A simple checklist for your consultation and for your surgical admission with Dr David Ma.
For your consultation
Bringing the right information to your first appointment helps Dr Ma reach a diagnosis promptly and ensure nothing important is missed.
Documents
GP referral letter — recommended for Medicare rebate
Medicare card
Private health insurance card or fund details
WorkCover, DVA, or insurer claim number (if applicable)
Imaging
All X-rays, MRI, CT, or ultrasound films — on disc, USB, or printed
Radiology reports (printed or via MyHealthRecord)
Any nerve conduction study reports
Medical information
A list of all current medications — including dosage, frequency, and prescriber
Include blood thinners, anti-inflammatories, herbal supplements, and diabetes medications
Previous specialist letters or surgical records for the relevant problem
A list of allergies — medications or otherwise
Helpful to note
When your symptoms started and how they have changed over time
What activities aggravate or relieve your symptoms
How the problem affects your work, sport, or daily activities
Any treatments you have already tried (splints, injections, physio)
For your surgical admission
On the day of your procedure, please bring the items below to the hospital.
At the hospital
Medicare card and private health insurance card
A list of your current medications
Any pre-operative test results requested (blood tests, ECG)
Comfortable, loose clothing — a button-up top is easier to manage than a pullover
Your responsible adult driver — who must be available to take you home
Please leave at home
Jewellery, valuables, and cash
Nail polish or acrylic nails on the hand being operated on
Skin moisturiser or cream applied to the surgical site
Questions before your admission? Call Dr Ma's rooms on (02) 8112 8569. For changes to your health or medications since the last consultation, please notify our rooms in advance of your surgical date.
