searching for SURGERY

The Internet has created an information explosion and it is in the area of health that it has had one of its biggest impacts. There are more than 15,000 health-related sites in Australia and health information is sought by almost half of all Internet users. No matter what the concern, treatment sought or information required there is a health site to suit everyone.

Cosmetic surgery is one area where the benefits of research are obvious. These sites are used by people seeking either more information on cosmetic surgery or the services of a cosmetic surgeon, and are particularly useful for those who are considering procedures or treatments but are unsure of what is available or are embarrassed to discuss their options with their GP.

One informative site that may be useful is http://www.cosmeticsurgeryoz.com, the official site of Dr Darryl Hodgkinson’s Cosmetic and Restorative Surgery Clinic in Double Bay, Sydney, containing more than 50 megabytes of information and hundreds of photographs of his results.

It has virtually transformed the way Dr Hodgkinson and his staff work. “Our website has really improved patient communication,” he says. “Patients now arrive for their appointments well-informed of what is available in the industry, understanding the benefits and risks of the surgery, and prepared to make a decision that suits them. In fact, I am amazed when patients come in having downloaded everything relevant to the surgery they want, including the before and after photographs of the patient whose preoperative situation and postoperative result best fits their situation and own desired result.”

Patient’s service section

Dr Hodgkinson’s website is unique in that it is a full-service information centre for his clients. All patient forms, educational materials and pre and postoperative instructions are available online, as is information about the
other services of the clinic and fully licensed day surgery. No more do patients have to wait to have information posted out to them. Nor do they have to worry about phoning in for extra copies if they have misplaced theirs or wish to share them with a support person. Everything is available online.

“ Patients want to be informed and take an active role in their decision to have surgery and in what will maximise their results,” explains Dr Hodgkinson. “Our site has it all.”

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Seeing is believing!

One of the most popular features of the website is the photo gallery which allows people considering cosmetic surgery to view clinical before and after photos of hundreds of Dr Hodgkinson’s results. “It is important for prospective patients to understand what I can realistically achieve for them,” says Dr Hodgkinson. “The website’s gallery allows the patient to try and identify themselves in one of the many preoperative scenarios and see if the postoperative result that was achieved is one that would satisfy them.”

Doctor’s service section

Online referral provides convenience for patient and doctor alike. Patients whose GP is online can have their doctor refer them to Dr Hodgkinson instantaneously. For the doctor, the online form provides information concisely and rapidly. This maximises coordination of patient care while ensuring privacy is maintained via the use of a secure server.

Up-to-date information

“ Probably one of the most important factors about the site,” says Dr Hodgkinson, “is that it is constantly maintained by our clinic to ensure the information on procedures, products and technology is up to date.”

Dr Hodgkinson regularly updates his online newsletter, places articles written by him on the site, adds additional pertinent information and updates photos, as well as ensuring links to other helpful industry sites are noted.

“ The one-stop approach for information on cosmetic surgery that our website offers has improved patient/doctor and doctor/doctor communications, doctor/supplier rela-tionships and more,” says Dr Hodgkinson.