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The role of a neurosurgeon

7-minute read

Key facts
 Neurosurgeons perform surgery to correct
disorders of the brain, spine and nervous
system.
 You will need a referral before you visit a
neurosurgeon, which may come from your
family doctor (GP) or another specialist
doctor.
 How much you pay a neurosurgeon will
depend on the type of care you receive,
where you receive the service, and whether
you have private health insurance.

On this page
 What is a neurosurgeon?

 When do I see a neurosurgeon?

 What should I expect during an appointment with a

neurosurgeon?

 How can I find a neurosurgeon?

 What questions should I ask a neurosurgeon?

 Do I need a referral to see a neurosurgeon?

 How much will a neurosurgeon cost?

 Resources and support

 Related information on Australian websites

What is a neurosurgeon?
Neurosurgeons, also known as brain surgeons, are
doctors who specialise in the surgical treatment and
management of conditions that affect the brain, spine
and nervous system.

Neurosurgeons must complete specialist training in

neurosurgery, which can take between 5 and 9 years.
Some sub-specialise in areas such as children
(paediatric neurosurgery), the treatment of cancers
(neuro-oncology) or spinal surgery.

Neurosurgeons are different from neurologists, who

are specialist physicians that treat conditions and
diseases of the brain and nervous system, but do not
perform surgery.

When do I see a neurosurgeon?

Neurosurgeons are involved in preventing, diagnosing
and treating disorders of the brain, spine and nerves.
They also treat and manage conditions that affect the
flow of blood to the brain. As well as performing
operations, they may be involved in a person’s
rehabilitation after treatment.

Common reasons why people need neurosurgery

include:

 strokes, cerebral aneurysms (bulging blood

vessels) or bleeding on the brain
 benign or cancerous brain and spinal tumours
 spinal conditions such as tethered spinal cords,
herniated discs and osteoarthritis
 head, neck or spine injuries
 seizures, epilepsy and movement disorders
 neurological disorders such as Parkinson's
disease
 certain types of chronic pain

What should I expect during an

appointment with a
neurosurgeon?
An appointment with a neurosurgeon will usually start
with a discussion. Your surgeon will ask you about
your condition and general health, your symptoms
and any previous treatments you’ve tried for your
condition. Your neurosurgeon will also want to see
any scans or medical images you’ve had, so be sure
to take them along, or ask your GP to send them
ahead of time. Your neurosurgeon may also ask to
conduct a physical examination.

Your neurosurgeon is there to provide you with the

best treatment for your condition. Part of this, is to
assess if surgery is the best course of treatment for
you. They will be able to tell you more about your
diagnosis, treatment alternatives and the best course
of care.

If you need surgery, your neurosurgeon can also help

you set expectations for surgical outcomes.

How can I find a neurosurgeon?

Usually, your doctor will recommend a surgeon to
you. You can also use the Neurosurgical Society of
Australasia’s Find a surgeon search tool. The tool
allows you to search by location or name. The search
function also has a list of sub-specialties and allows
you to look for a neurosurgeon who specialises in the
type of surgery you need.

It can sometimes take months to get an appointment

with a neurosurgeon in private practice for a matter
that is not urgent. If it is urgent, your general
practitioner can try to help you schedule an
appointment so you are seen more quickly.

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What questions should I ask a

neurosurgeon?
It is important to share all relevant information with
your neurosurgeon. Before you go to your first
appointment, note down any questions you have.
During the consultation, ask for clarification if you
don’t understand what is being said.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an

 appointment? Use the Question Builder
for general tips on what to ask your GP or
specialist.

Do I need a referral to see a

neurosurgeon?
You need a referral before you can make an
appointment with a neurosurgeon. It is important to
get a referral, as it contains important medical
information for your surgeon. It also means that the
neurosurgeon can update your referring doctor of all
decisions and findings after your visit.

If you don't have a referral, neither Medicare nor

private health insurance will contribute to the cost of
your care.

How much will a neurosurgeon

cost?
The cost of a neurosurgeon visit vary greatly,
depending on the type of care you receive. Factors
include whether it’s in hospital, whether you have
private health insurance, and what the neurosurgeon
charges.

Out of hospital care

If you see a neurosurgeon in their rooms, then
Medicare will cover:

 all of the costs if they bulk bill

 some of the costs if they don't bulk bill

You can't use private health insurance for out of

hospital care.

Treatment in a public hospital using

Medicare
If you are a public patient in a public hospital or clinic
and use Medicare, the treatment is free.

Treatment in any hospital using private

health insurance
If you use private health insurance for treatment in
either a public hospital or a private hospital or clinic,
you will be charged by the neurosurgeon and by the
hospital. You might also be charged for diagnostic
testing, such as pathology tests, x-rays and other
forms of imaging (such as an MRI, PET or CT scan),
and by other doctors who provide you care, such as
an anaesthetist. If you have private health insurance,
it may cover some of these costs.

Asking about costs

It can be expensive to see a specialist, such as a
neurosurgeon.

Before you go for the first time, ask the neurosurgeon

or their staff about the costs. You can also ask what
Medicare will cover.

If you plan to use private health insurance, you can

also contact your health fund.

If the costs are too high, you can:

 ask the neurosurgeon or their staff for a reduced

rate
 consider another neurosurgeon or health service
 talk to your GP about other options such as a
different type of treatment

Resources and support

 Patient information — Neurosurgical Society of
Australasia
 Find a surgeon — Neurosurgical Society of
Australasia
 Visit PrivateHealth.gov.au to see what is covered
by private health insurance.

Sources:
Your Career (Neurosurgeon), Government of WA
Department of Training and workforce development
(Neurosurgeon), Neurological Society of Australasia
(Patient Information), Private Health Insurance
Ombudsman (Doctors' Bills), Melbourne
Neurosurgery (Frequently Asked Questions)

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Last reviewed: January 2023

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