Information for patients

In the weeks before your surgery, you will receive specific instructions tailored to your procedure. The general points below apply to most shoulder operations.

• Pre-admission appointment. Lakeview Private Hospital will arrange a pre-admission appointment to confirm your medical history, check your medications, and run any necessary tests (blood tests, ECG).
• Medications. Some medications need to be stopped before surgery, particularly blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, clopidogrel) and some anti-inflammatories. Dr Piper or the pre-admission team will give you specific guidance.
• Smoking and alcohol. Stopping smoking and reducing alcohol in the weeks before surgery improves healing and reduces complications.
• Fasting. Nil by mouth from midnight before the day of surgery, unless otherwise instructed. Sips of water for medications are usually permitted.
• Sling and equipment. For most shoulder operations a sling will be fitted at the end of the procedure. You may want to organise help at home and think about clothing that is easy to put on with one arm (button-up shirts, loose tops).
• Driving and work. You will not be able to drive immediately after surgery. Plan a ride home and arrange time off work in line with the procedure. See the driving note below for the rules on returning to driving.
• Insurance and claims. Confirm your private health fund cover and any relevant workers-compensation or third-party claim approvals before the day of surgery.

Recovery is procedure-specific, but the early weeks share a few common principles for most shoulder operations.

• Pain control. Take regular pain relief in the first few days to stay ahead of the pain. The combination of paracetamol, an anti-inflammatory (if appropriate), and a stronger analgesic at night usually works well. Reduce as the pain settles.
• Sling use. Shoulder operations require a sling for between two and six weeks depending on the procedure. Wear it as instructed during the day, and at night for the first two to four weeks.
• Wound care. Keep the dressings dry until the wound has sealed. Follow the specific instructions given on discharge for showering and dressing changes.
• Sleep. A semi-reclined position with the affected shoulder supported by pillows is usually most comfortable for the first few weeks. A recliner chair is a good option if available.
• Physiotherapy. The early exercises are usually passive (the shoulder is moved without using its own muscles). Active and resistance exercises are introduced later, in line with the operation. Your physiotherapist will work to a protocol Dr Piper provides.
• Driving, work, and sport. Specific timelines depend on the operation and your occupation. As a general guide, light office work is possible from one to four weeks, driving from four to six weeks, manual work from three to six months, and sport from three to nine months.

Most consultations attract a Medicare rebate when a current GP or specialist referral is provided. Procedures done at Lakeview Private Hospital are usually covered by private health funds with appropriate hospital cover. There may be out-of-pocket gaps, which reception can quote in advance.

Workers compensation and CTP (third-party) patients are accepted with insurer-approved details. The practice will liaise directly with the insurer for treatment authorisation. Bring the claim number, insurer details, and any case-manager contact information to your first appointment.

For surgery, the hospital provides a separate quote for the hospital fees. The anaesthetist and assistant surgeon, where relevant, will provide separate quotes for their services.