03 9467 9444There are many questions that patients may ask and the answer will depend very much on their individual needs and the potential complexities of their obstetric or gynaecological problem.
The answers to Frequently asked questions are specific and not general.
It is simplistic to assume that one rule and a one-line answer applies to every one. A good doctor is one who is prepared to take the time to speak to patients and answer their concern individually. That is the essence of what it means to be a Private patient.
Information needs to be given to patients simply and clearly.
Patients need to have understanding and clarity in making decisions when problems arise in pregnancy or gynaecology.
Obstetrics
Questions that should be asked
We appreciate that having a baby is the most important event in a womans life.
It is understood that many women may have concerns that their baby will be normal and that their pregnancy will be uncomplicated.
It is important that patients should come to know their obstetrician before they commit themselves to his or her care.
The usual way that patients select their obstetrician is to ask friends and nurses for advice about individual doctors. This is absolutely the proper thing to do. Always ask patients who have been cared for by Dr. Hatzikostas and even better ask midwives because they are the ones who can give you their real impressions based on years of working together.
There are however other ways to choose your Obstetrician.
The best way is for you to meet Dr. Hatzikostas and ask questions. Answers to those questions might give you a sense of comfort and security under his care.
Meet and Greet Sessions
Choosing your obstetrician can be a daunting process for many women, after all your obstetrician plays a very big part in your pregnancy.
This is why Dr Hatzikostas offers Free Meet and Greet Sessions. In these complimentary session you can discuss any concerns you may have or ask the questions you haven’t been able to get answers too.
These sessions are only available for patients who are pregnant and are looking for an obstetrician.
To book yourself into any session your should ring our secretary on 03 9467 9444
There are many questions that you may not be entirely comfortable to ask
Is my Obstetrician available to take telephone calls directly when I have medical concerns?
Is my Obstetrician likely to consider individual circumstances and give me options of care?
Does my Obstetrician appear reasonable or does he or she have fixed ideas about how things need to be managed?
Is he or she likely to consider my specific requests or are they dogmatic about what they wish to do?
Does my Obstetrician practice evidence based medicine and does he or she provide information notes that I can read so that I can understand any presenting problem? Is a cursory explanation all that I may expect?
Does my Obstetrician have an extensive obstetric practice and is he or she prepared to reveal statistics about their personal frequency of elective or emergency caesarean sections, forceps or vacuum deliveries and also normal vaginal deliveries?
Gynaecology
The same questions also apply to Gynaecology.
It is a patients right to know how much experience a Gynaecologist has in performing specific gynaecological operations.
Doctors can be asked about their expectations of success that an operation they perform can fix the medical problem.
Alternatively they can be asked about the possibility of failure and the frequency and nature of complications.
If there are subspecialists who can perform the same operations in a better way, with better results and fewer complications, would your Doctor be prepared to refer you on?
Information is essential for patients to make decisions.
Surgical experience is very important and risk minimization is essential.
Does your selected Gynaecologist meet the criteria set by asking these questions?
Overview
Personal experience often determines how an Obstetrician or Gynaecologist practices medicine. Evidence based medicine sets the scientific framework for what is the best standard in care.
The quality of medical care that patients receive is the net result of a doctor keeping up to date and the doctors personal medical and surgical experience accumulated over time.
The detail in which questions are answered and the honesty in declaring medical experience can give patients insight into the quality of care they will receive.
Doctors know their limitations. No doctor can be a “Jack of all trades”.
It is important that doctors maintain connections with Tertiary institutions and with respected and recognised experts in specialised fields.
The best results are often achieved by accessing talent by working with expert teams. Good doctors follow these rules.
