We look forward to meeting you. Please arrive early for your first appointment to meet our friendly reception staff and ensure your details are correct.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please complete your patient registration form and health questionnaire prior to your appointment
What to bring to your first appointment:
Referral letter from your GP
Medicare card
Private health fund details (if you have cover)
Pension card (if applicable)
Any recent x-rays and imaging (in hard copy form) if applicable
A notepad to make notes
It’s a good idea to bring someone with you to your first appointment. A support person can help you remember what is discussed and take any notes.
What to expect at your first appointment
Your first appointment with Dr Forster will be a comprehensive assessment. He will:
Take a medical history and discuss recent symptoms (if any)
Review your family history
Perform a physical examination
Review the results of imaging tests and other investigations
Discuss treatment options in detail and make recommendations
Make a clear plan of action if you decide to proceed with recommended treatment
Dr Forster will take time to explain the options for treating your breast cancer, including the rationale for various options, the pros and cons of each, and the potential risks and side effects.
If you decide to proceed with a recommended treatment, the treatment logistics will also be arranged (eg where and when your treatment will take place).
Ideally you will leave the appointment with a clear plan of action and information about what happens next.
Review appointments
Standard appointment are 20 minutes. If you think you need more time, please book a longer appointment time (please note, different fees may apply).
Telehealth appointments
Telehealth appointments are available upon request. Sometimes a telehealth consultation may not be appropriate, for example, if a physical examination is needed.
Best practice for Telehealth is to have both video and sound using video conferencing (e.g., Zoom), so telephone consultations are not available unless there are extenuating circumstances.
Preparing for your telehealth appointment
Dr Forster uses Zoom for Telehealth consultations.
You will be sent the details of a password-protected secure meeting room prior to your appointment.
If you are new to Zoom, we recommend downloading the free software and conducting a test-run prior to the time of your appointment to avoid any delays or connection issues.
Zoom mobile apps: iPhone or Android
If you require any further assistance, please contact our friendly administration staff for advice.
Patient Feedback
Dr Forster is dedicated to anticipating your needs and constantly seeks to improve patient care and services. He welcomes all your feedback. Please email your feedback to admin@hons.com.au