The questions Dr Coory's patients ask most often.

Yes, for Medicare rebates to apply. A GP referral is current for 12 months. A specialist-to-specialist referral is current for 3 months. Without a referral the consultation is still possible but is not Medicare-rebated.

Most non-urgent consultations are arranged within 2–3 weeks. Urgent cases — acute traumatic shoulder dislocation, displaced distal radius fracture, acute traumatic cuff tear in a younger patient, complex proximal humerus fracture — are seen within a week and often sooner. Phone the rooms directly for urgent cases.

Many shoulders never need surgery. A consultation will establish the diagnosis, review your imaging, and discuss the operative and non-operative options. Surgery is a decision, not a default.

Any imaging of the affected joint — X-ray, ultrasound, MRI or CT — within the past 12 months. Bring both the report and the images (radiology disk, PACS link, or app).

Dr Coory operates at three Sunshine Coast hospitals. Major procedures — shoulder replacement, complex arthroscopy and inpatient cases — are performed at Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital (Birtinya). Mako robotic-assisted reverse total shoulder replacement is performed at Buderim Private Hospital, Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital, and the new Maroochy Private Hospital in Maroochydore. Selected day-case procedures, including endoscopic carpal tunnel release and shorter arthroscopic cases, are also performed at Maroochy Private. The operating hospital is chosen at the consultation based on the operation, the patient, and what is most convenient.

Yes. Total shoulder replacement is covered under MBS item numbers. The robotic-planning element is part of the operation; there is no separate out-of-pocket charge for the robotic technology beyond the standard implant costs.

Sling timing varies by procedure. Reverse total shoulder replacement and robotic shoulder replacement use an accelerated protocol with a sling for one week. Anatomic shoulder replacement and rotator cuff repair require a sling for 4–6 weeks to protect the cuff during healing. Cubital tunnel and carpal tunnel surgery do not require a sling. The specific sling protocol is detailed in your written post-operative instructions.

Desk work — typically 2–3 weeks. Manual work — 4–6 months depending on the operation and the role. Heavy overhead work — last. The recovery timeline for your specific procedure is on the relevant procedure page.

Six weeks for most shoulder operations. You need to be sling-free, off opioid medication, and able to perform an emergency stop comfortably.

Most patients sleep in a recliner or propped up with pillows for the first 2–4 weeks. Side-sleeping on the operated shoulder is avoided until cleared at the post-op review.

No. Dr Coory's practice operates on a private-fee model. A written estimate is provided before every consultation and before every operation. Concession-card holders may be eligible for a discounted gap — please discuss with reception.

Yes — Dr Coory consults and operates on Queensland WorkCover, CTP and DVA-funded patients with prior insurer approval. Reception will arrange the necessary paperwork once the referral and insurer details are received.

Yes, for selected follow-up consultations, second-opinion consultations, and patients in regional Queensland or interstate. A current GP referral is required.

Yes. Dr Coory accepts referrals from anywhere in Australia. Many regional and interstate patients have an initial consultation by telehealth, with in-person attendance arranged before any planned surgery.