General surgery
Area of medical practice that provides surgical treatment for a broad range of planned and emergency procedures
Procedures:
Surgery to fix the ring of muscle (anus) which controls the release of food waste from the bowels and bottom.
A procedure to remove non-cancerous growths from the skin or internal lining around the anus.
A procedure to remove a piece of lymph tissue from the armpit. The tissue is tested for cancer cells.
A procedure where a sample of tissue is taken from the breast. The tissue is tested for abnormal cells.
The second of two surgeries to reconstruct one breast. The specialist will remove the tissue expander and insert a permanent implant to recreate the breast. This surgery follows 3 to 6 months after the service “Breast reconstruction with tissue expansion”.
The first of two surgeries to recreate one breast. At the same time as, or after a mastectomy, the specialist inserts an expandable/empty breast implant. They inflate the expander over 6-8 weeks, until it reaches the size you both agree on. Once ready, the expander is replaced with a definitive implant. The procedure is followed 3-6 months later with “Breast reconstruction with removal of tissue expansion unit and insertion of prosthesis”.
Surgery to remove the gallbladder.
Surgery to remove a part of the large intestine. The remaining healthy ends of intestine are joined together.
A procedure using a specialised tube to look inside the large intestine. The specialist might remove polyps. They might also take a tissue sample for testing (biopsy).
Surgery to treat an infection in the anal canal (abscess). The infection connects the anal canal to the upper part of the anal sphincter and the surrounding skin.
Surgery to repair a hernia which is in the middle of the abdomen. The abdominal muscles are moved in the process. This is for a patient 10 years or over.
Surgery using a specialised tube and x-rays to diagnose problems in the ducts which carry bile from the gallbladder and hormones from the pancreas. If gallstones are present, they may be removed or if the bile duct is narrowed it may be widened at the same time.
Surgery to cut out a cancerous growth of the breast (lumpectomy). You may need an ultrasound or mammogram on the day of surgery to help the surgeon find your tumour, if they cannot feel a lump. The whole tissue is sent for testing (biopsy).
Surgery to cut out a non-cancerous growth of the breast (open biopsy or excision of benign lesion) which is up to 50 mm in size. This includes benign lesions such as fibroadenomas.
Surgery to remove a non-cancerous or cancerous lesion, cyst, scar, or ulcer from the skin of the face, scalp, neck, nipple area, lower leg, or forearm. The area may be repaired with either a flap of muscle, skin or muscle and skin from another part of the body directly after. The procedure is performed either in-hospital or at the specialist's room.
Surgery to remove a cancerous area of skin between 15 mm and 30 mm in size. The sample is sent for testing to look at the cells. The procedure is performed either in-hospital or at the specialist's room.
Surgery to remove a cancerous area of skin less than 14 mm in size from the face. The sample is sent for testing to look at the cells.The procedure is performed either in-hospital or at the specialist's room.
Surgery to remove swollen blood vessels in the anus. The doctor makes small cuts or wraps small bands around the swollen blood vessels of non-cancerous growths. These growths are on the skin or in the internal lining of the anus (anal skin tags).
Surgery to fix a weak spot in the groin (femoral hernia) and the abdominal muscles (inguinal hernia). The procedure may also be to correct fluid that has collected between the groin and testicles (infantile hydrocele). The patient is aged 10 years or older.
Surgery to remove the lymph nodes in the armpit (axilla). This procedure is often performed with other breast operations. The addition surgeries may include removal of the breast or removal of a cancerous growth in the breast and incur separate fees.
Surgery to remove the lower bowel and upper part of the rectum. The remaining intestine are joined together.
A procedure to treat haemorrhoids. A small rubber band is tied around the area to cut off blood supply (ligation). The procedure is performed either in-hospital or at the specialist's room.
Surgery to treat an infection in the anal canal (abscess). The infection connects the anal canal to the lower part of the anal sphincter and the surrounding skin.
Surgery to move a piece of healthy muscle, skin, or both, to repair a nearby area after removal of a skin growth. The procedure is performed either in-hospital or at the specialist's room.
Surgery to remove all breast tissue from one breast (mastectomy). The whole tissue is sent for testing (biopsy). This is followed by an immediate breast reconstruction to recreate the breast using a permanent implant. The removal of breast tissue leaves the skin with or without nipple. These fees apply when the same doctor performs the entire surgery. If the breast removal and the breast reconstruction are done by separate doctors, then they incur separate fees.
Surgery to remove an entire single breast (mastectomy). This includes removal of skin and nipple.
Surgery to fix a weak spot in the abdominal muscles around the navel (umbilical hernia), or above the navel area (epigastric or linea alba hernia). The surgery will involve specialised mesh or other structure. This is for a patient aged 10 years or older.
Surgery to make one breast smaller and to change the position of the nipple. This is a reduction mammoplasty. The surgery is usually done on the non-cancerous breast so that it is more symmetrical with the reconstructed breast. This procedure can be done at the same time as the mastectomy or at a later date.
Surgery to repair a hernia which is in the middle of the abdomen. This is for a patient 10 years or over.
Services:
An ultrasound scan of one or more areas of the neck. The scan was not requested by another medical practitioner.
A type of ultrasound scan performed during surgery (cross sectional echography).
An ultrasound scan of the pelvis.
An ultrasound scan of one breast. The scan was not requested by another medical practitioner.
An ultrasound scan of both breasts.
A procedure using ultrasound (duplex scanning) to look at and measure how blood moves through arteries or a grafted blood vessel (bypass graft). This is in one leg.
A procedure using ultrasound (duplex scanning) to look at and measure how blood moves through arteries or a grafted blood vessel (bypass graft). This is in one leg.
A procedure using ultrasound (duplex scanning) to look at and measure how blood moves through veins which are not working properly (chronic venous disease). This is in one leg.
A procedure using ultrasound (duplex scanning) to look at and measure how blood moves through arteries or a grafted blood vessel (bypass graft). This is in one arm.
A procedure using ultrasound (duplex scanning) to look at and measure how blood moves through blood vessels of the face and neck region (extra cranial, bilateral carotid, vertebral, subclavian, innominate).
A procedure using ultrasound (duplex scanning) to look at and measure how blood moves through blood vessels of the abdominal and pelvic regions (intra abdominal, aorta and iliac arteries, inferior vena cava and iliac veins).
A procedure using ultrasound (duplex scanning) to look at and measure how blood moves through blood vessels of the kidney, abdominal and pelvic regions (renal, visceral, aorta, inferior vena cava, iliac vessels).
A test which measures the difference in blood pressure between the ankle and arm. This is to measure the severity of artery disease in the leg.
A procedure to check if the food pipe is working properly (oesophageal motility).
A procedure to assess stomach reflux (gastro oesophageal reflux disease) over a 24 hour period.
Tests which study the nerves and muscles of the anus and rectum by measuring pressure and sensation (anal manometry).
Tests to help diagnose problems with the pelvic floor by measuring muscle weakness and nerve activity (electromyography, nerve motor latency).
A follow-up appointment with a specialist at their rooms or in-hospital. The specialist may provide additional services which may have their own costs.
The first appointment with a specialist at their rooms.
A follow up appointment with a specialist at their rooms or in-hospital when urgent surgery is needed.
A meeting with a GP or specialist and at least 3 other medical professionals and allied health providers. The meeting is to develop a treatment plan for a patient with cancer, The meeting is 10 minutes or longer.
A meeting with a GP or specialist and at least 4 medical professionals and allied health providers. The meeting is to develop a treatment plan for a person with cancer, and is 10 minutes or longer.
The first appointment with a specialist for a specific condition and/or course of treatment. The appointment is by telehealth and is longer than 5 minutes.
A follow up appointment with a specialist for a specific condition and/or course of treatment. The appointment is by telehealth and is longer than 5 minutes.
A follow up appointment with a specialist. The appointment is by telehealth and is for more than 5 minutes.
Surgery to remove a non-cancerous or cancerous lesion, cyst, scar, or ulcer from the skin of the face, scalp, neck, nipple area, lower leg, or forearm. The area may be repaired with either a flap of muscle, skin or muscle and skin from another part of the body directly after. The procedure is performed either in-hospital or at the specialist's room.
Surgery to remove a cancerous area of skin between 15 mm and 30 mm in size. The sample is sent for testing to look at the cells. The procedure is performed either in-hospital or at the specialist's room.
Surgery to remove a cancerous area of skin less than 14 mm in size from the face. The sample is sent for testing to look at the cells.The procedure is performed either in-hospital or at the specialist's room.
Many injections of steroid medicine. This is to treat areas of damaged or abnormal skin.
A procedure using a specialised tube to look inside the rectum and part of the large intestine (rigid sigmoidoscopy). A sample of tissue may be taken for testing (biopsy).
A procedure to treat haemorrhoids. A small rubber band is tied around the area to cut off blood supply (ligation). The procedure is performed either in-hospital or at the specialist's room.
Taking a sample of skin for testing (biopsy) during a consultation.
Surgery to move a piece of healthy muscle, skin, or both, to repair a nearby area after removal of a skin growth. The procedure is performed either in-hospital or at the specialist's room.
Injection of an anaesthetic into one or more nerves around the thigh and genital area (ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, genitofemoral).
Injection of an anaesthetic into one or more nerves around the genital area (pudendal, dorsal).
A procedure to clean out a deep or dirty soft tissue wound. General anaesthetic or area specific nerve numbing is needed. Stitches may be used to close the wound.
A procedure where the skin is cut to remove an object which doesn't belong (foreign body). The wound is closed afterwards.
A procedure to remove an object which doesn't belong (foreign body) from a muscle, tendon or other deep tissue.
A procedure to take a sample of lymph gland, muscle or other deep tissue from the body for testing (biopsy).
A procedure using a needle through the skin to take a sample from an organ deep in the body for testing (percutaneous aspiration biopsy). Imaging is used to help identify where the needle must go.
A procedure to destroy 10 or more areas of skin which are at risk of becoming cancerous (premalignant).
Surgery to remove a cancerous growth (malignant neoplasm) from the skin or mucous membranes, using liquid nitrogen to freeze the area.
A procedure to remove blood which has pooled outside the blood vessels (haematoma).
A procedure to cut and drain an area of blood (haematoma) or pus (furuncle or abscess). This procedure does not happen in a hospital.
A procedure to drain an area of pus (abscess) deep in the body, using a needle through the skin (percutaneous).
Surgery to remove the foreskin of the penis (circumcision).
Surgery to remove a growth (tumour or cyst), ulcer or scar smaller than 10 mm (in diameter and located in mucous membrane. A sample will be sent for testing.
Surgery to remove a growth (tumour or cyst), ulcer or scar between 10 and 20 mm (in diameter) and located in mucous membrane. A sample will be sent for testing.
Surgery to remove a growth (tumour or cyst), ulcer or scar larger than 20 mm (in diameter) and located in mucous membrane. A sample will be sent for testing.
Surgery to remove a non-cancerous fatty lump (lipoma) by cutting (excision) or suction (liposuction). The lump is under the skin (subcutaneous) and more than 50mm wide. A sample is sent for testing.
Surgery in a person aged 10 years or older, to remove a non-cancerous growth (benign tumour). A sample is sent for testing. This surgery does not include removal of tumours from skin, cartilage or bone, or fatty lumps (lipoma).
Surgery to remove a cancerous (malignant) area of skin smaller than 6 mm in size. This is from or around the nose, eyelid, eyebrow, lip, ear, finger/toe or genitals. A sample will be sent for testing.
Surgery to remove a non-cancerous fluid filled growth (cyst), ulcer or scar which is smaller than 6 mm in size. This includes surgery on or around the nose, eyelid, eyebrow, lip, ear, finger/toe or genitals. A sample will be sent for testing.
Surgery to remove a cancerous (malignant) area of skin larger than 6 mm in size. This is from or around the nose, eyelid, eyebrow, lip, ear, finger/toe or genitals. The sample will be sent off for testing to look at the cells.
Surgery to remove a non-cancerous fluid filled growth (cyst), ulcer or scar which is larger than 6 mm in size. This includes surgery on or around the nose, eyelid, eyebrow, lip, ear, finger/toe or genitals. A sample will be sent for testing.
Surgery to remove a non-cancerous area of skin less than 14 mm in size including a fluid filled growth (cyst), ulcer or scar. This is from or around the face, neck, scalp, nipple, lower leg or upper arm. The sample will be sent off for testing to look at the cells.
Surgery to remove a non cancerous area of skin (non malignant skin lesion) such as a fluid filled lump (cyst), ulcer or scar. The area is more than 14 mm in diameter and is on the face, neck, scalp, nipple area (nipple areola complex), lower leg or forearm.
Surgery to remove a skin cancer (malignant skin lesion). The area is less than 15 mm in diameter.
Surgery to remove a non cancerous area of skin (non malignant skin lesion) such as a fluid filled lump (cyst), ulcer or scar. The area is less than 15 mm in diameter.
Surgery to remove a skin cancer (malignant skin lesion). The area is between 15 mm and 30 mm in diameter.
Surgery to remove a non cancerous area of skin (non malignant skin lesion) such as a fluid filled lump (cyst), ulcer or scar. The area is between 15 mm and 30 mm in diameter.
Surgery to remove a skin cancer (malignant skin lesion). The area is more than 30 mm in diameter.
Surgery to remove a non cancerous area of skin (non malignant skin lesion) such as a fluid filled lump (cyst), ulcer or scar. The area is more than 30 mm in diameter.
Surgery to remove a cancerous (malignant) area of skin less than 14 mm in size. This is from or around the face, neck, scalp, nipple, lower leg or upper arm. The sample will be sent off for testing to look at the cells.
Surgery to remove skin cancer larger than 14 mm in size. This is from or around the face, neck, scalp, nipple, lower leg or upper arm. The sample will be sent off for testing to look at the cells.
Surgery to remove skin cancer which is less than 15 mm in size. The sample will be sent off for testing to look at the cells.
Surgery to remove skin cancer which is larger than 30 mm in size. The sample will be sent off for testing to look at the cells.
A procedure where a fine needle is inserted into a breast lump to collect a sample of cells (aspiration).
A procedure to take a sample from a growth (tumour) in breast tissue for testing (biopsy). This is to look at the cells to see if they are cancerous.
A procedure to adjust a band which was previously placed around top of the stomach (gastric band).
A procedure to make a cut into an area around the anus to drain blood which has collected there.
A procedure using electrodes and a neurostimulator on nerves. This is done to help manage leaking from the bowels (faecal incontinence).
A treatment for varicose veins larger than 2.5 mm in one or both legs. Chemicals are injected and compression bandages are used. This is for up to 6 treatments in 12 months.
Surgery to cut one or both tubes that carry sperm from the testicles (vasotomy, vasectomy). This surgery prevents pregnancy. There are strict legal requirements about this surgery in persons under the age of 18. Medicare may not pay any money towards the surgery if the law is not followed.
Procedures using a specialised tube to look inside one or both sides of the nose, the throat or the voice box (nasendoscopy, sinoscopy).
Surgery using a piece of skin from one area of the body to repair another area (graft).
Surgery to remove cancer from the lip, eyelid or ear. This is done by removing the tissue with cancer and then repairing it with stitches.
Surgery to remove a toenail.
Surgery to treat an ingrowing toenail. This involves removing part of the nail, some of the skin around and under the nail.
Surgery to treat an ingrowing toenail. The nail bed is removed.