Knee surgery in Melbourne for patients from regional Victoria
Dr Vishal Pai (MBChB, FRACS, FAOrthA) is a Melbourne orthopaedic surgeon whose practice is focused on the knee. He sees patients who travel from Shepparton, Traralgon, Wangaratta, Ballarat and other parts of regional Victoria to his consulting rooms at Sandringham Orthopaedic Specialists, in Melbourne’s south-east.
Where you will be seen
Your first consultation takes place at Sandringham Orthopaedic Specialists. If surgery is recommended, Dr Pai operates at two private hospitals in Melbourne’s south-east and inner south.
Where surgery takes place
- Calvary Holmesglen Private Hospital (formerly Holmesglen Private Hospital), 490 South Road, Moorabbin
Approximately 15 minutes by car from the Sandringham rooms - The Avenue Hospital, 40 The Avenue, Windsor
Approximately 25 minutes by car from the Sandringham rooms
Consulting rooms
Sandringham Orthopaedic Specialists
Suite 1, 60 Bay Road
Sandringham VIC 3191
(03) 8657 0595
Travelling to Melbourne
Travelling for knee care takes some planning. Many people drive down the day before an appointment or operation, or stay with family or friends in Melbourne. Accommodation is available in the suburbs around both hospitals, and the reception team can suggest appointment times that suit a long journey.
If you are coming by train, V/Line services from regional Victoria arrive at Southern Cross Station, and Gippsland trains also stop at Caulfield and Richmond. From Flinders Street or Richmond, Sandringham line trains run to Sandringham Station, a short walk from the rooms.
Dr Pai welcomes patients from across regional Victoria, including:
- Gippsland: Traralgon, Morwell, Moe, Warragul, Sale, Bairnsdale, Leongatha and Wonthaggi
- Goulburn Valley and North East: Shepparton, Seymour, Benalla, Wangaratta and Wodonga
- Central Highlands and Western Victoria: Ballarat and Horsham
- Loddon and Northern Victoria: Bendigo, Echuca, Swan Hill and Mildura
- Barwon and South West: Geelong, Colac, Warrnambool and Hamilton
Rehabilitation close to home
Most of the work of recovering from knee surgery is done with a physiotherapist in the weeks and months after your operation. For most patients, this can be done with a physiotherapist in their own town, so there is no need to travel to Melbourne for regular sessions. Dr Pai sends your physiotherapist the details of your operation and your rehabilitation plan.
If you have a knee replacement and need inpatient rehabilitation afterwards, this can be arranged in Melbourne at Calvary Holmesglen Private Hospital, Epworth Brighton or Masada Private Hospital. Dr Pai will discuss the options with you before surgery.
- Physiotherapy in your own town, with a physiotherapist you choose.
- Follow-up appointments by telehealth where appropriate, so that you do not need to travel to Melbourne for every review.
- Dr Pai keeps your general practitioner and physiotherapist informed, so that everyone involved in your care is working to the same plan.
About Dr Vishal Pai
Dr Pai completed his orthopaedic training through the Australian Orthopaedic Association program in Melbourne before undertaking further training in knee surgery overseas. At Southmead Hospital in Bristol, he focused on patellofemoral stabilisation and on partial and revision knee replacement. At the Fortius Clinic in London, his work centred on primary and revision ACL reconstruction, multi-ligament knee reconstruction and complex meniscal repair. In 2015 he also completed a six-month international fellowship in paediatric orthopaedics at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Portland, USA.
In addition to his private practice, Dr Pai is Director of Training for Orthopaedic Surgery at Sandringham Hospital, Bayside Health, where he supervises orthopaedic surgeons in training. He is also involved in clinical research.
- Qualifications
MBChB (Otago), FRACS, FAOrthA - Knee fellowships
Southmead Hospital, Bristol; Fortius Clinic, London - Paediatric fellowship
Shriners Hospitals for Children, Portland, USA - Teaching
Director of Training for Orthopaedic Surgery, Sandringham Hospital, Bayside Health - Professional memberships
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons; Australian Orthopaedic Association
Knee conditions Dr Pai treats
Dr Pai treats knee problems in children and adults, from sporting injuries to arthritis. Not every knee problem requires an operation. Your first consultation focuses on reaching a clear diagnosis and discussing the options that suit you, including non-surgical treatment.
Sports injuries and knee preservation
Ligament injuries, meniscal tears, cartilage damage and kneecap instability are common among people who lead an active life, whether playing footy, netball or soccer, or working on the land. Treatment is planned around your injury, your season and the activities you would like to return to.
Knee arthritis and replacement
An assessment for knee arthritis considers how your knee affects walking, sleep, work and daily life, and what treatment you have already tried. Options range from non-operative care to partial, total and robotic-assisted knee replacement, as well as revision surgery when a previous replacement has not been successful.
Making the most of each trip
A new patient appointment takes approximately 30 minutes. Your first appointment needs to be in person so that Dr Pai can examine your knee, review your scans and explain your options. After that, follow-up appointments can usually be arranged by telehealth in appropriate circumstances, so that you do not need to travel to Melbourne for every review.
If you decide to have surgery, ask the rooms whether your pre-operative appointments can be arranged on the same day, to reduce the number of trips.
Consultation fees and Medicare rebates are listed on the Appointments and Fees page. If surgery is recommended, you will receive a written quote before anything is booked.
Before you visit
- Ask your general practitioner for a referral to Dr Vishal Pai. A current referral is required to claim the Medicare rebate.
- Ask your general practitioner whether recent X-rays or other scans can be arranged near home before your appointment, and bring the images and reports with you.
- Complete the New Patient Registration Form before your appointment.
- Bring a list of your medications and any reports from previous knee operations.
- Wear shorts or loose trousers so that your knee can be examined comfortably.
Questions from regional patients
Does Dr Pai consult outside Melbourne?
No. Dr Pai consults at Sandringham Orthopaedic Specialists, Suite 1, 60 Bay Road, Sandringham. Surgery is performed at Calvary Holmesglen Private Hospital in Moorabbin or The Avenue Hospital in Windsor.
Will I need to travel to Melbourne for every appointment?
No. Your first appointment needs to be in person so that Dr Pai can examine your knee. Follow-up appointments can usually be arranged by telehealth in appropriate circumstances, and most of your rehabilitation can be done with a physiotherapist close to home.
Can I get help with travel and accommodation costs?
You may. The Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS) subsidises travel and accommodation costs for eligible rural and regional Victorians who travel to see a specialist. It is not intended to cover all costs. In general, you need to travel at least 100 kilometres one way, or 500 kilometres within 7 days, to the closest eligible specialist service, so you may not be eligible if you choose to travel past a closer specialist. Claims must be lodged within 12 months of the appointment or treatment, and the specialist completes a confirmation form as part of the application. Check the current rules on the Better Health Channel or the Department of Health website before you travel.
Is it worth travelling to Melbourne for knee surgery?
It depends on your situation. Care close to home is often simpler, with shorter trips and help nearby if a problem arises after surgery. Some people choose to travel for a second opinion, for a particular procedure, or because they have family in Melbourne who can help during their recovery. Your general practitioner can help you weigh up the options.
How do I get home after surgery?
Plan this before your operation. You will not be able to drive yourself home, so arrange for someone to collect you. On a long trip, stop regularly to stand and move, and follow the advice you are given about preventing blood clots. Dr Pai will tell you when it may be safe to drive again, which depends on the operation and which knee it is.
Do I need a referral?
Yes. A current referral from your general practitioner or another specialist is required to claim the Medicare rebate. Your doctor can address the referral to Dr Vishal Pai at Sandringham Orthopaedic Specialists.
Will I need surgery?
Not necessarily. Many knee problems, including some ACL and meniscal injuries, can be managed without an operation. Dr Pai will explain both the surgical and non-surgical options so that you can make an informed decision.
Does Dr Pai see WorkSafe or TAC patients?
Dr Pai does not currently provide private consultations for WorkSafe or TAC claims. If you have a claim, please ask your general practitioner for a referral to a surgeon who participates in those schemes.
How do I make an appointment?
Please call the rooms on (03) 8657 0595 or send an enquiry, and the team will arrange a time that suits you.
Arrange a knee consultation
The team would be pleased to help you arrange an appointment. Call (03) 8657 0595 or send an enquiry, and please have your referral and any scans ready.