Patient Information & Literature

Post Operative information

Post Operative : After insertion of a grommet (155 KB)

Post Operative : Ear Surgery (158 KB)

Post Operative : Nasal and Sinus Surgery (155 KB)

Post Operative : Septo-Rhinoplasty (156 KB)

Post Operative : Tonsillectomy or Adenotonsillectomy (156 KB)

Surgical Risks

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Risks (160 KB)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What to expect

   When you come to your first appointment, our reception staff will ask you to fill out a new patient information form. This form allows us to ensure we have the correct information about your medical conditions, medications, allergies and previous operations, as well as your next of kin details, your referring doctors’ details and any interested parties.

   Dr Kelly will then take a full history and discuss the issues relevant to your presentation, examine you in detail and organise the required investigations. At this point, we may need to organise a review appointment to review the results of the investigations.

2. What to bring to the first appointment

   • Your referral letter
   • Medicare card and private health insurance details
   • Any relevant X-rays, CT or MRI scans
   • Hearing or balance tests, sleep study, blood tests as relevant
   • List of medications

3. Consultation fees

   Our goal is to provide transparent and fair pricing. Please see the information below for our fees for our most common encounters in the clinic.

   • Initial Consultation: $300 – Medicare rebate approximately $85.00
   • Follow-up/Review Consultation: $195 – Medicare rebate approximately $48.00
   • Telehealth Review Appointment: (fees as advised)

4. Methods of payment

   To ensure convenience and ease for our patients, we offer several payment options including cash, EFTPOS, and credit card. We also offer the convenience of processing your Medicare claim at the time of payment, simplifying the reimbursement process.

5. What conditions should be reviewed urgently

   The following symptoms or conditions should be seen within 24 hours, either with us or with your local Emergency Department:

   • Infections with pain and pus
   • Sudden hearing loss not associated with respiratory tract infection
   • Facial nerve paralysis not associated with other symptoms suggestive of stroke
   • Hard, asymmetrical neck lumps in the absence of respiratory tract infection
   • Unexpected post-operative complications. Please see common post-op symptoms and expectations information for your procedure.
   • Ear, nose and throat problems associated with: acute onset headache, change in visual acuity, double vision, change in sensation of neck skin or lining of the mouth, vomiting associated with headache, new onset of weakness or changes in nerve function of the head or neck.

   I have a fractured (broken) nose – do I need a review?

   Fractured noses should be reviewed within a few days of the injury. This allows enough time for manipulation (if required) to be performed before the nasal bones start to reset in the post-injury location. After 2 weeks, it becomes very difficult to improve the appearance or positioning of nasal fractures with simple techniques.

6. Where does Dr Sharon Kelly operate?

   Greenslopes Private Hospital, Herston Private Hospital and St Andrews War Memorial Hospital.

7. How is my surgical procedure planned?

   If Dr Kelly considers that a surgical procedure is required, she will discuss the procedure with you. You can then choose a date with our administration team.

   You will be given the financial information regarding your procedure, and also given contact information for the hospital of choice and our anaesthetist, so you can discuss any anaesthetic issues prior to the surgery.

8. What should I take to hospital?

   Please bring any medications that you are currently taking, as well as any personal items that you may want to use (pyjamas, toiletries, reading material, etc.), but do not bring any valuables.

9. My admission to hospital

   You will need to complete admission forms prior to your surgery date. Our administration team will provide you with information regarding your procedure. The hospital will contact you about their pre-admission process.

10. What if I don’t have private health insurance?

    Uninsured patients can be seen privately. Consultation fees apply, and surgery costs can be discussed, including options for public hospital referral or private treatment at your expense.

11. How does insurance coverage work for consultations and operations?

    Contact your health fund to understand your No-Gap or Known-Gap insurance cover. Our practice does have known-gap agreements with some health funds; otherwise, the full fee is charged, and you can claim from your health fund.

12. What if I want a second opinion?

    We respect your decision to seek a second opinion and can provide referrals to other local surgeons.

13. Car parking

    Watkins Medical Centre, Spring Hill

    For those patients attending their appointment at Watkins Medical Centre, Spring Hill:

    • There is a commercial car park (Cornerstone car park) on Bartley St behind Watkins Medical Centre.
    • There is also metered street parking on Wickham Terrace.

    Greenslopes Speciality Clinics, Greenslopes Private Hospital

    For those patients attending their appointment at Greenslopes speciality clinics at Greenslopes Private Hospital:

    • There is a paid parking station on the hospital’s grounds.
    • There is also off-street parking in the streets surrounding the hospital.

14. Can I get there by public transport?

    Watkins Medical Centre, Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill

    • Train – Central Station is within walking distance.
    • Bus – The Spring Hill Loop Bus Service travels to Wickham Terrace and there is a bus stop directly outside Watkins Medical Centre.
    • By train – Central and Roma Street train stations are within a short walk.
    • There is a taxi rank near the driveway of the Brisbane Private Hospital on Wickham Terrace.

    Greenslopes Private Hospital, Greenslopes

    • The nearest bus station to Greenslopes Private Hospital is Newdegate St at Greenslopes Hospital, Stop 23. It is a 3-minute walk away.
    • Greenslopes Private Hospital provides a free shuttle bus service, the GPH Express, which operates between the Greenslopes TransLink Busway Station and the main entrance of Greenslopes Private Hospital between 6am and 6pm (approximately every 15–20 minutes), Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
    • For further information regarding the GPH Express, please call (07) 3394 7033.

15. Nearby accommodation for patients requiring short-term accommodation

    Spring Hill

    • Summit Central Apartments Spring Hill – apartment-style accommodation
    • Mercure Spring Hill (formerly Pacific Hotel Brisbane)
    • Hotel Grand Chancellor
    • Maddison Tower Mill

    Greenslopes

    • Greenslopes City Haven
    • Greenslopes Motor Inn
    • Oaks Brisbane Woolloongabba Suites