Rheumatology

We care for patients who have disorders affecting their joints, muscles, bones and ligaments. Our Rheumatology Department provides specialist services to Redcliffe and the surrounding area as well as Toowoomba, Sunshine Coast and the Wide Bay region.

Our services

We provide a range of diagnostic and treatment services to people suffering acute and chronic musculoskeletal disease including arthritis and autoimmune diseases. Arthritis mainly affects the joints while other musculoskeletal conditions can also affect the joints, bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Autoimmune diseases also commonly affect the musculoskeletal system but many of the conditions rheumatologists treat may affect the rest of the body, including eyes, skin, internal organs and the nervous system. Treatments include:

• medication tablets and injections
• local corticosteroid injections
• advice to GPs, other specialists and allied health professionals  on arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions.

Please note, rheumatologists do not perform surgical procedures.

When will my appointment be?

Your confirmation letter, email or text message will tell you when your appointment will be.

Please allow at least two hours for your appointment. You may need to allow time for additional tests or treatments before or after your appointment.

We apologise if your appointment is delayed or running late. Our doctors and specialists can sometimes be called away urgently to other hospital departments. This applies if your appointment is in the hospital, by phone, or virtually (telehealth video call).

What do I do when I arrive for my appointment?

If your appointment is at the hospital you will be able to check into your appointment using the self-service Kiosks.

You will need to scan the barcode on your appointment confirmation letter, or swipe your Medicare card if you don’t have your letter with you.

Volunteers or staff will be available to help you check in at the Kiosk if needed.

If your personal details have changed, for example your phone number, address, Medicare card, or GP, you will need to present to the clinics reception counter so that staff can update your details on the hospital system.

What do I do after my appointment?

Please present to the clinic reception counter after your appointment to check out, this includes if it was your last appointment at the hospital.

All patients are required to go to reception prior to leaving as you may be required to sign a Medicare bulk billing form (where applicable). Staff will also need to confirm that your details are accurate on the hospital system. In some instances, staff may be able to book your next appointment with you while you are at the counter.

If you need to wait in line, please remember physical distancing is important.

How do phone and virtual (telehealth video call) appointments work?

If you have a phone appointment your clinician will contact you on the phone number you provided to the hospital. If your phone number has changed please call us to update your details before your appointment.

If you have a virtual (telehealth video call) appointment you will receive additional information from us that will explain how to attend your virtual appointment

How to access this service

GP or medical practitioner referral

To access this service, your GP or medical practitioner will need to send a referral letter to the hospital.

Once your referral has been assessed, you will receive a confirmation letter with your category on the waiting list. You will later receive an appointment-booking letter or we will contact you to arrange a suitable time for your appointment. Wait times will vary at our outpatient clinics with urgent appointments seen as soon as possible.

Inpatient referral

We also accept inpatient referrals (urgent only) from the hospital.

Appointment times

Rheumatology clinics at Redcliffe Hospital are open during the following times:

• Main Building—Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings
• North Block—Friday mornings

After your hospital appointment

You may be advised that you require further treatment such as physiotherapy, other allied health professional support or medication either prescribed or over the counter. You will be told at the visit if you need to book a follow up appointment.

What to bring

Clinics