Answers to common questions

We provide specialist gynaecology care, including consultations, investigations and the management of a wide range of gynaecological conditions. We also provide women's health general practice, women's health and pelvic physiotherapy, dietetics, and nursing and care coordination. Specific services are listed on our Services page.

We are located in Heidelberg, Melbourne, with easy access to public transport and nearby parking options. Full directions are available on our Contact page.

Clinic hours vary depending on your doctor's consulting sessions. Generally, appointments are available between 8.30am and 5pm. Please contact reception for current availability.

Yes. We are committed to providing respectful, inclusive, and compassionate care for all patients.

Our clinic is designed to be accessible. If you have specific access requirements, please let our team know before your appointment.

Yes, fertility-related consultations and care are available. Please contact reception if you're unsure whether a service is right for you.

You can make an appointment directly with our administration team if you wish to see a Heide physiotherapist, dietitian, or general practitioner.

To make an appointment with a Heide Clinic gynaecologist, we require a referral from your GP or referring doctor. Once your referral is received, it is reviewed and triaged to ensure you are booked into the most appropriate appointment type and timeframe. After triage is complete, our reception team will contact you directly to arrange your appointment.

Please bring your referral (if applicable), Medicare card, private health insurance details, and any relevant test results or medical information.

We kindly ask for at least 48 hours' notice (2 business days) for appointment changes. Late cancellations or non-attendance may incur a fee.

Yes. We maintain a waitlist for patients who would like to be considered for an earlier appointment if one becomes available. Placement on the waitlist is subject to clinical suitability and availability, and an earlier appointment cannot be guaranteed.

Yes. You are welcome to bring a partner, friend, or support person to your appointment if that makes you more comfortable.

We are a private specialist practice. Most consultations attract an out-of-pocket fee.

Yes. If you have a valid Medicare card and referral, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate. Our team can assist with processing claims on the day.

We accept EFTPOS, credit/debit cards, and other electronic payment methods. Payment is required on the day of your appointment.

For procedures or complex care, we aim to provide clear information about expected fees and out-of-pocket costs in advance.

Referrals can be sent securely via electronic referral systems, fax, or email. Contact details are available on our Referrers page.

Medicare-eligible GP referrals are typically valid for 12 months unless otherwise specified.

Yes. We accept referrals from other specialists and healthcare providers.

Yes. With your consent, we provide timely correspondence to your referring doctor to support continuity of care.

Yes. A referral from your GP or another referring doctor is required to see a Heide Clinic gynaecologist. Once your referral is received it is reviewed and triaged so you are booked into the most appropriate appointment type and timeframe, and our reception team will then contact you directly to arrange your appointment.

Our gynaecologists provide consultations and ongoing care for a wide range of conditions, including endometriosis (including complex endometriosis involving the bowel or bladder), persistent pelvic pain, adenomyosis, abnormal uterine bleeding, polycystic ovarian syndrome, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, menopause and perimenopause, and vulval dermatology.

If you are unsure whether your concern is something we can help with, please contact reception.

Minimally invasive surgery describes techniques such as laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, hysteroscopy and robotic surgery, where operations are performed through small incisions using a camera and fine instruments rather than one large incision.

Two of our gynaecologists are AGES accredited minimally invasive surgeons. Your specialist will discuss whether this approach is suitable for your circumstances.

No. You can book directly with our administration team to see a Heide Clinic general practitioner. A referral is only required for appointments with our gynaecologists.

Our GP provides specialised women's, sexual and reproductive health care. This includes routine screening such as cervical screening tests and breast examinations, sexual health screening, contraception and family planning, pre-pregnancy counselling and early pregnancy care, management of menstrual disorders, collaborative care for persistent pelvic pain, menopause management, vulval skin care, weight management and complex care coordination.

No. Our GP provides specialised women's, sexual and reproductive health care, and does not act as your ongoing general practitioner.

We encourage you to maintain a relationship with your regular GP for general medical care, including chronic health conditions, preventative health, prescriptions and non-gynaecological concerns. Where appropriate, our GP will communicate with your usual GP and work collaboratively to ensure your care is coordinated.

If you do not currently have a regular GP, we recommend establishing care with one for your broader health needs.

Yes. Contraception and family planning, and menopause management, are both part of the care our women's health GP provides.

Intrauterine device (IUD) insertion and removal, and contraceptive implant insertion, are performed in the rooms by our gynaecologists.

Yes. Medical termination of pregnancy is available at Heide Clinic through our women's health GP.

A medical termination involves prescribed medication rather than a surgical procedure. Your GP will talk through your options, what the process involves, and what to expect, so you can make an informed decision.

You do not need a referral to see our GP. Please contact our reception team to arrange an appointment.

No. You can book directly with our administration team to see the Heide Clinic pelvic health physiotherapist.

Our pelvic health physiotherapist provides assessment, treatment and rehabilitation for pelvic pain, painful sexual intercourse, incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pregnancy-related discomfort and post-operative recovery.

Treatment plans are personalised and may include manual therapy, exercise programs and education.

Your first appointment begins with a conversation about your symptoms, your history, and what you would like to get out of treatment. Any assessment is explained to you beforehand and only proceeds with your consent. You will leave with a treatment plan tailored to your goals.

No. You can book directly with our administration team to see the Heide Clinic dietitian.

Yes. Our dietitian provides assessment, education and evidence-based nutrition support for fertility and preconception health, PCOS, endometriosis, gastrointestinal symptoms, pregnancy nutrition, gestational diabetes, weight management, menopause and general wellbeing.

The focus is on practical, individualised strategies that fit your life.

Yes. Nutrition care at Heide Clinic is provided by an Accredited Practising Dietitian.

Our clinical nurse specialist provides holistic nursing support for people experiencing persistent pelvic pain, endometriosis and complex gynaecological symptoms.

Consultations involve a thorough assessment of symptoms, previous investigations, treatment history and individual goals, with a strong focus on education and multidisciplinary support.

Nursing support may include care coordination, investigation review, multidisciplinary planning, and connection with trusted allied health and specialist providers including pelvic floor physiotherapists, pain specialists, dietitians and psychologists.

Please contact our reception team to discuss whether nursing support is appropriate for you.

Pain science education helps you understand how pain works within the body and the many factors that can influence symptoms, function and overall wellbeing.

Understanding why pain persists can be an important step in improving quality of life and feeling more confident managing your health, alongside other treatment.

Some procedures are performed in the rooms at Heide Clinic, including intrauterine device (IUD) insertion and removal, contraceptive implant insertion, colposcopy and awake hysteroscopy.

Other procedures, including laparoscopic and robotic surgery, are arranged through accredited hospitals. Your doctor will discuss the most appropriate setting for your care.

An abnormal cervical screening result does not mean you have cancer. It usually means changes have been detected that need a closer look, and the next step is often a colposcopy.

Cervical screening, colposcopy and the management of cervical abnormalities are all provided at Heide Clinic. Your doctor will explain your result and what it means for you.

A colposcopy is an examination of the cervix using a colposcope, a magnifying instrument that allows your doctor to look closely at the cervix. It is usually recommended after an abnormal cervical screening result, and a small tissue sample (biopsy) is sometimes taken at the same time.

Colposcopy is performed in the rooms at Heide Clinic.

Yes. Awake hysteroscopy is performed in the rooms at Heide Clinic, meaning the procedure can be done as an outpatient without a general anaesthetic.

Hysteroscopy is an examination of the inside of the uterus using a thin camera. Whether an awake procedure or a general anaesthetic is more appropriate depends on the reason for the procedure and your individual circumstances, and your specialist will discuss this with you.