Frequently asked questions

Yes. A current referral letter from a GP or specialist is required for Medicare rebates. GP referrals are typically valid for 12 months; specialist-to-specialist referrals for 3 months.

Routine appointments are usually offered within 1–2 weeks. Urgent problems — such as visible blood in the urine, a new kidney mass, or an infected stone — are triaged and seen sooner. Please let the rooms know if your GP has indicated the referral is urgent.

Choose whichever is most convenient — St Vincent's Darlinghurst, Mater North Sydney, or Bowral. Dr Kooner operates primarily at St Vincent's and the Mater, so patients having surgery are usually reviewed at one of those sites for continuity.

Of course. Many patients prefer to have a partner or family member with them. For complex consultations (for example, review of a cancer diagnosis), we often encourage it.

Telehealth is available for selected follow-up appointments where a physical examination is not essential. First consultations are usually preferred in person. Please ask the rooms what is possible.

Your referral letter, Medicare and private health cards, a list of medications and allergies, any recent imaging (CT/MRI/ultrasound) preferably on disc or a download link, and any pathology reports. See What to Expect for the full checklist.

Each hospital has paid on-site parking:

• St Vincent's Private, Darlinghurst — on-site multi-storey parking, entry from Burton Street.
• Mater Hospital, North Sydney — on-site parking off Rocklands Road.
• Bowral — on-street parking and nearby public car parks.

Public transport options are listed on each hospital's website.

If your GP has arranged imaging, please bring the images (not just the report) — either on a disc or as a download link from the radiology provider. This saves time and often avoids the need for a repeat scan.

Yes. All three consulting locations are fully wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking and lift access where relevant. Please let the rooms know in advance so we can plan.

Consultation fees are confirmed by the rooms when booking. A Medicare rebate applies for eligible consultations. Please phone the rooms on 02 8382 6980 for a current quote.

Private health insurance is not required to see Dr Kooner in rooms. It is strongly recommended if surgery may be needed, as it covers hospital and theatre fees. Uninsured patients are managed individually — please discuss options with the rooms.

Yes. A written quote (Informed Financial Consent) is provided before any procedure, covering the surgeon, assistant, anaesthetist and hospital where possible, with clearly flagged out-of-pocket expenses.

You will be given a contact number for after-hours concerns at the time of discharge. For any severe pain, fever, heavy bleeding, or shortness of breath — attend your nearest emergency department promptly.

Please let the rooms know as early as possible so the slot can be offered to someone else, particularly for urgent referrals.

For medications initially prescribed by Dr Kooner, a short telephone or email check is usually sufficient. Repeat prescriptions for ongoing medication are usually better managed through your GP.