Three ways to refer
Refer online, through Medical-Objects, or by fax — all three reach the rooms the same day.
Medical-Objects
- Search Dr Goutham Sivasuthan
- ID 175196DF
- Send as a standard e-referral
To discuss a patient before referring, call the rooms on (07) 3333 5518.
What helps the assessment
The reason for referral and the question you would like answered matter most; the rest is a guide, not a requirement to order every test.
- Patient name, date of birth and current contact details, including interpreter or communication needs.
- Your details, provider number and the date of referral.
- Symptoms and their duration, examination findings and the effect on daily activities.
- Relevant medical and surgical history, current medicines (especially anticoagulants, diabetes and GLP-1 medicines) and allergies.
- Available imaging, pathology, previous specialist letters and discharge summaries.
If information arrives later or the situation changes, send it through the same channel or call the rooms.
What to refer, and what to include
Hernia →
Inguinal, femoral, umbilical, incisional, ventral and recurrent hernias. Note the site, duration, symptoms, any previous repair and any episode of a painful lump that would not reduce.
Gallbladder →
Pattern and duration of pain, previous attacks, any jaundice or pancreatitis. Attach the ultrasound and bloods — including results taken during an episode.
Direct Access endoscopy →
Suitable patients can be referred straight for gastroscopy and/or colonoscopy without a consultation. Include the indication, anticoagulants, diabetes and GLP-1 medicines.
Rectal bleeding & haemorrhoids →
Include age, bowel-habit change, weight loss, anaemia and family history — bleeding is investigated before it is attributed to haemorrhoids.
Reflux & GORD →
Assessment, gastroscopy and management, with coordination of a specialist anti-reflux surgical pathway where needed. Include current PPI use and any cardiac work-up.
Skin cancer & melanoma →
Excision, re-excision and wide local excision. Attach the histopathology report and a photo or diagram of the lesion site.
Pilonidal sinus →
Note previous abscess drainage or surgery and current discharge or infection.
Lipoma & lumps →
Size, site, duration and any growth or pain. Attach imaging if already done.
Acute appendicitis and other suspected acute surgical illness should follow the emergency pathway rather than an outpatient referral.
When a referral needs urgent attention
For an urgent outpatient referral, call (07) 3333 5518 and ask for the urgent list — urgent referrals are prioritised.
For current availability for routine referrals, call the rooms. Do not rely on the online form or email for emergencies; suspected acute surgical illness should go to the nearest emergency department.
What happens next
The rooms contact your patient to arrange an appointment at the most convenient location.
- Call to confirm receipt, add clinical information or discuss arrangements at any time.
- You'll receive correspondence after the consultation and after any procedure, including pathology where relevant.
- A referral is for assessment and discussion of options — it does not commit your patient to surgery.
Fees for your patients
Insured patients have a small, capped known gap, and all costs are confirmed in writing before any procedure.
- WorkCover hernia claims are accepted — include the claim number.
- Self-funded patients receive a written quote before booking.
- Full details: fees and known-gap cover.
Specialist care, clear communication
- ✓Fellowship obtained from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons — Specialist Surgeon.
- ✓GESA-accredited in gastroscopy and colonoscopy, including Direct Access endoscopy.
- ✓Keyhole and robotic-assisted hernia and gallbladder surgery.
- ✓Eight locations across Brisbane, Logan, Redland and Moreton Bay — care close to your patient.
- ✓Clear correspondence back to you after the consultation and after any procedure.
Questions from referrers
How do I send a referral through Medical-Objects?+
Search the Medical-Objects directory for Dr Goutham Sivasuthan — 175196DF — and send it as you would any e-referral. It lands directly in the practice's correspondence.
Can I refer a patient straight for a colonoscopy or gastroscopy?+
Yes, for suitable patients. Direct Access endoscopy skips the initial consultation; patients with significant co-morbidities are seen first.
How quickly will my patient be seen?+
It depends on the clinical situation and current availability. Call (07) 3333 5518 for current availability; urgent referrals are prioritised — ask for the urgent list.
Do you accept hiatal or parastomal hernia referrals?+
No. Dr Goutham does not perform hiatal (paraoesophageal) or parastomal hernia repair; these need an upper-GI or colorectal sub-specialist pathway.
Do you see WorkCover patients?+
Yes — see WorkCover hernia surgery. Include the claim number and case manager details with the referral.
Do you have a referral template for Best Practice or MedicalDirector?+
Yes — download the .rtf template for your software from the Send a referral section, then in the letter writer choose Templates → Import Template. Add your own patient and doctor data fields where the [placeholders] are.
How long is a GP referral valid?+
A GP referral to a specialist is generally valid for 12 months under Medicare unless you specify a different period.
Where does Dr Goutham consult?+
The main rooms are at Watkins Medical Centre, Spring Hill, with consulting and operating across Brisbane, Logan, Redland and Moreton Bay. See all locations.
Will I hear back after the appointment?+
Yes. You'll receive correspondence after the consultation and after any procedure, including pathology where relevant.