Question 1

Do I need a referral to see a specialist?

Accepted Answer

While it isn't imperative to have a referral to see Dr McKnoulty or Dr Green, it is strongly advised to organise one from your GP. Without a referral, you will not be able to receive a medicare rebate for the visit.

Question 2

Where can I see the specialists?

Accepted Answer

Our specialists work between multiple locations. We see Gynaecology patients at North Lakes, Caboolture & Redcliffe where we may cater for a wide geography for our patients. If you are hoping to see a specialist at a specific location, please contact our reception.

For patients looking for fertility services with Dr Matt can see you for your first appointment at any of our locations, including North Lakes, Herston, Caboolture and Redcliffe. All procedures will be performed at Life Fertility Clinics in Bowen Hills (or Herston Private Hospital if under a general anaesthetic).

Question 3

Do I need private health insurance to see your specialists?

Accepted Answer

Sage Gynaecology sees a wide range of patients, including those without private health insurance. In fact, private health insurance doesn't cover any outpatient costs and only covers operations/procedures and hospital stays)! For patient's without private health insurance, our specialists will discuss options available for you, which may include self-funded private hospital care, or referral to your local public hospital. For those who are looking at self-funded options, our team will work with you to find the most economical options available.

Question 4

What are your fees?

Accepted Answer

Sage Gynaecology is a non-bulk billing practice, so there will be an out-of-pocket fee to see our specialists. Most services attract a medicare rebate, which may be refunded directly to you at the time of your appointment (but may take up to 48 hours to reach your account). For our most up-to-date fees (and rebates), please contact our reception. All consult invoices need to be settled on the day.

Our team will be able to provide you a full quote for any operations, after your clinic appointment. This quote will include fees for the surgeon and surgical assistant (if any). You may have additional fees for the anaesthetic and hospital stay. The anaesthetic team will contact you for their quote, and you should speak to your health insurance about any out-of-pocket admission fees.

*please note, private health insurance does not pay for clinic appointments

Question 5

What do I need to bring for my consult?

Accepted Answer

Its a great question! Usually your GP will have sent through all relevant investigations with your referral. However, if you have had more recent blood tests or imaging, then please forward a copy to our reception or bring them with you.

You should also bring:
Your medicare card
Private health insurance card (if you have)
 credit card for payment

Question 6

Do you offer teleheath and video consults?

Accepted Answer

At Sage Gynaecology, we aim to provide care in a manner which most suits each of our individual patients. Initial consults will be offered at in-person, or via video conference. For our current patients, we are able to offer follow up via in-person review, telehealth or video conference. Unfortunately, due to medicare rules, initial consults are unable to be telehealth.

Of note, we look after patients all over Queensland (and Australia) and regularly offer video consults to those whom are too remote to attend our locations regularly. In these situations, our specialists will discuss options available for patients whom require physical examination or procedures.

Question 7

Do you offer long or complex consults?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! The specialists at Sage Gynaecology are compassionate about helping patients with complex conditions. In cases where you think this is required, then please reach out to our reception team to book a longer consult time. When our specialists receive your referral from your GP, and believe that a longer consult is required, our reception may also offer this to you.

Question 8

What procedures can you offer during our consult?

Accepted Answer

Sage Gynaecology offers most in-office gynaecology procedures.

These commonly may include:
Colposcopy for cervical or vulval conditions (including pre-cancer screening). A biopsy may also be performed under local anaesthetic
endometrial (inner uterine lining) sampling with a pipelle
Insertion or removal of a IUD (Mirena of Kyleena) or implanon
Vaginal pessary fitting, insertion or changing
Pudendal nerve block

Question 9

If I need surgery, where will it be performed?

Accepted Answer

Sage Gynaecology focuses on all options of treatment, and tries to avoid surgeries if able. In cases where it is required, our specialists operate at both Caboolture Private Hospital and Peninsula Private Hospital. For smaller procedures, and all fertility procedures under a general anaesthetic, Dr McKnoulty operates out of Herston Private Hospital.

Question 10

If I need a ferility specialist, can I see one locally?

Accepted Answer

At Sage Gynaecology, our fertility specialist Dr Matt McKnoulty will see you in our North Lakes rooms, and you can avoid the long drive and traffic of going into Brisbane. For your initial consult, and many of your other consults, you will be seen at our North Lakes location. For those whom proceed to IVF and need procedures, these are completed at the Life Fertility Clinic in Bowen Hills (or Herston Private Hospital if an anaesthetic is requested).

Question 11

When should I seek advice from a fertility specialist?

Accepted Answer

There is no “right” or “wrong” time to see a fertility specialist. Our general advice is simple — if you have concerns or questions about your fertility, that is the right time to seek support. Your GP can provide a referral, or you can speak with our team about arranging an appointment.

Our fertility specialists provide care across every stage of the journey, from preconception counselling and future family planning through to supporting individuals and couples who have been trying to conceive for many years. At Sage, we strongly believe in shared decision-making and recognise that the best treatment plan is one developed together through open, informed discussion.

We are committed to discussing all available management options with our patients so that decisions feel personalised, evidence-based, and aligned with your goals. Whether you prefer to begin with simple, less invasive approaches or wish to explore treatments such as IVF sooner, our specialists will guide you through the benefits, limitations, and considerations of each option — helping you make the choice that feels right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions