Our experienced consultants treat all adult musculoskeletal diseases and systemic autoimmune conditions.
How We Can Help
Our Services
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common condition caused by an immune attack on the lining of joints, resulting in joint inflammation. Typical joints involved include the hands, wrists and feet, and symptoms may include joint pain, swelling and stiffness, particularly after periods of rest.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) results from an immune attack on the joints, in individuals who also suffer from psoriasis. PsA can take several forms and can affect most joints in the body, in addition to the spine and tendon insertions. Symptoms include pain, swelling and stiffness, particularly after periods of rest.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis involving degradation of the cartilage overlying the bone within joints. It can affect both the spine and peripheral joints. Osteoarthritis can be caused by genetic inheritance and mechanical factors. Symptoms from OA include joint pain and swelling, typically after periods of activity.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an immune condition causing inflammation in the spine and ligaments. The condition typically starts in adolescence and early adulthood, with pain and stiffness in the lower back and upper buttocks, most marked on waking. It can also involve other areas of the spine, in addition to peripheral joints, and tendon insertions.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common condition that typically affects older individuals. It is caused by an immune attack on the shoulder and pelvic girdles, resulting in inflammation. Symptoms comprise pain and stiffness in the shoulders/neck and pelvis/lower back, most marked at night and on waking, with improvement noted after activity. PMR can also be associated with other conditions, including giant cell (temporal) arteritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
To make a new patient booking, you will need a valid referral from your General Practitioner, or another medical Specialist. If you are an existing patient, you must ensure that your referral is valid at the time of your appointment, in order to be eligible for the Medicare rebate.
Step by Step
New Patient Process
About Us
Your Partner in Rheumatic Health
We provide comprehensive individualised care for all adult rheumatic conditions. Our rheumatologists are members of the Australian Rheumatology Association, and the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
Frequently Asked Questions
We will endeavour to review your referral and update on your appointment within 3-5 business days.
A schedule of fees, including Medicare rebates, will be provided with your new patient information email.
As an outpatient speciality, your rebate will be processed through Medicare. Private health insurance does not contribute to your rebate.
We are an adult rheumatology service and will see patients referred over the age of 16.
Generalised hypermobility disorders do not respond to antirheumatic treatments and are primarily treated by physiotherapists. Our rheumatology practice does not provide a specific assessment and treatment advice for these disorders.
We do not routinely provide patient copies of blood test results. Your rheumatologist will discuss the results of your blood tests and imaging reports during your appointment.
If a test result requires specific action in between appointments, your doctor will contact you directly. If no action is required, the results will be discussed at your next appointment.
A valid referral is required to obtain a Medicare rebate for your visit. Referrals from General Practitioners are valid for twelve months. Specialist referrals are valid for three months.
Your referring doctor will typically receive an encrypted electronic copy of your clinic letter on the day of your appointment.
Standard referrals from your General Practitioner are valid for 12 months from the time of your appointment, after the referral was written.
Specialist referrals are only valid for 3 months.
It is the responsibility of the patient to ensure that the referral is active. Please ask our reception staff if you require a new referral when you make a booking. If you are unsure about the status of your referral, please contact us prior to your appointment.
Our practice does accept indefinite referrals from your General Practitioner. To be valid for ongoing Medicare rebates, the word “indefinite” must be written on the referral.
Ongoing blood test forms with a “Rule 3 exemption” are valid for up to six repeat tests, over a period of 12 months from the date of issue.
Most providers keep the form at the collection centre, and you can return at the recommended interval without a new form.
If you have misplaced your pathology form, and it is not being held on file at the pathology collection centre, please contact us to arrange a replacement form.
Your rheumatologist will provide sufficient repeats of all prescribed medications to last until your next scheduled appointment. If you cannot locate your prescription repeats, please contact your pharmacy in the first instance, to ensure that they are not being held on file. If you receive electronic scripts, we recommended searching for ‘escripts’ in your mobile phone messages.
If you have lost your prescription, please contact us to arrange a replacement.
A script replacement fee will be to be added to the cost of your next appointment.
Most standard anti-rheumatic medications, including Methotrexate, Leflunomide, Sulfasalazine and Hydroxychloroquine, will start to work over 2-3 months from the commencement date. Your rheumatologist will provide additional treatment for interim relief of symptoms, if required.
If you are concerned that you are developing an adverse reaction to medication, other than minor/early side-effects discussed at your appointment, please contact us.
Due to the number of bookings our practice makes in advance, it is not possible to book or change your appointment online. If you need to make or change an appointment booking, please contact us.
Your rheumatologist will indicate the recommended interval between blood tests, where they are necessary to monitor disease activity or the safety of your antirheumatic treatment.
If you are on restricted/biological therapy, an updated blood test is typically required just before your appointment (usually 1-2 weeks prior). This is necessary for your rheumatologist to apply to Medicare for an ongoing authority prescription.
Have you lost your script?
If you cannot locate your script, please check with your pharmacist in case they have it on file. We also recommend searching in your mobile phone messages for ‘escript’.
If your script has been lost, please contact us, and provide details of the prescription required, and your treating rheumatologist.
Contact Us
Where We Are
Hollywood Rheumatology is located in Suite 41 at the Hollywood Medical Centre, 85 Monash Avenue, Nedlands. Proceed to the second floor of the medical centre, via the elevator, and turn right around the corner.
Entrance to the Hollywood Medical Centre is through Gate 5, opposite Clifton Street. Pay parking is available in the multi-level car park at the rear of the building. The cost of parking is $3.60 per hour. Please allow additional time for parking as the car parks can be very busy.
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Address:
Level 2 Suite 41/85 Monash Ave,
Nedlands, WA, 6009