Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to some of our most common questions
Please note the information on this website is for patient education and is not exhaustive. We recommend you consult Dr Thevathasan regarding any specific questions or concerns you might have regarding your pregnancy and gynaecological issues.
FAQs
1How long have you been in private practice?
Dr Christine Thevathasan has been in private practice since 1998.
2Where did Dr Thevathasan graduate?
Dr Christine Thevathasan graduated from Monash University with Honours in 1986, and received her Obstetrics & Gynaecology qualifications from the Australian College in 1997.
3Which are the hospitals Dr Thevathasan deals with?
Dr Thevathasan has theatre lists at Cabrini hospital, Malvern and Brighton and at Masada. Babies are delivered at Cabrini, with a few deliveries at Waverley Private Hospital.
Dr Thevathasan has a public gynaecology surgery list at Sandringham Hospital once a month.
Dr Thevathasan has a public gynaecology surgery list at Sandringham Hospital once a month.
4What are your office hours?
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
5Why do I need a referral?
There are 2 reasons you need a referral:
One is to enable your GP to communicate what has happened and any results. The second is so that you can access the specialist rebate from Medicare; without a referral the rebate is much lower.
One is to enable your GP to communicate what has happened and any results. The second is so that you can access the specialist rebate from Medicare; without a referral the rebate is much lower.
6How long does a referral last?
A referral from a GP is valid for 12 months from when it is first used.
One from a specialist is only valid for 3 months.
There are very few conditions in gynaecology for which an indefinite referral is appropriate.
One from a specialist is only valid for 3 months.
There are very few conditions in gynaecology for which an indefinite referral is appropriate.
7Should I be driving after a colposcopy?
For most women, colposcopies are managed with no difficulty.
Some women have a reaction to it, however, and feel faint afterwards. This usually passes in a short time, and almost all women can drive after it.
Some women have a reaction to it, however, and feel faint afterwards. This usually passes in a short time, and almost all women can drive after it.
8Should I drive after an operation/Caesearean?
- After abdominal surgery (hysterectomy and Caesareans), you are not safe to drive for 4-6 weeks
- After vaginal surgery, the time period is shorter (3 weeks or so)
- After laparoscopic surgery, you shouldn’t drive until your abdomen has stopped feeling tender
- After other day case surgery, you should be ready to drive on the day after UNLESS you are still feeling a bit drowsy
9Does Dr Thevathasan gap cover?
Gap Cover will apply in some instances only. Depending on your health fund, there will be a small out of pocket fee.
10When should I begin contraception after delivery?
For most couples, we can delay discussing and starting contraception until you are seen at your 6-week check.
If you are not breastfeeding and plan to resume sexual intercourse before this visit, you should start it earlier.
If you are not breastfeeding and plan to resume sexual intercourse before this visit, you should start it earlier.
11Who makes the hospital bookings?
With regards to obstetric hospital bookings we will make your hospital booking at the time we schedule your first antenatal appointment with Dr Thevathasan.
For surgical bookings we will advise the hospital of your relevant surgery details and you will be given paperwork from the hospital to complete and return to the hospital
For surgical bookings we will advise the hospital of your relevant surgery details and you will be given paperwork from the hospital to complete and return to the hospital
12Do you send pap smear reminders?
Pap smear reminders are now sent out by the federal Register. They will send you a letter 3 months before the test is due, so you can schedule it in at your convenience.
13What areas of gynaecology does Dr Christine Thevathasan not do?
While Dr Christine Thevathasan provides a wide range of gynaecological care, for some areas you may be better referred to another specialist; this may be because of greater expertise, or sub-specialisation requirements:
- urinary problems diagnosed cancers
- IVF
- advanced / severe endometriosis