Frequently Asked Questions 

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Chan?

Yes. You are required to bring in a referral from your referring general practitioner (GP) or specialist. The referral from GPs generally is valid for 12 months and from referring specialists only 3 months. The referral can either be brought in at the time of consultation, faxed or emailed to the respective consulting locations, or to [email protected].


​What are fees for consultations?

There are only modest out-of-pocket costs for both initial consultations and review consultations. The Medicare rebate for specialists is not enough to cover the costs related to running a business (e.g.staff wages, office rent, equipment lease, practice insurance etc).

You will be informed of specific and exact fees when making your appointment. The Medicare Rebate can be claimed for you after you see Dr. Chan. Please inquire with reception staff about fees.


Are there any fees if I need tests done?

In general, most tests are bulk-billed (no out-of-pocket fees) but some have an out-of-pocket charge. Please inquire with reception staff about the costs of having specific tests.


How do I get more information about specific tests or treatment?

Further information on tests and treatments can be found using the links below
1. Epworth Richmond cardiac diagnostic services, click here  
2. Alfred Heart Centre, click here 
3. Cardiovascular Services (Armadale), click here 
4. Heartwest, click here


Are there any fees if I need to go to hospital for treatment?

If you have private health insurance and are admitted as a private patient into a private hospital (e.g. Epworth or Western Private), there is usually an “excess” that is payable per calendar year associated with your cover. Your 'excess' amount varies depending on your policy and is payable to the hospital and not your treating doctor.

In some private hospitals there are extra costs for radiology and pathology. Please inquire about this with the hospital.

Dr. Chan does NOT charge out-of-pocket fees for inpatient services (consultations, procedures). If assistance from an anaesthetist is required, the anaesthetist involved will let you know of any gap fees (generally there is no fee – please check).

If you need to have cardiac surgery, there may be an out-of-pocket cost. This will be disclosed to you by your surgeon. Any anaethetist fee will also be disclosed to you before your operation. These fees are set by the surgeon and anaethetist. Please note that in the case of an emergency procedure, it will be sometimes difficult to fully inform you prior to your procedure.


What if I have an urgent query or require urgent consultation? 

​The best way is to call the rooms you want to attend and ask the reception staff to contact Dr. Chan for an urgent appointment. This can almost always be accommodated within 48-72hours.

If there is a problem with getting through to the rooms or if it is out of hours, please send an email to [email protected] and it will be actioned as soon as possible.

In the case of an emergency, please call 000 and arrange an ambulance for transfer to the nearest hospital.

Please note that Dr. Chan will review all urgent requests and will inform the reception staff to make an appointment to see you. This maybe in the next few days or weeks or at another consulting location (depending on availability and urgency). 


What is the best way to follow-up on test results or treatment?

​Please make a review appointment with Dr. Chan so that your test results, treatment details and follow-up plan can be discussed in a timely manner.