Answers
Frequently asked questions
The questions patients ask most often, answered plainly. If yours is not here, ask it — before you book, not after.
- Do I need a referral? No. You can book directly.
- How soon can I be seen? Most patients within the same week.
- Will I know the cost first? Yes — in writing, before you consent.
Answers
Questions patients ask before booking
If your question is not here, ask it at the consultation — or call and ask before you book.
No. You can book directly. If you already have scans, endoscopy reports or blood tests, bring them — it usually saves repeating an investigation.
Most patients are offered an appointment within the same week. If your symptoms suggest something urgent, we will bring you in sooner. Call the clinic directly if you are worried about a delay.
Not always. Extensive previous abdominal surgery, some emergencies, and certain anatomical findings make open surgery the safer choice. That judgement is made after examining you and reviewing your scans, and the reasoning will be explained to you before you consent.
It depends on the procedure. Many laparoscopic gallbladder and hernia operations are same-day or one-night stays. More complex surgery needs longer. You will be given a realistic estimate before you are admitted, not afterwards.
For a straightforward keyhole gallbladder or hernia repair, desk work is usually possible within a week to ten days. Physical or lifting work takes longer — commonly three to four weeks. Your discharge instructions will give specific guidance for your job.
Billroth Hospitals is empanelled with most major insurers and TPAs. Bring your policy details to the consultation and the hospital billing desk will confirm coverage and pre-authorisation before the procedure is scheduled.
Yes. Bring the imaging (on disc or as files) and any reports. A second-opinion consultation is a normal, appropriate request and will not be treated as anything else.
Photo ID, insurance details if you have them, any previous scans, endoscopy or colonoscopy reports, recent blood tests, and a list of the medicines you take — including anything for blood thinning, diabetes or blood pressure.
Your visit
What happens at a first consultation
No referral is needed, and most patients are seen within the same week.
Bring what you already have
Any scans, endoscopy reports or blood tests, however old. It saves repeating them.
You are examined, then told
The diagnosis is established before any operation is discussed. Many patients leave with a treatment plan instead.
Plain answers, in your language
Consultations run in English, Tamil, Hindi or Telugu — whichever you are most comfortable in.
Costs before consent
If surgery is advised, you get a written estimate covering surgeon, theatre, anaesthesia and expected stay.
Do not wait for an appointment if this is happening
Severe or worsening abdominal pain with fever or repeated vomiting, a lump that has turned hard and will not push back in, vomiting blood or passing black tarry stool, or new yellowing of the eyes or skin — go to the Billroth Hospitals casualty department now.
Emergency cover is 24/7 via the Billroth casualty department.
Next step
Still have a question?
Ask it directly. Consultations run Monday to Saturday at Billroth Hospitals, Shenoy Nagar — no referral needed.