Information For Obstetric Patients

Hospitals

The hospitals I deliver at are Freemasons Maternity Hospital in East Melbourne (my first preference) and St Vincents Maternity Hospital in Fitzroy. These hospitals are both excellent in terms of the service they provide for patients having babies. This can be further discussed at your first visit and my secretary will be only too pleased to arrange the necessary hospital booking for you.

Minor problems

Minor problems may occur during the pregnancy with which you may be concerned.

If any bleeding occurs, especially during the first three months, we should be notified immediately, and it will be usual to arrange an ultrasound scan to ensure that all is well.

Coughs and colds, which can occur, can usually be treated with symptomatic measures such as Panadol, Panamax, Aspirin, Durotuss cough mixture and Sinutab. These medications are quite safe and can be obtained without necessarily contacting me. Headaches can similarly be treated with Panadol, up to six tablets per day.

Nausea is a common symptom in the first trimester of pregnancy, and I would advise Vitamin B6 100mg to be taken twice daily. This can be purchased over the counter at the chemist.

Any problems that occur later in the pregnancy should be notified to me. I shall arrange the necessary treatment according to the symptoms.

Obstetric on-call arrangements

Because of the nature of obstetrics, there will be times when I am unavailable (this is not common). Should this occur a consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist of equal standing will be appointed to act as a locum.

Faqs

Can I still claim the 20 week invoice through Medicare?

Yes you can, but unfortunately Government Policy with regards the safety net has changed and you now only get a minimal rebate. To make enquiries, please telephone Medicare 1800 777 203

Can I claim the 20 week invoice from Medicare first and then pay the balance to Dr Polyakov?

In order to claim the maximum amount and have the GAP amount included in your Safety Net, it is advisable to pay the invoice in full and them claim from Medicare

When does the 20 week invoice need to be paid?

As with all our invoices we require payment within 30 days.

Will there be extra charges if I have a caesarean section?

Dr Polyakov will bill your c-section delivery directly to your Health Fund but you will receive accounts from an Assistant Surgeon and Anaesthetist.

Who will deliver my baby if Dr Polyakov is unavailable?

If for any reason Dr Alex Polyakov is unable to be at the birth of your baby a consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist of equal standing will be appointed to act as a locum.

Do I need a Current Referral from a General Practitioner?

Yes. Medicare requests that patients seeing a specialist of any type need a referral in order to claim their full benefit

How often do I need to see Dr. Polyakov?

Appointments will be booked every four weeks until you are 28 weeks pregnant. At this stage you then consult with Dr Polyakov every fortnight until 36 weeks and then every week until delivery. These appointments need to be kept regardless of when ultrasounds, blood tests or any other diagnostic investigations are carried out.

How far into my pregnancy can I fly interstate/international?

Dr Polyakov advises that flying interstate is not recommended after 36 weeks and flying international is not recommended after 34 weeks. You may need to provide the airline with a letter from Dr Polyakov.

I have come in contact with someone who has slap cheek/chickenpox. What do I need to do?

Please phone the rooms to organise a blood test to check your immunity.

Can I still consult and undertake delivery with Dr Polyakov if I don't have Private Health Insurance?

Yes you can. But you need to be aware that you will be charged as a private patient and the costs with the Private Hospitals are quite high.

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Food safety in pregnancy - LISTERIA INFECTION

People at risk from Listeria infection can reduce their risk of infection by:

Saying no to high risk foods
Good food handling always
Avoiding contact with any animal afterbirth (placenta) and with aborted animal foetuses, as listeria infection has been known to cause infection and abortion in animals

‍High Risk Foods:

Ready to eat seafood such as smoked fish and smoked mussels, oysters or raw seafood such as sashimi or sushi.
Pre-prepared or stored salads, including coleslaw
Pre-cooked meat products which are eaten without further cooking or heating, such as pate, sliced deli meat and cooked diced chicken (as used in sandwich shops).
Any unpasteurised milk or foods made from unpasteurised milk.
Soft serve ice-creams.
Soft cheeses, such as brie, camembert, ricotta (these are safe if cooked and served hot).

Safe Foods:

All freshly cooked foods.
Hard cheese, cheese spreads & processed cheese.
Milk-freshly pasteurised and UHT
Yoghurt
Canned and pickled food.