Australian Capital Territory, Australia

info@arthritisact.org.au

Rheumatology

When should you see a Rheumatologist?

If you have muscle or joint symptoms that are causing you problems consult your General Practitioner who will decide if your symptoms require assessment by a Rheumatologist. A Rheumatologist is a specialist physician who has expertise in diagnosing and treating arthritis, other musculoskeletal conditions and autoimmune diseases. Sometimes called ‘rheumatic diseases’.

Arthritis mainly affects the joints while other musculoskeletal conditions can affect the joints, bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments, skin, eyes, internal organs and the nervous system.

A referral letter from a GP or specialist is required to see a Rheumatologist.

Some of the more common diseases and conditions rheumatologists treat are:

Joint diseasesosteoarthritis, gout, spinal problems
Muscle and tendonsfibromyalgia, polymyalgia rheumatica
Bone diseasesosteoporosis, Paget’s disease
Autoimmune diseasesrheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus, scleroderma
Connective tissue diseaseshypermobility spectrum disorders, Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome

Your GP or referring specialist will advise you whether your referral is urgent or non- urgent. There is a set of criteria that helps them decide on the urgency of your referral.


Adult Rheumatology Services in the ACT

PUBLIC

Canberra Health Services – Department of Rheumatology (Canberra Hospital) – must be referred by GP or specialist, services are bulk-billed direct to Medicare.

  • Urgent referrals: if your GP feels you need immediate assessment and treatment they will contact the on-call rheumatology register at Canberra Hospital and then may send you to the Emergency Department at The Canberra Hospital.
  • Non-urgent referrals: are sent via email (eReferral) by the GP or specialist directly to the department. The eReferral is then triaged according to urgency from 1-3 (e.g. Category 1 seen first). The rheumatology department will contact you with an appointment.

Three clinics are held: Biologic Clinic, Early Arthritis Clinic, General Rheumatology Clinic


PRIVATE

Private rheumatology services accept urgent and non-urgent referrals. Your GP or specialist must email/ fax/ post a referral letter directly to the practice before an appointment can be made. The practice will triage your referral and contact you with an appointment time. Fees apply.

Canberra Medical Specialists

Rheumatologists: Dr Chandi Perera* and Dr Kokum Dissanayake

Telephone number: (02) 5134 5998

Address: Suite 4, 6 Phipps Close, Deakin ACT 2600

*Dr Chandi Perera is the also the Head of Canberra Health Services, Rheumatology Dept.


Rheumatology ACT (currently not taking new patients)

Rheumatologists:

Dr MorrisroeDr Kenneth KhooDr Pentony
Dr Suren JayaweeraDr Ted TsaiDr Schweta Kumar *

Telephone number: (02) 6260 3796

Address: Level 1, 1 Bowes Place, Woden ACT 2606 Referrals to: email referrals@rheumatologyact.com.au or PO Box 88, Woden ACT 2606  or by Fax: (02) 6260 3402


Equinox Specialist Centre

Rheumatologist: Dr Ling San Wong

Telephone number: (02) 6269 2455

Address: Located at- Equinox 2, 24/70 Kent Street, Deakin ACT 2600. See patients over 15yrs of age.


Canberra Rheumatology not taking new patients.

Alternatively, you can see a rheumatologist in Sydney. To find a rheumatologist in Sydney go to the Australian Rheumatology Association website at www.rheumatology.org.au


Paediatric Rheumatologists in the ACT

Currently, there are no Paediatric Rheumatology services available in the ACT. To access Paediatric Rheumatology services please see information below on Sydney services that are available.


Paediatric Rheumatologists

There is now a visiting rheumatologist service to the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children. Enquires can be made through Canberra Health Services

PUBLIC- Sydney

Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick Rheumatology Dept

Rheumatologists: Dr Jeff Chaitow and Assoc Prof Davinder Singh-Grewal

Telephone number: (02) 9382 1597

*GP or specialist referral letter to specialist by name, faxed to (02)9382 1580. Weekly clinics alternate Weds and Thurs.


Rheumatology Department at Westmead Children’s Hospital

Telephone number: (02) 9845 2525

Rheumatologist: Dr Jeff Chaitow (fortnightly on Thurs) and Assoc Prof Davinder Singh-Grewal (every Friday) at the Paediatric Rheumatology Outpatient and Bandaged Bear Clinics. GP or specialist referral letter to specialist by name, faxed to (02) 9845 0566.


PRIVATE – Sydney only (contact the private rooms directly)

Rheumatologist: Dr Jeffery Chaitow

Telephone number: (02) 9487 3611

Fax: (02) 9487 3735

Email: reception@jeffchaitowpractice.com.au

Wahroong Specialist Centre

Suite 6, 176 Fox Valley Road

Monday, Wednesday, Friday   9.30 – 17.00

Norwest Medical Centre

Suite 101, level 1, 9 Norbrik Drive, Bella Vista

Tuesday & Friday   9.30 – 17.00


Rheumatologist: Assoc Prof Davinder Singh- Grewal

Telephone number: (02) 8212 4123

Fax: (02) 8212 4126

Email: www.paediatricrheumatology.com

Suite 9, Level 1 Children’s Hospital Medical Centre

Hainsworth St, Westmead, NSW 2145

Suite 202, Level 2

66 High St, Randwick, NSW 2031