Samuel Duff - Logo Crema

Orthopaedic Surgery FAQs

This FAQ section answers common questions about seeing Dr. Samuel Duff for orthopaedic care – including referrals, appointments, insurance, costs, hospital options, and what to expect during visits.

Hip replacement - Orthopaedic Surgery FAQs
FAQs

Our most common Questions

You’ll find clear answers to help you better understand your options, costs, and what to expect before and after surgery.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Duff?

Yes, to be eligible for a Medicare rebate, you must have a valid referral from a GP or specialist.

This also applies if you’re planning private surgery and want to claim from your private health insurance.

Tip: Make sure your referral is current before every appointment to ensure rebate eligibility.

  • Privately insured patients: Call (08) 6150 8379 to book at Hollywood Consulting Centre.
  • Referred patients: If your GP or specialist has sent a referral, we’ll contact you within 2–3 business days.
  • Uninsured patients: Ask your GP to refer you to Sir Charles Gairdner or Osborne Park Hospital through the public system.

(Fees as of July 1, 2024)

Appointment Type

Standard Fee

Concession

Medicare Rebate

Initial / New Problem

$250

$200

$84.15

Follow-Up

$150

$100

$42.30

  • Telehealth is billed at concession rates (video required for Medicare rebate).
  • Phone-only consults are not eligible for rebates.

Dr. Duff performs surgery at both private and public hospitals in the WA region, depending on your insurance status:

Private Hospitals – for patients with private health insurance or self-funding:

  • Hollywood Private Hospital
  • St John of God Hospital, Subiaco


Dr. Duff offers anterior hip replacements and robotic knee replacement procedures at both facilities.

Public Hospitals – for eligible patients referred through the public system:

  • Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital
  • Osborne Park Hospital


If you do not have private health insurance, ask your GP to refer you through the Central Referral Service for access to these public facilities.

  • Initial consultation: ~30 minutes
  • Follow-up: ~15 minutes
    Timing varies based on complexity.

To be seen in private rooms, you must have:

  • Private health insurance with hospital cover
  • The ability to self-fund potential surgery.


If not, ask your GP to refer you through the public system (via CRS).

Dr. Duff’s private clinic cannot accept public patients directly.

With eligible private health insurance:

  • ‘Known gap’ capped at $500
  • ‘No gap’ depending on insurer agreement.


Other hospital-related costs include:

  • Anaesthetist fees
  • Hospital excess
  • Radiology & pharmacy charges


We’ll provide your quote and anaesthetist contact. Confirm your cover with your insurer using item numbers we supply.

Estimated self-funded surgery costs at private hospitals:

ProcedureApproximate Total Cost
Hip or Knee Replacement$25,000 – $35,000
ACL Reconstruction$8,000 – $15,000
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery$5,000 – $8,000

These include all major costs (surgeon, anaesthetist, assistant, hospital, prosthetics, imaging, etc.).

Use the Medical Costs Finder to explore average costs in Australia.

Your insurer’s documentation includes a list of covered treatment categories (Gold/Silver/Bronze tiers).

Once your surgery is confirmed, we’ll give you item numbers so you can check directly with your insurer if it’s covered.

View hospital insurance tiers

  • Patient parking is available in the basement of our building.
  • Cost: $3.60/hour
  • Take the lift to Level 4 to reach our rooms.

Please wear loose, comfortable clothing.

You may be asked to perform basic movements during your exam. Avoid skirts unless only your foot or knee is being examined.

Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help. Book your appointment with Dr. Samuel Duff to get clear answers and expert orthopaedic care in Australia.

For further information or to schedule an appointment, please contact our reception team at (08) 6150 8379 or through the Request an Appointment page.

Your surgery Experience

Dr. Duff operates across Perth’s leading private and public hospitals. From pre-operative planning to rehabilitation, each phase of your care is carefully coordinated.