FAQs

  • Why would I want to have my hip or knee replacement in Armidale or Tamworth, 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 New England, 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 experienced with using a robot in both hip and knee replacements. He is trained in using both the MAKO and ROSA systems, and has been using a robot for joint replacements since 2021.


  • 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 Armidale 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, lesser toe surgery, trigger fingers, ganglion excisions.


  • If I needed surgery as a private patient, will there be a co-payment/gap?

    1. Yes, Dr Ferguson's fees are in accordance with the Australian Medical Association's (AMA)  recommended fees. If you are booked for surgery then a fee estimate will be given to you, clearly outlining the fees.
    2. The fee for surgery is paid prior to the procedure (usually the week before), and after the procedure a receipt is given for you to use to get a rebate from your healthfund/medicare.

  • 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