Having an operation or procedure with Mr Ling?
PRE-OPERATIVE INFORMATION
Frequently asked questions
Where does Mr Ling perform his procedures?
Mr Ling operates at Epworth Richmond (Endovascular and major and minor surgical procedures) Northpark Private (minor surgical procedures), and Warringal Private (endovascular procedures).
What should I bring with me to the hospital?
Please bring with you:
1) Your current medication list including their dosages. If you do not have a list you can obtain one from your GP or pharmacist. You can also bring in your actual medications if you do not have a list.
2) Personal belongings - toiletries, night gown, slippers, hearing aids, orthodontics, physical mobility aids, CPAP machine etc.
3) Please organise for someone to drive you home upon discharge, as you cannot drive for at least 24 hours after sedation or general anaesthesia. If you live alone please arrange to stay with someone on discharge.
I have private insurance. Will I be out of pocket for my operation?
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Your excess - this is what you agreed to with your insurance fund when you started your policy. Note that some funds do not charge an excess for day stay procedures - Mr Ling's varicose vein procedures are day stay - please clarify this with your fund. -
Mr Ling's gap fee - some procedures will have a gap fee. Informed consent will always be provided to you prior to your procedure. -
The anaesthetist's gap fee - some anaesthetists may charge a gap fee. Their contact details are provided to you so you are fully informed prior to your procedure.
Do I have to fill in pre-admission paperwork?
Yes. When you see Mr Ling and a procedure is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation letter that details your admission details, fasting instructions and your anaesthetist's contact details. Please submit your paperwork at your earliest convenience.
Pre-admission paperwork can either be filled in:
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By hand - the admission booklet will be provided to you at your consultation. Please fill this in and send it in the reply-paid envelope to the hospital. -
By online submission - see above.
When do I stop eating and drinking prior to a procedure?
Procedures done in the clinic (varicose veins) do not require fasting.
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FOOD: You cannot eat any food for 6 hours prior to an anaesthetic (sedation or general anaesthetic). -
DRINK: However, you can have clear fluids until 2 hours prior to an anaesthetic. Clear fluids includes water, juice, cordial, soft drinks, black tea or black coffee - not milk. The time that you can have clear fluids up until is stated on your operation confirmation letter.
Which medications should I stop taking?
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Aspirin - do not stop taking this -
Clopidogrel (Iscover, Plavix) - clarify with Mr Ling -
Other blood thinners - eg Warfarin/Coumadin/Marevan, Apixaban (Eliquis), Dabigatran (Pradaxa), Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) - clarify with Mr Ling -
Diabetic medications -
Please inform the nurse on admission that you are diabetic so he/she can check your blood sugar levels. -
Diabetic tablets - you can continue this on the day prior to surgery. You can omit taking these tablets on the morning of surgery irrespective of whether you are on the morning or afternoon list. -
Insulin - this requires individualised advice. Please contact Mr Ling if not already discussed. -
You can recommence all diabetic medications when you are able to eat and drink normally.
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Can a relative or friend accompany me prior to the procedure?
Yes. Your relative can accompany you and even wait by your side in the 'holding bay'. They will have to leave you once you are being taken in to the operating theatre. The nurse will be able to tell them which ward you will be going to if applicable, to meet you afterwards.
When will I be discharged?
Can I have a private room?
Unfortunately this is not a decision made by Mr Ling. Requests can be put into the nurse in charge of the ward. Often there are medical reasons for single rooms eg infection control, noise from medical equipment etc
Where can I find out information about the hospital eg parking, visiting hours etc?
Go to the "contact page" on this website and there will be a link to the relevant information.
Can I continue taking my blood thinners?
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Aspirin/Cardiprin/Cartia/Aspro/Disprin/Solprin/Asasantin
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Danaparoid (Orgaran) -
Warfarin (Coumadin, Marevan) -
Dabigatran (Pradaxa) -
Tirofiban (Aggrastat) -
Enoxaparin (Clexane) -
Heparin (Abciximab, ReoPro) -
Apixaban (Eliquis) -
Clopidogrel (Plavix, Iscover, Coplavix) -
Fondaparinux (Arixtra) -
Prasugrel (Effient) -
Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) -
Ticagrelor (Brilinta)
I'm a diabetic - should I take my medications?
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Dapagliflozin (Forxig) -
Empagliflozi + Metformin (Jardiamet, Synjardy) -
Empagliflozin (Jardiance) -
Empaglifozin + Linagliptin (Glyxambi) -
Danagliflozin + Metformin (Xigduo) -
Dapagliflozin + Saxagliptin (Qtern)