Patient FAQs

A GP referral is recommended for Medicare rebates but is not required to book. Self-referrals are accepted — call our rooms on (02) 8112 8569 and we will advise on the applicable fees.

Call our rooms on (02) 8112 8569 or email admin@drdavidma.com. Please have your referral letter and any imaging available when you call.

Appointment availability varies. Please call our rooms for current waiting times. Clinically urgent cases — acute fractures, tendon or nerve injuries, suspected septic arthritis — are prioritised.

Yes. WorkCover and DVA patients are welcome. Please provide your claim number and insurer details when booking. Pre-approval from the insurer is usually required before surgery. Our rooms can assist with documentation.

Consultation fees vary. A Medicare rebate applies when a valid GP referral is provided. Call our rooms before your appointment for a fee estimate and to understand your expected out-of-pocket gap.

Most elective surgical procedures are covered by private health insurance, subject to your level of cover, annual excess, and any waiting periods. Our rooms will provide a fee estimate — including surgeon, anaesthetist, and assistant fees — so you can check with your insurer before proceeding.

Surgery can be arranged as a self-funded private patient. Our rooms will provide a full fee estimate. Please call (02) 8112 8569 to discuss your options.

Dr Ma does not bulk bill. Consultation fees apply. Medicare rebates are available when a GP referral is provided. Please call our rooms for details.

Many hand and wrist procedures can be performed under local anaesthetic or sedation, avoiding general anaesthesia. The anaesthetic options are discussed at your consultation. Local anaesthetic procedures are often faster with a quicker recovery.

The majority of Dr Ma's procedures are day surgery — you arrive, have the procedure, and go home the same day. More complex cases such as wrist fracture fixation may require an overnight stay.

No solid food for 6 hours before your admission time. No clear fluids for 2 hours before. Most regular medications can be taken with a small sip of water — confirm with the anaesthetist. See our Preparing for Surgery guide for full instructions.

This depends on the procedure and the blood thinner involved. Dr Ma's rooms will coordinate with your GP about whether and when to pause anticoagulants. Never stop a medication without specific advice.

You should not drive while your hand is in a dressing, splint, or cast, or while taking opioid pain medication. For minor procedures under local anaesthetic, driving is usually possible within 1–2 weeks. Dr Ma will advise on your specific procedure.

This depends on your job and the procedure. Sedentary office work is usually possible within 1–4 weeks. Manual or physically demanding work typically requires 6–12 weeks. See our Recovery Timelines page for procedure-specific guidance.

Hand therapy is an important part of recovery for many procedures — particularly tendon repairs, TFCC surgery, fracture fixation, and Dupuytren's fasciectomy. Dr Ma arranges referrals to an accredited hand therapist where appropriate. The therapy programme is a critical part of achieving a good result.

Call Dr Ma's rooms on (02) 8112 8569 during business hours. For after-hours concerns — increasing pain, swelling, discharge, fever, or new numbness — present to your nearest hospital emergency department.

A consultation summary letter is sent to your referring GP within a few days of your appointment. If you would like a copy, please ask our rooms and we will arrange this.