Once you have made the decision to proceed with surgery, the next step depends on whether the surgery is to be funded by ACC, health insurance or self funding.

ACC Funding

If your complaint is the result of an accident and a decision is made to proceed with surgery then Dr Brick will lodge an Assessment Report and Treatment Plan (ARTP) with ACC.  For simple conditions such as an ACL tear in the knee, the processing time is around two weeks.  For more complicated assessments like rotator cuff tears and hip injuries, the processing time can be eight weeks.  You will receive an approval or declination in the mail from ACC.  If approved, you can simply contact one of the team at the office and schedule surgery.  Dr Brick’s lists book out about 6 weeks.

If you are declined by ACC, then the options are to lodge an application for Independent Medical Review, use health insurance if you have it, self fund or be referred to the public health system.  Dr Brick will help you decide which option is best for you, as ACC will fund one extra clinic visit even if you have been declined. 

An ACC appeal takes around 3 months.  If you are insured and do not wish to wait, it is also possible to proceed with surgery using your insurance and appeal the ACC decision at the same time.  Your insurance company will be well used to this process and will help you through it.  Surgical findings can then be used to support the appeal.

Health Insurance

If you have private health insurance and your injury is not covered by ACC, your insurance company may fund your surgery. The clinic letter Dr Brick writes is always copied to you.  This letter will provide all the detail that the insurance company requires.  A quote is also usually required and this can be prepared by our office staff.

Self Funding 

If you do not have private health insurance and your surgery is not covered by ACC, you can also fund your surgery yourself.