Melissa is a highly experienced Obstetrician who has practiced in Brisbane for more than 15 years.
Melissa knows first-hand that there’s nothing quite as special as welcoming a new baby into your life. A mother of three daughters, she genuinely understands the excitement and anticipation that accompanies pregnancy and she focuses on ensuring her patients feel safe and supported from the very first consultation.
Expectant mothers instantly warm to Melissa’s naturally caring manner and gentle approach. She treats each patient with exceptional care and attention, knowing that everyone’s pregnancy journey is a unique experience. Melissa has proven expertise in managing complicated and high-risk pregnancies, and she is proud to be one of Brisbane’s most sought-after and highly regarded Obstetricians.
Exceptional Brisbane-Based Obstetric Care
Melissa’s knowledge, attention to detail and commitment to ongoing specialist training means you’re in safe hands.
Melissa completed her medical studies and her obstetric and gynaecology training in Brisbane. She delivers exclusively at Mater Mothers’ Private Hospital (South Brisbane), which is renowned for its antenatal care, delivery and postnatal care.
Melissa is a member of Brisbane’s River City Obstetric Group, a Brisbane-based group of highly experienced female specialist Obstetricians who all share a similar philosophy to pregnancy care. Using a well-established on-call roster, this team delivers high-quality 24-hour obstetric care at the Mater Mothers’ Private Hospital (South Brisbane).
What is the Management of Pregnancy (MoP) fee?
The MoP fee is a Medicare Scheduled Fee (Item Number 16590) that is charged by all Obstetricians. You will be invoiced for this after your pregnancy reaches 28 weeks. This fee covers the costs involved with managing your pregnancy that are over and above the normal consultation and delivery fees, such as:
- Phone support and hospital attendance in case of emergency or unexpected concerns
- 24/7 access to one of the Obstetricians at the River City Obstetric Group
- Unlimited and free ultrasound scans during consultations
- Insurance
The rebate you receive from Medicare will depend on your particular circumstances and whether you qualify for the Medicare Safety Net. We strongly recommend you register for this before your pregnancy reaches 28 weeks to ensure you receive the highest benefit possible. Contact Medicare for more information.
What are the benefits of private obstetric care compared to public?
Melissa is a private Obstetrician and chooses to deliver exclusively at the Mater Mothers’ Private Hospital (South Brisbane). She believes this hospital offers patients the highest quality care in comfortable, patient-focused surroundings. As a private patient, you will enjoy many benefits, including continuous high-quality care and the security of being able to form a relationship with Melissa during your pregnancy.
Do I need a referral to see Melissa?
Yes. You will need to bring a referral letter to your first visit. We will also ask you to complete a Patient Information Sheet when you arrive, or download one here to complete beforehand.
What to bring to my first Obstretric Appointment?
For your first consultation with Melissa, please bring a referral letter from your GP. Please also bring any blood results and scan reports ordered by your GP, along with your Medicare Card and Health Fund details.
How many Antenatal visits will I have?
Most patients see Melissa 10 to 12 times during their pregnancy. At each visit, Melissa will keep you thoroughly informed about your own health, the baby’s health and progress, and what is likely to happen next. On or before your first visit, you’ll be given a Welcome Pack that contains more detailed information about the schedule of visits.
Will Melissa deliver my baby?
Melissa genuinely wishes she could deliver every one of her patients’ babies, but this is a promise that no Obstetrician can make. Being on-call 24/7 is physically impossible and it would also erode the time she can devote to antenatal consultations.
As a member of River City Obstetric Group, Melissa shares her on-call roster with 5 other female Obstetricians. This means that in the event that Melissa is not on-call when your baby needs to be delivered, you will be expertly cared for by one of these highly respected, experienced and like-minded professionals.
Is Melissa a 'No-Gap Doctor'?
Yes. This means that for surgeries (with some exceptions), Melissa will accept the amount your private health fund contributes to the relevant item numbers. You won’t be required to pay any gap. It is important to note that other medical practitioners associated with the surgery (for example the Anaesthetist or Paediatrician) may still charge you a fee for their services. These fees are determined by the individual practitioner and are outside Melissa’s control.
How and when do I book into the hospital?
It is advisable to book into the Mater Mothers’ Private Hospital (South Brisbane) as soon as possible after finding out you are pregnant, but definitely before you reach 28 weeks. You can do this online.
Who do I call if I have an urgent concern?
For urgent concerns or queries between 8am – 4pm weekdays, please contact us on (07) 3839 1033. If calling outside these hours, please contact OBSTETRIC EMERGENCY on (07) 3163 1918 (Mater Mothers’ Private Hospital in South Brisbane).
Can I bring my baby or child along with me to visits?
Yes! We are a very family-friendly practice and love our patients bringing their children with them to visits. You’ll find pram and wheelchair access, toys, books and a baby-change table. And if you need someone to hold your baby or entertain your toddler while you are in seeing Melissa, then Felicity, Karen and/or Nicky from our Administration and Reception team will be happy to help!
Melissa’s appointment times are generous, not rushed, to ensure that you have the time you need to ask questions or talk through your specific plans or concerns.
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