New Spine Clinic

What we do

Our clinic is co-located with neurosurgeons and run by Advanced Practice Physiotherapists liaising closely with the neurosurgery unit.

We provide the initial New Spine assessment and management advice for patients of any age with non-traumatic low back and associated leg symptoms (sciatica) or neck and associated arm symptoms. There is liaison with the medical team to facilitate surgical opinion.

How to access this clinic

Referral from your GP

This clinic is part of the neurosurgery outpatient service. You will need a referral letter from your GP or medical practitioner to the Neurosurgery clinic to access this service.

Your doctor will need to fax your referral letter to us.

Once you have been triaged to the New Spine Clinic you will receive a Spine Health Questionnaire. You must complete this and return to us before an appointment is made.

Return to:

• Email:
  newspineclinic@alfred.org.au 

Or

• Post:
  The Alfred New Spine Clinic (Neurosurgery)
  P.O. BOX 315
  Prahran, VIC 3181

After we receive this form, we will allocate you an appointment time (waiting times may apply).

It will also be helpful if you can complete a Body Diagram and bring along to the appointment with you.

What to bring

Every time you come

• Medicare card
• Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
• Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
• Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
• Previous X-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
• Medicines you need to take while you are here
• List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
• Glasses, hearing aid(s) and/or walking frame if needed

For a clinic appointment

• Your appointment letter
• Any special items listed on your letter
• TAC or WorkCover claim number (if relevant)

Clinic times