FAQs

  • Why would I want to have my hip or knee replacement in Armidale, rather than Sydney/Brisbane/Newcastle?
    1. Expert care by Dr Ferguson, a fellowship-trained, high volume arthroplasty surgeon who practices evidence-based medicine with the aid of cutting-edge technology
    2. Local care and follow-up with a surgeon who lives in Armidale, especially important if there are any post-operative problems or concerns
    3. I do the whole operation myself, unlike some busy metropolitan surgeons who have fellows (trainee specialists) or assistants to do parts of the procedure

  • Do you do robotic surgery?

    Yes, Dr Ferguson is very proud that Armidale Private Hospital is the first hospital in regional NSW to have the Mako Robot, the most technologically advanced orthopaedic robot currently available in Australia


  • Do I need a doctor’s referral to see you in your rooms?
    1. Yes, ideally from your GP, which will then be valid for 12 months
    2. Referrals from other specialists are valid for 3 months
  • When do you consult in your rooms?

    Wednesday afternoons (public) and Thursdays (private)

  • Do I need private health insurance to see you in your rooms?
    1. No, you would only need private health insurance if you needed an operation in the private hospital
    2. If you needed an operation but did not have private health insurance, then either you could elect to be a self-funded patient in the private hospital, or Dr Ferguson could put you on the public hospital waiting list

  • Will my private health insurance cover the cost of my consultation with you?

    No, private health insurance does not cover out-patient services. You will need to pay the fee and you will get a partial rebate from Medicare.

  • What operations do you do?

    My sub-specialist interest is hip and knee replacement surgery, but I also do ACL reconstructions, patella stabilization surgery, knee arthroscopy, carpal tunnel decompressions, bunion and lesser toe surgery, Dupuytren’s surgery, trigger fingers, ganglion excisions.


  • If I needed surgery as a private patient, will there be a co-payment/gap?
    1. Yes, but this is usually no more than $500 and is payable when you see Dr Ferguson for your first post-op appointment
    2. With some health funds (NIB is a specific example) a larger co-payment is needed, with the full amount payable before the operation date, some of which you can claim back from Medicare/health fund

  • How long is the wait for surgery, if I needed it?
    1. As a private patient, your operation would normally be within 4-6 weeks (or longer if you wanted to delay it)
    2. As a public patient, the waiting list unfortunately is often up to a year
  • Am I eligible for a hip or knee replacement with my private health cover?

    You need to have a policy that is Silver plus or higher to be covered for a joint replacement by your health fund. If you think you are likely going to need a hip or knee replacement then it would be worth checking this with your fund before your appointment


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