FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PROFESSIONAL PATIENT CARE
Dr van Beljon is committed to a multidisciplinary team approach, which typically includes an anaesthetist, a physician, a radiologist, a physiotherapist and a dietician. Each patient benefits from a treatment regime that is specific to their needs.
Please see below some of the more typical questions that we receive.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
What is the specialist area of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) surgery?
An Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) surgeon is one who offers general surgical treatment for benign (not cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) diseases of the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts. These procedures are among the most challenging and complex surgical procedures performed in General Surgery and require a high degree of expertise and skill.
Which organs does Dr van Beljon operate on?
Although Dr van Beljon focuses on operating on the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts, he is also skilled and experienced in operating on the thyroid, parathyroid, breast, oesophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon, rectum and anus, adrenal glands and spleen.
He also performs procedures to treat kidney cancer, hernias, drain abscesses and skin cancer.
What are the most common Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary conditions treated?
• Benign (non-cancerous) tissue growth in the liver, pancreas, bile duct or gallbladder
• Cancers of the liver, pancreas, bile duct or gallbladder
• Neuroendocrine tumours (when certain cells develop into tumours)
• Gallstones (hard particles that can develop and get lodged in the gallbladder)
• Acute and chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Infections or abscesses (pockets of fluid or pus)
• Portal hypertension (abnormally high blood pressure in the large vein that brings blood from the intestine to the liver).
Do I need to be referred by another medical professional?
You do not need to be referred by another healthcare professional, but some medical aid / insurance schemes require a referral from a healthcare professional to cover the costs of any consultations and follow up care.
What do I need to bring with me to my first consultation?
• Your ID/passport
• Your medical aid / insurance card
• List of chronic medication and the dosage
• List of previous surgeries
• Summary of medical complaints
• A referral letter if you have been referred by another healthcare professional
• R500 CASH as a co-payment for consulting a specialist.
Does Dr van Beljon’s practice have a credit card machine?
There is no credit card facility at Dr van Beljon’s practice.
Do you have preferred partners who offer ongoing management / care for specific conditions / post operative support?
Yes, Dr van Beljon works with a team of trusted healthcare professionals who will support you on your journey to recovery. These include:
Dr Samuel Fourie | Oncologist
ABJ Inc Clinical and Radiation Oncologists
Contact number: 012 333 6000
https://www.oncology-sa.co.za/
Liezl du Plessis | Physiotherapist
Liezl du Plessis Physiotherapist Inc
Contact number: 084 915 0552
Leandra Grobbelaar | Dietician
Leandra Grobbelaar Dietician
Contact number: 012 548 4631
Tanya du Toit & Moné Swanepoel | Dieticians
Du Toit Swanepoel Dieticians Inc
Contact number: 060 817 4485
https://www.dietitianmontana.com/
Sr Nellie Lambrechts | Wound Care Nursing Sister
Contact number: 012 548 9499
Marius Carstens | Supplies
Supplier of prosthetics, orthotics, DVT stockings, abdominal bindings & other support devices
Carsten Orthopaedic Services
Contact number: 012 543 2304/2
http://carsten.co.za/
Will my medical aid / insurance cover the costs of the consultation and / or follow-on services?
The amount that your medical aid / insurance will cover is dependent on your medical aid / insurance scheme and the plan that you are on. Please contact your medical aid / insurance directly for confirmation of what conditions and / procedures are covered and to what extent.