In a life threatening emergency dial Triple Zero (000)

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Rheumatology Medicine cares for and treats people with problems relating to joints, muscles, bones, and the immune system.

About this service

We offer treatments that help:

  • reduce pain
  • prevent disease progression and joint damage
  • maintain and/or improve joint mobility
  • promote self-management, and
  • assist with managing other existing medical conditions.

Who we care for

We care for adults and children.

We offer these services for free if you have a Medicare Card or an Asylum Seeker Card.

How to access this service

You will need a referral to access our service.

Referrals to the Rheumatology Department can be made by General Practitioners (GPs) and other specialist doctors.

What to expect

Your referral will be sent to us electronically by your GP or specialist doctor

We will review and triage your referral.

Once triaged, you will be put on a waitlist. We will write to you and your referring doctor to confirm this. Your appointment will be booked from the waitlist. Appointments are booked in date order - the longest waiting will be offered an appointment first.

The Central Health Intake team will call you to organise an appointment time. You can also request a letter with your appointment details.

If you have any questions relating to your referral or appointment you can call Central Health Intake on (02) 5124 2415.

What to bring to your appointment

  • Medicare card
  • Any letters or correspondence from your GP
  • Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
  • Medicines you need to take while you are here
  • List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
  • Previous x-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
  • Your child’s personal health record (Blue Book)

Where we’re located

  • Paediatric Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic, Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, Building 11, Level 1, Canberra Hospital.
  • Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic, Building 3, Level 1 (ground level), Canberra Hospital.

We have directions to Canberra Hospital.

Resources

Arthritis ACT

Australian Rheumatology Association

American College of Rheumatology

Empowered - Arthritis Australia

Information for referrers

Please see Community HealthPathways for detailed referral criteria and information.

Referral options:

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In the case of a life threatening emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).

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Contact us

Switchboard Canberra Hospital
(02) 5124 0000

International callers
+61 (2) 5124 0000

Switchboard North Canberra Hospital
(02) 6201 6111

International callers
+61 (2) 6201 6111

Switchboard other hospitals and services
(02) 5124 0000

International callers
+61 (2) 5124 0000

The switchboard handles all calls to, from and within the hospital 24 hours/seven days a week