Your Rheumatology Visit at BJC Health

A valid referral is required to consult with one of our Rheumatologists in order to be eligible for a Medicare rebate. A referral for a Rheumatologist can be obtained from your GP or from another specialist. A referral from a GP is valid for 12 months and a referral from a specialist is valid for 3 months.

• Your referral letter.

• Any relevant X-rays and scans

• Any relevant blood tests if available

• Medicare card (Pensioner or Repatriation Card if applicable)

• Claim number & details for Workers Compensation and Third Party claims

• List of medications

Chatswood

• Paid street parking is available on Help Street and other surrounding streets. Please note that parking inspectors patrol the streets regularly.
• There are also many parking stations in the vicinity.
• If you are willing to walk 10 to 15 minutes, Westfield parking is now 2 to 4 hours free. They request you download an app to get the extra hours.

Parramatta

• Paid parking is available on Hunter Street and other surrounding streets. Please note that parking inspectors patrol the streets regularly.
• There is also the Justice Precinct Car Park which is directly across the road from the clinic. Click here for a full list of prices.
• If you are willing to walk 10 to 15 minutes, 3 hours free parking is available at Westfield Parramatta.

Bondi Junction

• There is paid street parking but this can be limited.
• For 2 hours of free parking, Westfield Bondi Junction Shopping Centre is only 350 metres away.
• 2 hour free council parking also exists in the area as well as paid parking areas, including East Gate Car Park for 1 hour free parking.

• Please be on time. We pride ourselves on being punctual but this only works if our patients arrive on time as well.
• Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your initial appointment to fill out any necessary paperwork.
• Should you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, please inform us at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment.
• We deliver a professional service and respect your rights, dignity, privacy, feelings and cultural customs.

Here is a short video that will outline what you can expect in your first appointment with a Rheumatologist. 

Apart from medications, what else can I do to improve how I'm feeling?

How do I prevent damage to my joints?

What can I do to remain active and doing as much as I can?

Can you help me understand the pro's and con's of different treatment options that are available?

If there are medications that might help me, are there any side effects I should know about?

Are there lifestyle measures I can institute to help how I am feeling?

No. Your rheumatologist will only know which tests are appropriate once they’ve met with you, reviewed your medical history, and completed an assessment. This ensures that any investigations ordered are accurate and relevant to your situation. If tests are needed, your rheumatologist will arrange them after your initial consultation.