Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I need a referral for an outpatient appointment?

Mr. Dodd is fee assured with all major insurers. In order to start your treament referral will need to be made by your GP or through the referral pathways recognised by your insurance company. Often this is following advice from your physio or treating allied health proffesional.

For self funding patients an appropriate referral from your GP, sports Physician or Physio is required by the time of the apppointment and we can guide you on how to organise this at the time of your enquiry.

Q. What are the complications commonly associated with my operation?

Mr. Dodd will discuss the details of your operation with you at the time of booking the procedure. At this time he will run through the most common and the more serious complicaitons that are associated with the operation so that you are fully informed and aware so that you are able to make an informed decision to proceed.

Informed consent forms for each operation can be accessed on each page explaining the different treatments or here:

Hip Arthroscopy

Hip Replacement

Knee arthroscopy

ACL reconstruction

Partial or Total knee replacement

Q. Will I need a pre-assessment?

All patients need to have a discussion with the pre-assessment team to determine if they need further investigation prior the surgery.

Many fit and healthy adults undergoing a day case procedure can have such discussions over the phone without the need for a visit.

If any questions are raised that require further investigation or medical input then attendance at a pre-assessment clinic visit will be required. This happens routinely for joint replacement.

On occasion the pre-assessment identifies medical issues that may require further investigation and this may result in a delay to the surgery.

Q. When will I be admitted for my operation?

The majority of arthroscopic surgery is performed as a day case procedure, however, on occasion the operation is not done until later in the day and may require an overnight stay.

Joint replacement will always require a short stay in hospital but the majority of patients are fit to be discharged home at day 3 or 4 post surgery.

Q. Where do I go on the day of my surgery and when?

The hospital admissions team will inform you of your admission time in the week leading up to your surgery and let you know where to go on the day.

Q. When will Mr. Dodd see me after surgery?

You will have a routine follow up appointment at 6 weeks at the clinic site most convenient to you.

Mr. Dodd will see you on the day after your procedure. However, often as a day case the memory of this discussion can rather vague and is covered again at the 6 week follow up appointment, when he will also discuss any further treatment options and ensure the post-op period has progressed as planned. This is an opportunity to cover any further questions you may have as well as deal with any complications.

Obviously if you are remaing an inpatient for a few days you will be seen throughout your stay.

Q. Will my insurance cover all my costs?

Mr. Dodd is fee assured with all major insurers and there should be no extra costs other than the excess agreements on your policy. 

Q. My question is not answered here.

If you want any further information then please feel free to contact us directly. 

If we haven't given you the answers to your questions here then this book will provide detailed answers to most of the issues you may face throughout your hospital journey.

Going Into Hospital?: A Guide for Patients, Carers and Families

"we're happy to be working with surgeons like Mr Dodd who recognise the importance of guiding patients through their hospital journey and empowering them with the knowledge to make that process less daunting."

Oliver Warren, Author