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Frequently Asked Questions

Committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to help you regain mobility, alleviate pain, and achieve optimal function.

Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, designed to provide you with quick and informative answers to some of the most common inquiries we receive.

We understand that when seeking our services or exploring our website, you may have questions about our practice, procedures, and policies. This FAQ section is here to streamline your experience and ensure you have access to the information you need promptly.

  • Does Dr Michalka participate in any ‘no gap’ schemes?

    Dr Michalka is a “Known Gap” provider of up to $500 for all health funds except HBF. This means that the maximum out of pocket (gap) fee for Dr Michalka will be $500.  Dr Michalka remains a “No Gap” provider for HBF.

  • What if I need to reschedule my surgery?

    Please notify our office immediately if you need to reschedule your surgery. Dr Michalka has set aside dedicated time in his schedule for your surgery, and should you need to reschedule please allow him to possibly serve another patient who is in need of his surgical expertise.

  • Will physical therapy be required after surgery?

    A surgeon is only one person in your team! In nearly all cases, hand therapy or physiotherapy will be of great benefit to you during your recovery, and sometimes pre-operatively. Dr Michalka is committed to working in conjunction with an excellent team of therapists to help give you the best outcome possible.

  • When can I go back to work?

    The length of time needed will depend on the type of surgery you have had and the nature of your work. In some cases you will be able to return to work as early as a week after surgery. Others will require a longer time to recover before you resume normal work duties.

    Dr Michalka is committed to providing individual care and advice about return to work time frames and is happy to discuss this with you at your appointment.

  • What should I bring to my first appointment?

    • A list of questions.
    • A valid referral letter (A GP referral is valid for 12 months, a specialist referral is valid for 3 months).
    • List of allergies and medications you are taking.
    • Workers compensation details.
    • Any reports or scans (MRI, CT etc) you have relating to your condition.