Rheumatology

What we do

 We manage and treat illnesses such as:

• inflammatory arthritis - also called rheumatoid arthritis
• osteoporosis - brittle and fragile bones
• psoriatic arthritis - a form of arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis
• ankylosing spondylitis - a form of arthritis in the spine
• osteoarthritis - a breakdown of cartilage inside a joint
• musculoskeletal problems and connective tissue diseases, such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
• scleroderma - a chronic connective tissue disease

We also provide:

• an osteoporosis referral service
• access to high level rehabilitative services at Caulfield Hospital
• access to arthritis support groups

We are associated with Arthritis Foundation of Victoria, Victorian Lupus Association and Scleroderma Foundation.

How to access this service

Referral from your GP

You need a referral letter from your GP or medical practitioner to access this service.

Your doctor will need to fax your referral letter to us. We will be in contact with you in clinically recommended times, depending on waiting list length. If there is no waiting list, you will receive an appointment booking letter or we will contact you to arrange a suitable time.

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 day procedure

• Responsible adult carer to stay with you to hear instructions, help you and take you home
• Comfortable day clothes, such as a tracksuit

For an overnight (or longer) stay

• Dressing gown and slippers, or comfortable day clothes and shoes
• Personal hygiene items, such as shampoo, shaving equipment, toothpaste and deodorant
• Something to do, like a book to read, a magazine or an iPad or tablet with headphones

What not to bring for an overnight (or longer) stay

• Your handbag, wallet, purse or large amounts of cash
• Valuables, such as jewellery or watches

Our clinics