Frequently Asked Questions- General

What are your business hours?

Our offices are open 8.30am to 5.00pm hours, Monday through Friday (except holidays).
Appointments can be made by calling our specialist practice managers during office hours.

What is National Health Index (NHI)?

The National Health Index (NHI) is a system used by public hospitals and other health and disability support services to assign a unique number (the NHI number) to people who use their services. The NHI, and its predecessor the National Master Patient Index, has been part of the New Zealand health and disability support system for over 20 years, and a person's NHI number is usually assigned at birth.

The NHI holds a person's name (including alternative names, such as maiden names), ethnicity, date of birth, sex, and date of death.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.

It is caused by the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage is the tough elastic material that covers and protects the ends of bones. Bits of cartilage may break off and cause pain and swelling in the joint between bones. This pain and swelling is called inflammation.Over time the cartilage may wear away entirely, and the bones will rub together.

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint but usually affects hips, knees, hands and spine.

Will physical therapy be required after surgery?

Major surgery on a joint may take two or three hours in the operating room. Getting a full range of motion, strength and flexibility back in that joint after surgery usually takes months. That's where pre-operative exercise and education and post-operative physiotherapy programs come in - to ensure you're physically and emotionally prepared for surgery, and to maximise your recovery after surgery. Together, such programs are among the most important determinants in the success of your surgery.