Can I self refer to see Dr Samantha Wettasinghe for gynaecological symptoms or concerns?
Yes you can self refer. On occasion we then seek your permission to get further information from your GP as they can forward any relevant past details and test results.
Please note, if you are insured your insurance company may require a GP referral prior to being seen to justify and approve payment.
What are the fees and payment options for services at Adelpha Care?
Fees differ depending on your appointment type and additional tests done onsite. Dr Wettasinghe is a Southern Cross affiliated provider and for a number of conditions no preapproval is required and Southern cross reimburse us directly. You will not be disadvantaged if covered by a different insurer or if self funding however you will receive an invoice for payment at the completion of your appointment. We inform you of any additional charges before investigating your condition.
Please phone our receptionist for any specific pricing queries you may have.
Does Dr Samantha Wettasinghe perform gynaecological surgeries?
Yes, Dr Sam is a credentialled Gynae Surgeon at Grace Hospital in Tauranga. Take a look at our surgery page which gives a list of the many surgeries she is able to perform. Minor surgeries which do not require general anesthetic can be performed at Adelpha Care in our Soma Suite theatre.
Will my insurance company cover my treatment costs?
Appointments with a Gynaecologist are usually covered by Insurance if you have Specialist Cover. They may also reimburse consult fees withing 6 months prior to surgery if you have Surgical-only cover
The gynaecologist will provide you with treatment options and if surgery is suggested then the details and surgeons costs are provided in a written quote. We give you easy written directions on obtaining quotes from an Anaesthetist and Grace hospital also. You can then contact your insurance company and clarify if your policy covers your recommended treatment.
Am I able to attend a gynaecological appointment if I have my period?
It's a good idea to check with our nursing staff as this depends on the reason for your appointment. A smear cannot be taken when you have a period but a pelvic examination can be performed without issue. IUD's can be inserted during your period.
How do I know if I am going through menopause?
Women experience menopause at a variable age and there may be irregular or heavy periods along with hot flush symptoms long before you are completely menopausal. Symptoms may include night sweats, hot flushes, low mood and anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbance, loss of libido, weight change and loss of self confidence. These can start to become a problem up to four or five years before menopause. The term "menopause" actually means "the last period". If you are concerned about these symptoms at any age, you can make an appointment to see Dr Samantha Wettasinghe at Adelpha Care. We ensure that no other conditions have been missed and then suggest suitable changes in lifestyle, medication and supplements.
I am leaking urine, what help is available?
Leaking urine maybe related to weak pelvic floor muscles, but it can also be caused by overactive muscles and an overactive bladder, which are not helped by pelvic floor exercises. Women are encouraged to do pelvic floor exercises regularly whether they leak or not. In some instances there are different causes for leakage so an assessment by a Gynaecologist or Urologist is suggested for an individually tailored treatment plan. This may involve pelvic floor training, wearing a pessary, bladder retraining, referral for physiotherapy, medication for overactive bladder (oxybutinin/solefenacin), urethral bulking, laser or surgery.
Do I need to worry about fibroids?
Fibroids are benign tumours in the uterus. They are very common but most are small. By the time a woman reaches the age of 35, she has a 30 per cent chance of having one or more fibroids. Most of these would be less than two centimetres in size and may never cause any problems at all. In fact many are only detected when a pelvic ultrasound scan is performed for another reason. If fibroids become large or if they lie just under the surface of the lining of the uterus, then they may be associated with heavy bleeding. If fibroids grow larger than the size of a grapefruit, they can put pressure on other organs such as the bladder or rectum. If needed, the gynaecologist will advise you of a variety of treatment options including medication to shrink fibroids, Radiological Embolisation or Surgery ( myomectomy or hysterectomy for moderate or large fibroids).
