weLCOME

The internet is potentially a powerful tool for patient education. It can, however, provide confusing and, at times, misleading advice and cannot take into consideration the specific nuances of each case. Much “information” on the internet is little more than advertising for specific doctors, units or companies. Dr Heppner believes that the best way to answer your specific questions is by having a direct face to face discussion with an appropriately trained and accredited surgeon. In a typical new patient appointment 45 minutes is dedicated to this process and sometimes further appointments are required to fully understand all treatment options. If, after this, you would like more information, Dr Heppner is happy to direct you to reputable websites with high quality, unbiased information.

Most neurosurgical conditions can be treated in either the public or private sector. Ascot Hospital in Auckland is equipped with the most up to date state of the art microscopes and neuro navigation equipment, coupled with a well resourced High Dependency Unit. Alternatively, treatment can be undertaken at Auckland City Hospital which is one of the largest neurosurgical units in Australasia and has an excellent reputation for high quality care. Dr Heppner would be happy to discuss the pros and cons of these options with you.

This will depend on the specific policy that you have taken out and the company with which you are insured. Most insurance companies will cover any procedure recommended by a registered neurosurgeon. Some companies, however, have a list of operations covered and a number of the operations performed by neurosurgeons may not be on that list.

If your insurance policy does not reimburse the full cost of surgery, the copayments can be relatively high, given the complexity of neurosurgical operations. If your surgery is declined by your insurance company or the co-payment is prohibitive, Dr Heppner will work with you to arrange an alternative plan for your treatment.

It is advisable to avoid driving for 2 weeks after spinal surgery. If you are having cranial surgery the law requires you to stand down for between 6 weeks and 6 months, depending on the type of operation being performed. This can be clarified during your consultation.

Dr Heppner operates in private at Ascot Hospital in Greenlane. In public he operates at Auckland City Hospital and Starship Children's Hospital in Grafton.

Some herbal medications have blood thinning properties which can increase the risk of bleeding complications with surgery. It is advisable to stop all non prescription medications for 2 weeks before surgery.