Do I need a referral to see Dr Walkom?

We request that a referral is obtained from your GP and brought with you on the day as this provides Dr Walkom with relevant medical history and required by Medicare Australia in order for you to receive an partial Medicare rebate for the consultation. Please note that a referral from another Specialist will only last 3 months.

For people who are not Medicare eligible referrals are not necessarily needed but it does mean that part of the cost will not be rebatable by the government.

Does Dr Walkom Bulk Bill?

Dr Walkom does not bulk bill and full payment is required at the time of consultation.

What payment facilities are available?

We accept cash, credit card and eftpos. We don’t accept cheques as payment for consultations.

When should I see Dr Walkom for my first pregnancy appointment?

If possible, ideally by 10-12weeks gestation. It is not necessary to have an ultrasound before seeing Dr Walkom unless the appointment is going to be delayed. This consultation includes a bedside ultrasound by Dr Walkom to confirm the pregnancy and gestation and provides a small ‘take home’ picture.

NB: In some instances it is not possible to get an appointment with Dr Walkom by 10-12wks hence we suggest early booking and regular GP visits until your appointment with Dr Walkom. We also ask that antenatal blood tests be performed prior to your appointment with Dr Walkom if agreeable by your general practitioner and have copies of these tests forwarded to Dr Walkom’s office.

Does Dr Walkom deliver private obstetric patients in Taree?

Yes, Dr Walkom does private deliveries for patients in a Health Fund and patients who wish to pay for their delivery that are not in a Health Fund. (This can be discussed in detail by calling the practice)

Public patients can be seen by Dr Walkom on a regular basis if you wish or can be shared with your GP and/or midwives clinic. Generally Dr Walkom likes to see you for the initial visit, soon after the morphological ultrasound at 18-20 weeks and at 34 weeks in uncomplicated pregnancies. For high risk and complicated situations he may need to see you on a more regular basis. All pregnant women who are over 41 weeks gestation should be seen by seen by Dr Walkom as a matter of course.

Does Dr Walkom perform elective caesarian sections?

Yes. This will need to be discussed at your consultation with Dr Walkom prior to your delivery.

Does Dr Walkom encourage breech deliveries? Does he encourage vaginal births after caesarian sections?

Yes. This will depend on circumstances and safety for the mother and baby. Often decisions will not be made until the last 2-3 weeks of pregnancy. External cephalic version (manual turning of the baby) will be done for breech presentation after consultation.

What happens if I don't belong to a private health fund?

Dr Walkom is on a weekly roster at the hospital. Whilst you may see him at the practice, if you elect to be a non-chargeable hospital patient this does not mean he will necessarily be delivering your baby as it depends on the rostered specialist obstetrician on call at the hospital. Please be aware that we are now a teaching hospital involved with the John Hunter at Newcastle University. While in labor ward students, registrars and residents may be involved with your care, including the delivery, if you are a hospital non-chargeable patient.

What happens if I belong to a private health fund?

There may be separate charges and you need to discuss this with Dr Walkom’s secretary if you wish him to be at your delivery.

What happens if Dr Walkom is away on leave at the time of my delivery?

Arrangements depend on whether you are a public or private patient. There is always a specialist on duty at the hospital. Dr Walkom endeavors to find locums for his private patients whilst on leave but sometimes this isn’t possible for 7 days a week. Private patients are encouraged to discuss this with his secretary if there are concerns.

Is Dr Walkom an obstetrician and gynaecologist?

Yes. When obtaining a degree this entails study in both obstetrics and gynaecology. Dr Walkom has been working in Taree since 1986 and prior to this whilst being a registrar (doctor in training) he worked in Auckland, Nottingham and at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney as well as Newcastle Hospital before the John Hunter Hospital was built.

He has regular operating sessions on a weekly basis in both the public and private hospitals in Taree. He has interests in endometriosis surgery. Sling operative procedures for incontinence and operative procedures for infertility problems are also carried out. Endometrial ablation for heavy menstrual loss as well as hysterectomies (both abdominal and vaginal) and vaginal repairs for prolapse are regular operations. Emergency procedures such as laparoscopic pregnancy removals and ovarian cyst removals are done on an emergency basis often.

The gynaecological operations are in addition to caesarian sections and vaginal deliveries. General consultations also include infertility, bladder incontinence, pelvic pain, endometriosis, prolapse, irregular ovulation, abnormal bleeding, and other specific gynaecological issues. Your GP should suggest referral if you have concerns and require specialist help.

Does Dr Walkom always run on time?

Since Dr Walkom covers both obstetrics and gynaecology there are times when he may be doing a delivery or an emergency operative procedure. It is always a good idea to ring before your appointment to see whether there are any delays. He works opposite a major shopping center so you might just choose to have a shop or a cup of coffee if there should be a delay.

Some consultations do take a lot longer than others and we do ask for your patience at times.

Any further questions? Please don't hesitate to ask.

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