Frequently Asked Questions
What days does the clinic run?
The clinic operates Tuesday to Friday, from 9:00am to 12:30pm.
Who can attend?
Our services are available to any female or person assigned female at birth who is experiencing persistent pelvic pain lasting more than 6 months. You do not need to have a diagnosis of endometriosis to access the service.
While there are no strict age limits, our services are intended for individuals who have started menstruating (ie started having periods).
Do I need a referral to access the clinic?
Preferred referral pathways:
Patients can self-refer directly to the program directly through our intake questionnaire: https://novahealthco.snapforms.com.au/form/endometriosis–pelvic-pain-clinic—intake-questionnaire
External GP & Specialists are welcome to provide a referral with relevant information that is helpful to holistic evidence-based care for Endo & Pelvic pain.
All patients will still be required to complete intake form prior to their first appointment.
What does Nova Health Co Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic offer?
- Referral for investigations
- Medication prescribing
- Ultrasound
- Pain education
- Pelvic health physiotherapy
- Nutrition advice and modification
- Psychology services
- Lifestyle counselling
- Group education sessions
- Connection to peer support groups
- Refer and work alongside allied health clinicians and tertiary specialist as required to ensure comprehensive coverage of all aspects of health and wellbeing.
What will my journey with the clinic look like?
1. Intake questionnaire. Complete our EPPC intake questionnaire, and you will receive an email with a link to book your first appointment. An out-of-pocket fee of $100 is required before your first appointment.
2. Initial nurse appointment. You will meet with our clinic nurse who will identify your key concerns and priorities, provide education and resources, and act as a patient support coordinator throughout your care journey.
3. Initial GP appointment. Our GP will explore your symptoms in greater detail and develop a personalised management plan. Any necessary investigations, medications and referrals will be arranged at this stage.
4. 6-week nurse check in. At 6 weeks, our nurse will check in to review your progress and provide ongoing support.
5. 3-month GP follow-up. At 3 months, your GP will review your progress, reassess your management plan, and discuss next steps.
6. 6-month nurse follow-up. A follow-up appointment with your nurse to monitor progress and provide continued support.
7. 9-month nurse follow-up. A further nurse review to assess progress and address any ongoing concerns.
8. 12-month nurse review + discharge. Patients will receive a detailed summary and clinical passport with all relevant clinical information and outcomes to their usual GP at completion of care episode or at 12 months.
What is the cost?
- An initial out-of-pocket fee of $100 is required prior to your first appointment with our clinic nurse.
- All subsequent appointments will be bulk billed.
- Following payment of the initial fee, patients will also have full access to our group education and exercise classes at no additional cost.
Do you prescribe opioids?
Scientific evidence does not support the use of opioid medications for chronic pain. As such we do not prescribe opioids or drugs of dependence. If you are already on these medications, you will need to see your usual provider for your scripts.
What if I can’t get to Wagga for an appointment?*
We offer a range of appointment formats including in-person consultations and telephone appointments to accommodate different needs and preferences.
After your initial in-person appointment, all follow-up appointments can be arranged via telehealth for your convenience.
*Please note: some therapies may not be available online (for example, art therapy).
What if I need an urgent appointment?
We are a clinic focused on long term management of persistent pain. If you require immediate attention, please contact your regular GP or attend the emergency department if required.
Are you a surgical service?
We are a primary care service (GPs and allied health). We are not a tertiary surgical service, but can refer onto surgical specialists where necessary.
Surgery is not always necessary, or first line treatment for pelvic pain. Many contributors to pelvic pain can be uncovered with thorough clinical assessment, and many treatments can be instituted, and relieve symptoms, without a formal laparoscopic diagnosis of endometriosis. The team will discuss recommendations based on your specific symptoms and history.
Take the first step towards
better pelvic health.
Living with endometriosis, persistent pelvic pain, or menopause symptoms can feel isolating – but you don’t have to manage it alone. Complete our secure online intake form today and our team will be in contact to guide you through the next steps.
