2026 UPDATE: Dr Keegan has new contact details for appointments and referrals.
For Dr Keegan’s existing patients: While many aspects of your care remain familiar, some administrative processes and contact details may be different. These updates are in place to support continuity of care and ensure a smooth transition.
Your healthcare is a partnership — built on clear information and shared understanding.
Seeing a specialist can involve many moving parts — referrals, tests, Medicare, hospitals, and health funds. This FAQ is here to help you understand what to expect, feel informed about your care, and navigate the practical aspects with confidence. We believe clear information and shared understanding support better decisions and a smoother experience for everyone involved.
- NEW procedure sites and private rooms
- I’ve seen Dr Keegan before, what will change?
- Has anything changed about appointments or booking?
- Why do I need to complete new forms or registration?
- Do I need a valid referral to see Dr Keegan?
- Why am I being asked to do blood tests, scans or other diagnostic tests?
- Are the blood tests or scans really necessary?
- Do I have to pay for diagnostic tests?
- Why do I need to check my health fund cover myself?
- What happens if I don’t check my cover first?
- Will biopsies or histopathology incur additional costs?
- Where can I find information about appointments, fees and cancellations?
- Can I see Dr Keegan in the public system instead?
- Who should I contact if I have questions?
- What if I have urgent or emergency medical concerns?
What has changed?
PROCEDURE SITES: Dr Keegan has started new procedural lists at the Sydney Adventist Hospital to support timely access for patients. This is in addition to procedural lists at the Northern Beaches Hospital, Dee Why Endoscopy, North Shore Private Hospital, and Peninsula Day Surgery. Dr Keegan also performed procedures at the Ramsay Surgical Centre in Orange NSW every one in eight weeks.
PRIVATE ROOMS: Consultations are at the SAN, NBH, Dee Why and via Telehealth video.
Practice & Appointments
I’ve seen Dr Keegan before — what will change?
For Dr Keegan’s current patients, your specialist care and Dr Keegan’s thorough, compassionate, high-quality and patient-centred care remain the same. However, some administrative processes and contact details may be different.
A gap (out-of-pocket expense) applies to all endoscopic procedures with Dr Keegan and varies by procedure type. Dr Keegan is a ‘known gap’ provider, which means the gap for different procedures will not exceed $500. Consultation fees are still privately billed as per usual, please check consult fees before booking an appointment. As part of the onboarding process, we’ll make sure you understand the current fee structure and what to expect, so there are no surprises.
Has anything changed about appointments or booking?
Some administrative processes may be different, including patient registration, onboarding forms, and communication channels. Our team will guide you through anything new so your care remains smooth and well-coordinated. We’re happy to assist you and answer any questions. Please feel free to call 02 9090 4333 or email reception@drmathewkeegan.com.
Why do I need to complete new forms or registration?
Both new and current patients are asked to complete the onboarding process. Completing updated registration forms helps ensure your medical history, contact details, and consent information are accurate and up-to-date. This allows your specialist to review your information in advance and use your consultation time more effectively.
We regularly update our patient registration to reflect important medical, medication, and background questions that support safe clinical care, accurate documentation, and clear communication across your healthcare team.
Your healthcare works best as a partnership. Providing clear and up-to-date information and completing forms ahead of time helps ensure safe, well-coordinated care and a smoother experience for everyone involved.
Referrals, Tests & Medical Information
Do I need a valid referral to see Dr Keegan?
Yes. A valid referral from your GP or another specialist is required for you to receive a Medicare rebate for specialist consultations and procedures.
Referrals are time-limited, so it’s important to check that yours is still current before your appointment. If your referral has expired, please see your GP and get a new referral.
Having an up-to-date referral helps ensure your care is coordinated with your GP and supports continuity across your healthcare team.
Why am I being asked to do blood tests, scans or other diagnostic tests?
Where clinically appropriate, your specialist may recommend pathology or imaging tests to support a thorough and accurate assessment of your health, guide treatment decisions, or ensure procedures are performed safely. These recommendations are based on your individual clinical needs and current medical guidelines.
Are the blood tests or scans really necessary?
Investigations are recommended based on clinical guidelines, your symptoms, and your medical history. Sometimes specific tests are needed to:
- look at clinical markers needed to make a thorough and accurate assessment
- clarify a diagnosis
- rule out serious conditions
- monitor existing issues
- plan procedures safely
If you’re unsure why a test has been requested, please ask — we’re always happy to explain the reasoning so you can make informed decisions.
Do I have to pay for the diagnostic tests?
Pathology and imaging providers operate independently, and their fees are set by the individual laboratory or radiology practice. While a GP or specialist may request that a patient be bulk-billed, it is the prerogative of the lab to set their own fees. Depending on the provider and your level of Medicare or private health cover, out-of-pocket costs may apply. We recommend contacting the provider directly before attending to confirm any fees and avoid unexpected expenses.
Please note that pathology and imaging charges are separate from any consultation or procedure fees associated with your specialist care. Your specialist and the practice are independent of labs.
Health Funds, Costs & Cover
Why do I need to check my health fund cover myself?
Every health fund and policy is different, and only your insurer can confirm your exact level of cover based on the policy contract you signed with them.
Before booking procedures, we strongly recommend contacting your fund with the relevant MBS item numbers to understand:
- any excess or co-payments
- hospital costs
- potential out-of-pocket fees
This helps avoid unexpected expenses later.
What happens if I don’t check my cover first?
If your fund does not cover a procedure or hospital admission, you may be responsible for the full fee of your procedure and additional costs.
We aim to be transparent and supportive, but your health fund is the best source of accurate information about your policy.
Will biopsies or histopathology incur additional costs?
In some procedures, small tissue samples (biopsies) may be taken when clinically appropriate to support an accurate diagnosis or guide treatment.
If a biopsy requires histopathology assessment, the laboratory may charge a separate fee. These charges are set by the pathology provider and are independent of your specialist consultation or procedure fees. Depending on your cover, out-of-pocket costs may apply.
Where can I find information about appointments, fees and cancellations?
For more information on these, please visit: https://drmathewkeegan.com/appointments-and-fees/
Public vs Private Care
Can I see Dr Keegan in the public system instead?
Yes. Depending on your circumstances, public pathways may be available through hospital public lists. The rules around these pathways are set by the hospital and NSW Health and prioritised based on clinical urgency. There are also some advanced therapeutic procedures that are not covered in the public system at the Northern Beaches Hospital where Dr Keegan has a public appointment.
Public or private care is a personal choice based on specific health needs, individual circumstance, timing, insurance cover, and other factors.
If you’re unsure which pathway suits you, please let us know — we can help explain the differences.
Communication
Who should I contact if I have questions?
You’re welcome to contact the practice team if anything is unclear. Please call 02 9090 4333 or email reception@drmathewkeegan.com.
What if I have urgent or emergency medical concerns?
If you experience urgent or worsening symptoms, please attend your nearest Emergency Department, or call 000 in an emergency.
Our team is always happy to help with non-urgent questions about your care during business hours.
Your Healthcare
Specialist care often involves several moving parts. While we are here to help guide you through the process and provide clear clinical advice, some elements sit outside any individual doctor’s control.
Your healthcare works best as a partnership. Staying informed about your appointments, test results, health fund cover, and recommended investigations helps you play an active role in your care and supports better outcomes.
Our goal is to provide clear information, thoughtful care, and a supportive experience — so you feel confident, informed, and empowered every step of the way.