Before Surgery
On the path to restoring your quality of life
Preparing for your operation
Having surgery is a big step, and it’s normal to feel a mix of relief, nerves, and questions. This page is designed to guide you through the important things to complete before your operation so that you feel confident and prepared. Careful preparation also helps reduce the risk of complications and supports a smooth recovery.
Forms and Paperwork
Hospital Admission Forms
Once your surgery is booked, you will need to complete hospital admission paperwork. This ensures the hospital has all the information they need about your health, medications, and insurance details. These forms can usually be completed online or on paper. Our rooms will provide you with the necessary links or documents.
Consent Forms
You will need to sign a surgical consent form after discussing the procedure with Dr Robinson. This confirms that you understand the planned operation, the risks and benefits, and any alternative options. There is always time to ask questions — your consent is only signed once you feel fully informed and comfortable.
Health Insurance Information
If you are privately insured, ensure you've provided us with your health fund details so that the hospital can confirm your level of cover. If you are self-funding, our rooms will provide a written estimate of costs prior to your procedure.
Payments
Our rooms will provide you with a detailed financial consent form outlining Dr Robinson’s surgical fee. For most procedures, Dr Robinson is a "known-gap" provider, meaning that there will be a $500 out of pocket expense, the difference between the fee we charge and the rebate provided by your health insurer. This is required to be paid at least 1 week in advance of your proposed procedure date. If this has not been paid by this time, you will receive reminders, however your procedure will not proceed unless this fee is paid.
Dr Robinson undertakes your procedure as part of a team of medical professionals that you will meet during your admission. Other medical professionals that will contribute to your care include anaesthetists and surgical assistants that are present throughout your operation and enable Dr Robinson to perform your procedure safely. These individuals work closely with, but are not employed by Dr Robinson, and you may receive a fee from these individuals separate to Dr Robinson's surgical fee.
The hospital may also charge a fee separately, depending on your private health insurance cover or self-funding arrangement. The hospital will send you an invoice independently of Dr Robinson's invoice.
Dr Robinson undertakes your procedure as part of a team of medical professionals that you will meet during your admission. Other medical professionals that will contribute to your care include anaesthetists and surgical assistants that are present throughout your operation and enable Dr Robinson to perform your procedure safely. These individuals work closely with, but are not employed by Dr Robinson, and you may receive a fee from these individuals separate to Dr Robinson's surgical fee.
The hospital may also charge a fee separately, depending on your private health insurance cover or self-funding arrangement. The hospital will send you an invoice independently of Dr Robinson's invoice.
Optimising Your Health Before Your Surgery
Other Information
Taking steps to improve your health in the weeks leading up to your operation reduces your risk of infection and other complications. Even small improvements can make a big difference to your recovery.
1. Stop smokingSmoking increases the risk of wound problems, infection, and slower healing.
If you smoke, try to stop at least 4 weeks before surgery. We can direct you to resources and support.
2. Manage medical conditions Make sure conditions such as diabetes, blood pressure, and heart problems are well controlled.
See your GP for review if needed before your operation. For people with particular conditions, Dr Robinson may refer you to a peri-operative physician to manage your conditions around the time of surgery.
3. Skin and Dental Care Check your skin for cuts, scratches, or rashes — especially around the area of surgery.
Have any necessary dental treatment completed at least 3 months before joint replacement surgery, as infections can spread from teeth.
4. Nutrition and Weight
Eat a balanced diet with enough protein to promote healing.
If you are overweight, even a small amount of weight loss can reduce the risk of complications and improve your recovery
5. Exercise and Prehabilitation
Strengthening the muscles around your hip or knee before surgery can help with recovery.
Physiotherapy or “prehab” exercises may be recommended.
6. Alcohol
Limit alcohol intake in the weeks before surgery, as excessive drinking increases risks with anaesthetic and wound healing.
7. Medications Dr Robinson, your anaesthetist or a peri-operative physician will advise which medications to stop or adjust before surgery (for example, blood thinners, immunosuppressants or certain supplements).
Bring an up-to-date list of all your medications to hospital, but leave all of your medications at home.
1. Stop smoking
2. Manage medical conditions
3. Skin and Dental Care
7. Medications
The Week Before Surgery
The Day of Surgery
Questions and Support
Our team is here to guide you every step of the way. If you have any questions about your admission, forms, payments, or preparation, please contact our rooms — no question is too small.