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Can I be seen within a week?
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Yes. The surgery can open till 9pm at night, Saturdays and Sundays if we have to.
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What are the fees?
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These are detailed elsewhere in the website but generally they are 20-50% cheaper than elsewhere. This is possible because Dr Ekeroma works from a surgery that is attached to his home, therefore overheads are cheaper.
The gynaecological consultation fee is $190 for the initial visit and $90 for follow-up visits. Consultation elsewhere can be as high as $360.
The pregnancy care and delivery fee is $3200 for Middlemore Hospital. Discounts are considered for previous patients, nursing staff and those from low socio-economic groups.
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Q.
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What should I bring with me when I come for a scheduled office appointment?
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A referral letter from your GP or midwife is important as it will provide the background information which will be important in deciding the best management of your condition. Laboratory and scan results you may have will also inform our discussion. A list of medications you are using and any known allergies. It is advisable you complete the booking form if you are a new patient.
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Are my medical records kept private and confidential?
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Your medical file is handled with the utmost respect for your privacy. Our staff are fully aware of the importance and requirement of confidentiality regarding your medical records. Access to medical records is by staff only and they are locked in the relevant clinics. Most of the files are in electronic form and these are kept password protected. The contents of your files are not released without your written consent although it is common practice to write a letter to you GP/midwife about the consultation.
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Do I need a referral to make an appointment?
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Important but not necessary. Nearly half of my patients are self-referred. |
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How can my family doctor help me to obtain specialist medical care? |
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Before seeing any medical specialist, it is always preferable to talk to your own family doctor, who can discuss your condition with you and advise on whether any specialist care is appropriate. If it is, he or she can help you to choose the specialist best suited to your needs. Your family doctor can help the specialist to care for you better by providing relevant information about your health. Communicating with the specialist will also enable your family doctor to care for you better during and after your specialist treatment. |
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What should I expect during the first visit? |
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During your initial visit, Dr Ekeroma will confirm the contents of the referral letter and listen to your medical history. He will determine whether you need an internal examination. An internal examination is required most of the time and the reason for this will be explained. A chaperone is present for all intimate and internal examinations.
A possible diagnosis is discussed and investigations required will be discussed with you.
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Can I change carer half way?
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Naturally, we will be disappointed. But your rights are our utmost priority, and we will be happy to facilitate the copying of your notes for your new care provider.
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Can I bring my relatives along?
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You can bring anyone you want but if there is more than one, then they will have to sit on the bed or on the floor.
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Is there car park?
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There are 2 dedicated car parks at 525 Remuera Rd (entry from Tahora Ave) and there are more along Tahora Ave.
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Can I access my notes?
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Yes, we will copy anything in your notes for you but this is usually not necessary as all correspondence to GPs and midwifes will be copied to you.
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Can I call Dr Ekeroma’s mobile?
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Of course you can, as it is Dr Ekeroma’s experience that patients do not normally call unless it was something really urgent. He may not be able to answer immediately but will usually return a text message within the hour. Patient’s phone numbers are usually programmed into his phone and if it is revealed, then he will know who is calling. Unfamiliar or barred phone numbers are not answered.
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What is really urgent?
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In pregnancy: bleeding, severe abdominal pains, fever, rupture of membranes.
After an operation: unexpected bleeding, severe abdominal pain or distension, dizziness, fever, vaginal discharge,
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Can I pay with a credit card?
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Yes or pay direct to our account which will be on your invoice.
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Will Dr Ekeroma be present at my delivery or operation?
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Dr Ekeroma will attempt to honour a commitment to be present. However, urgent circumstances may not allow his attendance in which case he will arrange with another colleague to see you and deliver your baby. He/staff member will communicate this to you. Dr Ekeroma’s practice will absorb any extra costs incurred should this happen.
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