid tariffs as well as what the medical aid covers is communicated to you

• Admission to hospital
• Dr Hardcastle will contact the next of kin to discuss how the procedure went
• Follow up dates and times to be organised before discharge

• Medical bill from all service providers, including Dr Hardcastle is submitted to medical aid
• Follow-ups occurs procedure dependant
  *All are no-charge up to 4 months post-procedure
• Reminder SMS’ will be sent for your appointment
• Normally check-ups are at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months post surgery