Frequently Asked Questions

AVA Orthopaedics is a virtual orthopaedic service designed to provide early, specialist input for musculoskeletal injuries. Through a secure video consultation, you are assessed by clinicians experienced in orthopaedic care, with direct oversight by an orthopaedic surgeon.

We focus on delivering more than just advice: you receive a clear diagnosis (where possible), guidance on whether imaging is needed, and a structured management plan tailored to your injury, lifestyle and goals.

AVA Orthopaedics is built to remove the delays and uncertainty often associated with traditional pathways, giving you timely direction so you know exactly what to do next and why, without waiting.

AVA Orthopaedics is purpose-built for musculoskeletal injuries, not general medical concerns. Unlike standard telehealth services, which often provide broad advice, AVA Orthopaedics delivers a focused, orthopaedic-specific assessment led by clinicians experienced in injury care, with orthopaedic surgeon oversight.

You receive a structured evaluation of your injury, clear guidance on whether imaging is needed, imaging referrals, and a personalised management plan tailored to your injury, activity level, and goals.

AVA Orthopaedics does not just provide advice; it provides clear direction.

This depends on the consultation pathway you choose.

Whichever pathway you choose, the focus is the same. Specialist advice. Early Direction.

We treat a wide range of orthopaedic injuries involving bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments. This includes both new injuries and ongoing symptoms following an injury that hasn't improved as expected.

Common conditions we assess include:

• Sprains, ligament and tendon injuries (e.g. ankle, knee, thumb)
• Muscle strains and soft tissue injuries (e.g. hamstring tears)
• Suspected fractures or bone injuries
• Joint injuries involving the knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand or foot

We also help when pain, swelling, or reduced function persists after an injury and you're unsure what to do next. The focus is on identifying the problem and providing clear direction on investigation, treatment, and recovery.

The following conditions are not suitable for care through AVA Orthopaedics:

• Neck or back pain
• Open wounds or visible bone deformity
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Significant head, chest, or abdominal injuries

These injuries are best seen in person at the emergency department or with your GP.

Go directly to ED if you have:

• Severe deformity
• Inability to move the limb
• Loss of sensation
• Heavy bleeding
• High-impact trauma not yet assessed
• Head, neck, back or abdominal trauma (Call an ambulance on 000)

Appointments are available rapidly, often within the same or next day, depending on availability. AVA Orthopaedics is designed to provide early access to orthopaedic specialist advice, helping you avoid the delays often associated with traditional pathways.

Our flexible online model allows for timely bookings, including options that fit around work, sport, and family commitments. The goal is to ensure you are assessed early so you can start the right treatment and recovery plan without unnecessary waiting.

No referral is required for the Early Injury Assessment, so you can book directly and be seen without delay.

If you choose to book directly with an orthopaedic surgeon, a valid referral is required to access a Medicare rebate. If you don't already have one, you can book a short appointment with one of our nurse practitioners before your surgeon consultation to obtain a referral. Please note this is a separate service with an additional fee.

See our Services page for details.

You can book your appointment online or reach out to our team, and we'll help arrange a time that suits you. Once booked, you'll receive a secure link to our video platform, Coviu. At the time of your appointment, this link connects you directly with your clinician.

During the consultation, a thorough assessment is completed. This includes discussing how your injury occurred (or how your pain developed), your medical history, and any relevant factors such as work, sport, or upcoming commitments. If you've already had imaging, we'll review this during your appointment. Just let us know in advance so we can have it available. If further imaging is needed, we'll arrange this and follow up with you once the results are available.

We will assess your movement and visually examine the injured area as part of your consultation. Please ensure you are wearing clothing that allows the area to be clearly seen (for example, shorts for a knee or ankle injury, or a singlet for a shoulder injury).

We'll talk you through your diagnosis (or likely diagnosis), what else it could be, and what it means for you. You'll receive clear advice on early management, including pain relief, activity modification, and recovery strategies, along with a structured plan outlining your next steps. This includes guidance on recovery timelines, return to sport or work, and whether surgical or non-surgical management is appropriate.

If needed, we can organise referrals for imaging, physiotherapy, or surgical care. Most importantly, we ensure all your questions are answered so you feel confident moving forward. After your appointment, you'll also have access to secure messaging if you need further clarification or support.

After your consultation, you'll receive a summary of your appointment outlining exactly what to do next. This includes your diagnosis (or working diagnosis), recommended treatment, and step-by-step next actions. Where relevant, you will also be provided with an education sheet about your injury.

Your plan will cover recovery expectations and timelines, guidance on return to work or sport. You will be provided with any imaging or referrals required (such as physiotherapy or hand therapy). Where imaging is arranged, we will also guide you on how to complete this and follow up with you regarding the results.

A summary of your consultation will be sent to you and your GP or treating healthcare provider if you have provided us with their details to support continuity of care. You'll also have access to secure follow-up messaging if you have any questions or need clarification after your appointment.

We can organise X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs by referring you to local radiology providers, with clear instructions on exactly what imaging is required.

AVA Orthopaedics uses e-requests for radiology practices that allow this, or we can send you a PDF copy to take to a provider of your choice.

We guide you on whether imaging is needed, what imaging this is, and how urgently it should be completed. We will explain why a certain scan may or may not be required. This helps you avoid unnecessary or incorrect scans. Once your imaging is done, we review the results with you and incorporate the findings into your management plan, so you know exactly what to do next.

You don't need imaging before your appointment. We will assess your injury first and guide you on whether imaging is necessary, what type is appropriate, and how urgently it should be completed.

If you have already had imaging, please let us know where it was performed when booking your appointment so we can have it available to review with you during your consultation.

In most cases we can review existing X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or ultrasounds and provide clear, specialist-led direction based on the findings.

If you have had imaging, please let us know where it was performed when booking your appointment so we can access it ahead of time. This allows us to review your scans during the consultation, explain what they show, and integrate the results into a clear management plan so you know exactly what to do next.

Some imaging can be hard to access; we will work with you to find these prior to your appointment. If you have the images on a disc or other device, it may be helpful to have access to these before or during your appointment. Screen sharing may be used to view these.

Where clinically appropriate, we provide a diagnosis along with a clear explanation of your injury and what it means for you.

In some cases, a diagnosis can be made based on your history and examination alone. If further clarity is needed, we will guide you on the most appropriate imaging and follow up with you once the results are available.

Our focus is not just on naming the injury but on helping you understand it, including the expected recovery, treatment options, and exactly what to do next.

As part of your management plan, we will give you individualised guidance on returning to activity, sport, or work based on your specific injury.

We consider the nature and severity of your injury, your role (including physical demands at work or in sport), and your recovery progress. We may not provide a fixed date, rather we will provide staged guidance outlining what you can safely do now, what to avoid, and how to progress over time, along with an expected recovery timeframe.

Where appropriate, we can also provide return-to-work or return-to-play recommendations, including modified duties or activity levels. Our goal is to help you return safely and confidently, without risking further injury or setbacks.

We provide guidance on pain management as part of your treatment plan, including advice on appropriate medications and how to use them safely.

Where appropriate, prescriptions may be provided for your orthopaedic injury, however some medications require in-person assessment in line with regulations and may need to be arranged through your GP or a local provider.

Prescriptions are only issued where clinically appropriate and are limited to those directly related to your orthopaedic injury. We do not provide scripts for conditions unrelated to your injury.

If surgery is required, we will guide you through the next steps and ensure you are referred to an appropriate orthopaedic surgeon for ongoing care.

Where your care involves an orthopaedic surgeon, referrals can often be streamlined between specialists. This is a benefit of AVA Orthopaedics as it can help avoid delays, ensure the right information is shared, and allow for a smoother transition into surgical care if needed.

We can refer you to either the public or private system, depending on your preferences, urgency, and individual circumstances.

If your injury requires a cast or immobilisation, AVA Orthopaedics can guide you through the entire process. We will organise appropriate imaging, establish the diagnosis, and determine the type of immobilisation required (for example, full cast, splint, or boot).

You'll be provided with clear instructions on exactly what is needed, which you can take to a local provider such as a physiotherapist, hand therapist, GP, or Emergency Department to have the cast applied.

Our role is to ensure the right diagnosis and the right type of immobilisation from the outset, helping you avoid unnecessary delays, incorrect casting, or repeat visits so your recovery can start as early as possible.

Follow-up care is an important part of the service. If you are referred for imaging, follow-up is provided to review your results and update your management plan accordingly.

Ongoing follow-up appointments are also available depending on your needs. This may be with an orthopaedic clinician, such as a nurse practitioner, or directly with an orthopaedic surgeon, where more specialised input is required.

This ensures continuity of care and that your treatment plan evolves appropriately as your recovery progresses.

If you have any concerns at any time you can contact AVA Orthopaedics and we can arrange follow-up care for you.

Secure messaging is available if you need clarification or support after your consultation.

You can use this to ask questions about your diagnosis, treatment plan, or next steps, particularly if something changes or you're unsure how to progress. If you've had imaging arranged, we may also use this to guide you on the next steps or coordinate follow-up.

If a more detailed review or reassessment is needed, we may recommend booking a follow-up appointment to ensure you receive the appropriate level of care.

We offer two consultation pathways depending on your needs:

• Early Injury Assessment: $139
• Orthopaedic Surgeon Consultation: $249 (Medicare rebate available with a valid referral)

The Early Injury Assessment is ideal for new injuries or when you need clear direction early, while the Orthopaedic Surgeon Consultation provides direct access to a specialist for more complex or confirmed cases.

If you're unsure which option is right for you, our team can help guide you. For a full breakdown of what's included in each service, please visit our Services Page.

A Medicare rebate is available for orthopaedic surgeon consultations when you have a valid referral.

The Early Injury Assessment does not attract a Medicare rebate, as it is designed to provide rapid access to care without the need for a referral.

If you don't already have a referral and would like to access the rebate, you can arrange this prior to your surgeon appointment. Please see our Services Page for more information on how this works.

Private health insurance does not apply to outpatient or telehealth doctor consultations. However, if your injury requires surgery and you have private health cover, we can assist with referral to an appropriate private orthopaedic surgeon in your area.

Sports or personal injury insurance may cover some costs, but this is highly dependent on your specific policy. We're happy to assist with any documentation required for insurance claims to help support your application. Please note there may be a fee for completing detailed paperwork.

If you're unsure what your policy covers, we recommend you contact your insurer.

We work closely with physiotherapists, trainers, and sports medicine teams to ensure coordinated, streamlined care.

We have established partnerships with a number of club physiotherapists, allowing for direct referral pathways into AVA Orthopaedics. This means players can be assessed quickly without needing to attend a GP or Emergency Department for imaging requests or referrals, helping reduce delays and keep management aligned with the physio's plan. If you would like to learn more about our club partnerships please contact us.

We work alongside your physio or other health provider ensuring they remain central to your rehabilitation while we provide early diagnosis, imaging direction, and clear medical guidance. This collaborative approach helps optimise recovery, supports return to play, and simplifies processes such as injury documentation and insurance paperwork where required.

With your permission, we can provide clear, structured summaries to your physiotherapist or treating team to support your ongoing care.

This ensures your physio has a clear understanding of your diagnosis, imaging findings, and management plan, allowing them to continue your rehabilitation with confidence and consistency. Our goal is to work collaboratively so your care remains aligned and seamless throughout your recovery.

If you would like your physio included in communication, please provide their details at the time of booking or during your care.

We can assist with completing the documentation required for sports or injury insurance claims. This may include medical reports, injury summaries, and relevant clinical details to support your claim.

There may be a fee for completing detailed paperwork, depending on what is required. Please reach out to our team and we can guide you through the process and associated costs.

All consultations are conducted via secure video, which you can access from your phone, tablet, or computer.

Once your appointment is booked, you'll receive a link via SMS (and/or email). At the time of your appointment, simply click the link to join your consultation through our secure platform, Coviu. No downloads required.

If you have any trouble accessing your appointment, our team is always here to help and can guide you through the process.

Parents, partners, or support people are welcome to join your consultation.

You can share your appointment link with them directly, or provide us with their details and we can send the link to them. For privacy and confidentiality, we will confirm your permission at the start of the consultation before they remain in the call.

One of the advantages of online care is that your support network can join from wherever they are, making it easier to involve family, carers, or others in your care, even if they're not physically with you.

All consultations and communications are encrypted and handled in accordance with Australian privacy standards.

We use secure, healthcare-compliant platforms to protect your personal and medical information, and only authorised members of your care team can access your records. Your information is stored and managed in line with strict privacy and confidentiality requirements, ensuring it remains protected at all times.

Early direction improves recovery. Waiting often delays diagnosis, imaging, and appropriate treatment, which can prolong symptoms and slow your return to normal activity.

AVA Orthopaedics is designed to give you early clarity, so you can start the right management straight away rather than losing time in the system.

There are also practical advantages to being seen online. You can attend your appointment from home without needing to travel, take extended time off work, or sit in waiting rooms. You can also have family members, carers, or support people join the consultation from wherever they are, helping you make informed decisions together.

GPs play an essential role in your overall care as expert general practitioners. However, orthopaedic injuries often require more specific, injury-focused assessment and management.

At AVA Orthopaedics, we complement your GP's care by providing early, specialist-led direction for your injury. With your permission, we will send a clear summary of your consultation to your GP after your appointment, including your diagnosis, imaging plan, and recommended management.

We work collaboratively with your GP to guide your care, ensuring they are kept informed and can continue to support you locally.

We do provide second opinions for a wide range of orthopaedic injuries.

This can be particularly helpful if you've already had imaging or been given a diagnosis or treatment plan and want further clarity before proceeding. We review your history, discuss your injury, and assess any existing imaging to provide an independent, specialist-informed perspective.

A second opinion can help confirm your diagnosis, explore alternative treatment options, and ensure you fully understand your choices including whether surgery is necessary or if conservative management is appropriate. Our goal is to give you confidence in your next steps, so you can move forward with certainty.

Imaging alone doesn't provide a plan. While X-rays, MRIs, and other scans can show what's happening structurally, they don't explain how it relates to your symptoms, function, or recovery.

At AVA Orthopaedics, we interpret your imaging in the context of your history, examination, and goals. This allows us to explain what the findings actually mean for you and, importantly, what to do next.

The value isn't just in the scan, it's in connecting the findings to clear, practical direction.

Clarity, confidence, and a clear plan — so you know exactly what to do next.

You'll leave your consultation understanding your injury, what it means, and how to manage it. This includes a management plan outlining next steps, whether imaging is needed, and how to progress your recovery.

You'll also have guidance on pain management, activity levels, and return to work or sport, along with an understanding of expected timelines and what to watch for. Most importantly, you'll know what to do — and why — so you can move forward with confidence.

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue that runs along the base of your foot from heel to toes. It is one of the most common causes of heel pain, particularly in active people.

Common causes include high training loads, changes in activity, prolonged standing, poor footwear support, tight calves, and foot mechanics such as flat feet or high arches. It often develops gradually from a combination of factors.

Sharp or stabbing pain at the base of the heel, usually worst with the first steps in the morning or after rest. The pain may ease with movement but return after prolonged activity. Some people also feel tightness through the arch.

Heel pain can have several causes including stress fractures, nerve irritation, and Achilles tendon problems. A specialist assessment will confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

Most cases respond to conservative management: activity modification, physiotherapy, footwear support, and sometimes injection therapy. For a small percentage where conservative treatment has not worked, surgery may be considered.

If your heel pain is not settling after a few weeks, is worsening, or is affecting your training and daily function, specialist input is the next step. Early assessment avoids prolonged ineffective management.

Yes. AVA Orthopaedics can assess your symptoms, arrange imaging if clinically indicated, confirm your diagnosis, and provide a structured treatment plan. Referral to physiotherapy or podiatry can be arranged where appropriate. No referral is required to book an Early Injury Assessment.