Get in Touch
Whether you’re seeing Dr Darren Paterson for the first time or returning for a review, your appointment is an important step in assessing your condition, discussing treatment options, and planning your care. Dr Paterson consults patients across the North Shore, Northern Beaches, Tamworth, and Central Coast NSW, providing thorough, personalised assessments for hip and knee conditions.
Booking your appointment
You can request an appointment by sending an email using the ‘Appointment Booking’ button on the link below or, by calling Heather in the rooms on (02) 8599 9707. To claim a Medicare rebate for your consultation, you will need a current referral from your GP or another specialist:
- GP referrals are valid for 12 months from the date of your first appointment
- Specialist referrals are valid for 3 months from the date of your first appointment
A referral not only ensures Medicare rebate eligibility but also provides Dr Paterson with important background information about your condition. While physiotherapy referrals do not qualify for a Medicare rebate, they can still offer valuable clinical details. If you have a physiotherapy referral, please also send this through at the time of booking so it can be reviewed before your consultation.
What to bring
To help Dr Paterson assess your condition thoroughly, please bring with you to your appointment:
- Your GP or specialist referral
- Any relevant X-ray films (that are no more than 6 months old) plus any CT scans and/or MRI images & reports
- A list of your current medications and medical conditions
- Your Medicare card and private health insurance details (if applicable)
- Any previous surgical reports or hospital discharge summaries related to your hip, knee or affected area
- A list of questions to ask during your consultation
- The completed New Patient Questionnaire, emailed to the rooms before your consultation (if possible)
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the affected area for examination
During your consultation
Your appointment will include:
- A detailed discussion of your symptoms and medical history
- Physical examination of your joint or the affected area
- Review of any imaging or test results
- Explanation of your diagnosis in clear, easy-to-understand language
- Discussion of treatment options, including non-surgical and surgical pathways
- Opportunity for you to ask questions and clarify any concerns
Dr Paterson will take the time to ensure you understand your condition and the available options before making any decisions about your care.
After your appointment
Following your consultation, you may:
- Begin non-surgical treatment, such as physiotherapy or medication
- Be referred for additional imaging or diagnostic tests
- Receive pre-operative information if surgery is planned
- Have a follow-up appointment scheduled to review your progress or results
Telehealth and Rural patients
Dr Paterson offers telehealth consultations for suitable cases, particularly for patients in rural or remote areas. This can help reduce travel while still providing specialist assessment and advice.
Consultation fees and payment
| Initial Patient Consultation | $360 (including Telehealth) |
| Subsequent Patient Consultations | $170 |
| Hyaluronic Acid Injection | $785.60 per injection. The injection is not claimable from Medicare however, your consultation fee is. |
Payment information
Payment is required on the day of your consultation and can be made by EFTPOS, Visa, MasterCard, or cash. For patients seeing Dr Paterson in Tamworth and on the Central Coast, appointments must be paid in advance.
WorkCover, TAC, DVA and third-party insurers
If your consultation is covered by WorkCover, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), or another third-party insurer, please ensure all claim details are provided before your appointment. WorkCover approvals are usually emailed directly to the practice by the insurer prior to your consultation, and invoicing is arranged directly with the insurance company. DVA consultations are generally billed directly through DVA. For other third-party insurers, standard consultation fees may apply, with reimbursement arranged directly between you and the insurer.
If you need to reschedule
If you are unable to attend your appointment, please contact our rooms as soon as possible so we can offer the time to another patient. We appreciate at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling.