You can find all our Frequently Asked Questions relating to Procedures, you can find more information in our Patient Resources section aswell as useful information about getting to Northern Beaches hospital. If you are unable to find the answers to your questions, please feel free to head over to our contact page and get in touch.
How do I book an appointment with a pain specialist?
Please complete our New Patient Questionnaire. You can download the form from our
website or call the clinic to have it emailed or posted to you.
Once you return the completed questionnaire and your referral letter, we will contact you to
offer an appointment.
Why do I need to complete pain questionnaires before my first appointment?
These questionnaires help your doctor understand how your pain affects your daily life and
what support you may need.
They are not psychological “tests” and are not designed to question whether your pain is real.
They simply allow you to describe your pain in your own words.
Why do I need to fill out questionnaires at each visit?
Your responses give the doctor up-to-date information about your progress so they can better
tailor your treatment plan.
How long will I wait for an appointment?
Most patients are offered an appointment within 2–3 weeks, depending on how quickly we
receive all required paperwork. Our administrative team will let you know the current wait
time when they contact you to book your appointment.
Why do I need a referral letter to see a specialist?
Medicare requires a valid referral to see a medical specialist in Australia.
A referral from your GP is best, as it usually lasts 12 months (sometimes indefinitely).
Referrals from other specialists are valid but only last 3 months.
Referrals from allied health professionals (e.g., physiotherapists) are not accepted by
Medicare.
I already have a referral from another specialist—why do I still need a GP referral?
Specialist-to-specialist referrals only last 3 months.
GP referrals last 12 months and can sometimes be written as indefinite, which can be more
convenient for ongoing care.
How much will I get back from Medicare, WorkCover, or TAC?
While our clinic fees are standard, rebates differ depending on your personal circumstances
and the reason for your visit.
You will receive a clearer estimate of your out-of-pocket costs once we have your completed
questionnaires and offer you an appointment.
Why does it cost so much to see a pain specialist?
Pain medicine specialists are highly trained doctors who provide expert, holistic assessment
and management of acute and chronic pain.
Training takes 15–20 years, and specialists continue to meet with national and international
experts to stay up to date with the latest evidence and treatments.
This level of expertise ensures you receive safe, comprehensive and high-quality care.
What is the difference between Acute and Chronic Pain?
- Acute pain:
A normal, protective response that signals something is wrong. It usually has an obvious cause and settles as the body heals. - Chronic (persistent) pain:
Pain lasting longer than three months or beyond the expected healing time.
The cause is often complex and may involve physical, emotional, social, and work-
related factors.
Because persistent pain rarely serves a useful protective purpose, it requires a holistic
approach to treatment and management.
What is a Pain Medicine Specialist?
General practitioners and other doctors may not always have the specialised training needed
to manage complex pain conditions, which can sometimes lead to under- or over-medication.
A pain medicine specialist is a doctor with advanced training in diagnosing and treating
acute and chronic pain.
They use a comprehensive, integrated approach that combines:
- self-management strategies
- medications
- psychological and physical therapies
- targeted interventional procedures
Good pain control supports better rehabilitation, function, and quality of life. Pain specialists
help patients regain independence, confidence, and a sense of purpose.