Our friendly reception staff will provide detailed information on the costs for both initial and follow-up consultations when booking your appointment.

• Payment is required on the day of your appointment.

• We accept cash and credit card payments (excluding American Express).

We aim to make the process as smooth as possible and will assist with any questions regarding Medicare rebates.

Our team will discuss your imaging needs when your appointment is booked. However, as a general guide:

• If you are being treated for a fracture, follow-up x-rays are often necessary to monitor healing

• For Osteoarthritis, an x-ray is often necessary to monitor the advancement of the arthritis

• A CT scan will be recommended for pre-planning for Joint Replacement surgery.

• For shoulder conditions (excluding arthritis), an MRI scan is typically required before your appointment

Once Dr Luke Miller or Dr Natasha van Zyl has recommended surgery, our administrative team will prepare a detailed quote outlining the total surgical costs, including any out-of-pocket expenses you may incur.

Unfortunately, Medicare and private health insurance rebates have not kept pace with the rising costs of providing specialist medical care. As a result, it is necessary for us to charge a fee above the Medicare and private health insurer rebate. This additional cost is known as a ‘gap’.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) provides an annually indexed schedule of recommended fees for medical specialists, based on the cost of running a practice and general living expenses. There is often a substantial gap between these recommended AMA fees and the rebates provided by Medicare and private health insurers.

To continue delivering high-quality care and maintaining a sustainable practice, we are required to charge a gap fee.

• Medicare and Private Health Funds will cover a portion of the surgical fee.

• Any difference between this rebate and the total surgical fee is referred to as your out-of-pocket cost or gap payment.

Downs Anaesthetics Toowoomba services are billed separately to the surgeon’s fee.  You will receive a separate invoice from the anaesthetic provider. There may be an out-of-pocket expense for this component of your care.

We recommend contacting the anaesthetic provider directly for a cost estimate prior to surgery. 

Downs Anaesthetic Practice

07 4638 5711

Most procedures will require a surgical assistant. The assistant’s fee is calculated based on the estimated surgical fee and is billed separately.  While we try to keep this fee at a minimum, you may also have a gap fee to pay on the assistant account.

Your private health insurer will cover your hospital expenses in accordance with your individual policy, including any applicable excess or co-payment amounts outlined in your cover.

We advise confirming your level of cover with your health fund prior to surgery to avoid any unexpected expenses.

Dr Luke Miller and Dr Natasha van Zyl operate at:

• St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Toowoomba

You will receive a phone call from our team 1–2 days before surgery to confirm:

• Your arrival time at hospital

• Any fasting instructions

The length of your hospital stay will depend on the type of procedure you are having and your individual recovery needs.

• Day Surgery: Many orthopaedic procedures, such as arthroscopies or minor soft tissue surgeries, are performed as day procedures. You will typically be discharged on the same day, once you are safely awake and mobile, with post-operative instructions and follow-up care arranged.

• Overnight Stay: Some procedures may require an overnight stay for observation or pain management. In these cases, patients are usually discharged the following morning, once the clinical team has assessed their mobility, pain levels, and overall recovery.

• Hip and Knee Replacements: If you are undergoing a hip or knee replacement, your hospital stay will generally be longer. Most patients remain in hospital for 1–3 days, depending on individual progress and pain control.

Your surgeon and care team will discuss your expected length of stay during your consultation and keep you informed throughout your recovery journey.

For your safety and wellbeing, you must not drive yourself home after surgery. The effects of anaesthesia, sedation, and pain-relieving medications can impair your coordination, judgment, and reaction times—making it unsafe and illegal to operate a vehicle.

Hospital policy requires that all patients be discharged into the care of a responsible adult. You will need to arrange for a family member, friend, or designated carer to collect you from the hospital and accompany you home.

You are not permitted to leave the hospital unaccompanied or travel home alone in a taxi or rideshare service. This is a strict safety measure to ensure you are appropriately supported in the immediate postoperative period.

Please ensure these arrangements are made in advance of your surgery to avoid delays or complications with your discharge.

For those travelling to Toowoomba for their consultation and surgery there may be travel assistance available.

Please contact the travel assistance office at your local hospital.

Where the service required is not provided at your nearest hospital, the health service will contribute to your travel costs associated with the treatment of your condition.

Please remember your travel forms when you come for your appointment at Pinnacle Orthopaedics.

Everyone experiences pain differently, and orthopaedic surgery can be uncomfortable. Our anaesthetists provide a combination of pain relief options to help keep you as comfortable as possible.

• Ask early: Don’t wait until your pain becomes severe before requesting additional relief.

• At home: Take your pain relief as prescribed. If you require ongoing pain medication after discharge, please contact your General Practitioner.

Keeping the operated limb elevated above the level of your heart helps reduce swelling and discomfort, especially in the first few days after surgery.

Cold therapy helps reduce pain and swelling.

• Always wrap the ice pack in a thin cloth (never apply directly to the skin).

• This is especially important after knee surgery.

• Pinnacle Orthopaedic provides ice sleeves for home use after discharge.

Dr Miller or Dr Van Zyl will advise when it is safe to resume driving. Only drive when you feel confident and able to do so safely.

You must not drive for at least 24 hours after a general anaesthetic.

Recovery times vary depending on your work environment and the type of surgery.

As a general rule, allow at least 72 hours off work after any operation. The Pinnacle team will provide guidance for your specific situation.

Orthopaedic surgery can increase the risk of blood clots (venous thromboembolism, or VTE).

• Dr Miller or Dr Van Zyl will assess your individual risk and recommend prevention strategies.

• For joint replacement surgery, wear thromboembolic stockings for 6 weeks after surgery (as tolerated).

• Keep your dressing clean and dry until your review appointment.

• Avoid soaking the wound in water (baths, pools, spas) until cleared by your surgeon.

• Contact Pinnacle Orthopaedic immediately if you notice redness, discharge, or increased pain at the wound site.

• Follow all physiotherapy and rehabilitation instructions.

• Gentle movement helps prevent stiffness and improves circulation.

• Avoid heavy lifting and high-impact activity until your surgeon confirms it is safe.

Call Pinnacle Orthopaedic or seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

• Fever or chills

• Increasing pain, redness, or swelling at the surgical site

• Uncontrolled bleeding or discharge from the wound

• Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain

• Severe calf pain or swelling

Your post-operative review appointment will be arranged before you leave the hospital. Please attend all scheduled appointments to ensure the best possible recovery.

Physiotherapy and rehabilitation play an important role in your recovery following surgery.

• Before surgery: Pinnacle Orthopaedic Surgery recommends organising your post-operative physiotherapy appointments before the day of surgery to ensure continuity of care.

• After surgery: You are welcome to see your own physiotherapist at any stage following your procedure. During your hospital stay, physiotherapists will usually visit you to assist with early movement and exercises.

• Rehabilitation services: If you require a structured rehabilitation program after discharge, Dr Miller or Dr Van Zyl will discuss this with you during your admission and arrange the necessary referral.