This page will help you prepare for your consultation and understand any associated fees. If you have any questions, our team is always here to assist.
Before Your Appointment
New Patient Registration Form
Please complete the online New Patient Registration Form prior to your appointment to ensure your consultation runs smoothly.
What to Bring
To allow for a comprehensive assessment, please bring:
- A current GP or specialist referral (required for Medicare rebate eligibility)
- Medicare card
- Private health insurance details
- A list of current medications
- All relevant imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT or ultrasound)
Please advise our team where your imaging was performed or forward your imaging reports prior to your appointment so that online access can be arranged in advance. If you have hard-copy films or CDs available, please bring them with you.
If you experience any difficulty obtaining your images, please contact our rooms at least 48 hours before your appointment so we can assist.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time to complete any outstanding paperwork.
- New patient consultations: 30 minutes
- Follow-up appointments: 15 minutes
Please wear clothing that allows easy access to your knee for examination (e.g. shorts or loose-fitting trousers).
Dr Pai values punctuality and respects your time. If there are any unexpected delays, our team will keep you informed.
Your consultation will include a detailed discussion of your symptoms, examination of your knee, review of imaging and a clear explanation of your diagnosis and treatment options.
Consultation Fees
Medicare rebates apply where a valid GP referral is provided.
Initial consultation
$280
Medicare rebate*$88.40
Your cost after rebate$191.60
Follow-up consultation
$140
Medicare rebate*$44.45
Your cost after rebate$95.55
Payment is required on the day. Our team can process your Medicare rebate electronically for you. *Medicare rebates are subject to change.
Surgery Costs & Financial Information
If surgery is recommended, you will receive a detailed written quote prior to proceeding, ensuring full transparency and informed financial consent.
Fees may include:
- Surgeon’s fee: Surgical fees are structured in accordance with Australian Medical Association (AMA) guidelines and reflect the complexity of the procedure and the level of peri-operative care required.
- Anaesthetist and assistant fees: provided separately
- Hospital and theatre costs: typically covered by private health insurance, subject to policy and excess
- Incidental costs: such as pathology, radiology or pharmacy, where applicable
If you are considering a knee replacement, see total knee replacement surgery in Melbourne for what the operation, recovery and costs involve.
WorkSafe & TAC Patients
Dr Pai does not currently provide private consultations for WorkSafe or TAC claims. Patients requiring assessment under these schemes are advised to seek referral to a surgeon participating in these arrangements.
Public Patients
Dr Pai is strongly committed to public hospital care and operates at Sandringham Hospital.
If you do not hold private health insurance, your GP may refer you to the public outpatient clinic. Please note that waiting times apply and are managed by the hospital’s orthopaedic unit. Dr Pai does not control public waiting list allocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book an appointment?
Appointments can be made by contacting our rooms by phone or email. You can find our contact details here. Our team will guide you through the process.
Do I need a referral?
Yes. A current GP or specialist referral is required to claim a Medicare rebate.
Do you charge a gap fee for surgery?
Yes. A gap payment applies for most surgical procedures.
Medicare rebates have not kept pace with the rising costs of delivering specialist surgical care. Dr Pai’s fees are structured in accordance with AMA guidelines and reflect the complexity of the procedure.
If surgery is recommended, you will receive a detailed written quote outlining all fees. The surgical fee is payable one week prior to your procedure.
Will my health insurance cover surgery?
Most hospital and theatre fees are covered by private health insurance, depending on your level of cover. We recommend confirming this directly with your insurer.
Do you treat DVA patients?
Yes. Dr Pai welcomes eligible Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) patients.
- DVA Gold Card holders are covered for clinically necessary treatment.
- DVA White Card holders are covered for treatment relating specifically to their accepted service-related knee condition.
For White Card holders, it is important that the knee condition has been formally accepted by DVA prior to consultation or surgery. There is no out-of-pocket expense for eligible DVA patients.
Do I need imaging before my appointment?
Yes. Please bring all relevant scans to allow for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Depending on the nature of the referral, Dr Pai may organise for you to have some X-rays or other imaging prior to your appointment with him.