Dr Jai Sungaran is grateful for the trust demonstrated by fellow physicians when they allow him to care for their patients. He frequently collaborates with referring physicians to streamline the care and management of patients with hand and wrist injuries. Dr Sungaran makes every effort to provide an efficient and timely referral experience for both referring doctors and patients.
Referring a Patient to Dr Sungaran
Please note that patients need a general practitioner referral to allow for a Medicare rebate. Referrals from general practitioners also allow Dr Sungaran to ensure that urgent and emergency conditions are seen in a timely manner.
If you are a doctor and want to refer a patient to Dr Sungaran, please send a message through Argus, HealthLink or Medical Objects. Return letters will be send via secure messaging delivery wherever possible.
Please refer to the following table as a general timeframe for referral of hand and wrist injuries:
| Timeframe for Review | Clinical Problem | Action | Suggest |
|---|---|---|---|
| As soon as possible | Urgent – vascular compromise (e.g., amputation) | In hours: Call the Orthocentre on 9525 2055 After hours: Call Kareena Private Hospital on 9717 0000 and ask for Dr Sungaran via mobile | Apply non-stick dressing or covering that can be easily removed; advise patient not to eat or drink |
| Treatment within 24 hours | Infected/contaminated wound | In hours: Call the Orthocentre on 9525 2055 After hours: Call Kareena Private Hospital on 9717 0000 and ask for Dr Sungaran via mobile | Irrigate open wound with saline or clean tap water; begin antibiotics if treatment delay is anticipated; advise patient not to eat or drink |
| Treatment within 48-72 hours | Clean/closed wound with suspected injury to nerve, tendon or other vital structures | Call Orthocentre or send an email | Splint the affected hand/wrist; take X-ray |
| Review within 7 days | Fractures (any surgery required is ideally performed within 14 days); splinted closed injuries with unstable joints | Call Orthocentre or send an email | Splint the affected hand/wrist; take X-ray |
Conditions Requiring Immediate Review
- Impaired blood flow with tissue at risk of death
Conditions Requiring Urgent Review
- Hand infections
- Contaminated wounds
- Open dislocations
- Irreducible dislocations
- Other conditions where surgery is required within 24 hours
Conditions Requiring Semi-Urgent Review
- Hand and wrist fractures that will require surgery
- Suspected flexor tendon rupture
- Clean wounds with suspected digital nerve or tendon injuries
Conditions Requiring Review within 7 Days
- Fractures that are unlikely to require surgical management (i.e., those that are undisplaced, not involving a joint, with no clinical rotation)
- Closed dislocations
- Mallet finger injuries without fracture
In cases of sprains, strains or ligament injuries where X-rays show no fracture and pain and/or swelling make it difficult to diagnose an underlying injury, Dr Sungaran prefers to review the case approximately one week after the injury.
Contact Southern Hand & Wrist
If you have questions or concerns about referring a patient for evaluation of a hand or wrist injury or condition, please contact Dr Jai Sungaran. Call or fill out our online contact form today and a member of our staff will respond to your query shortly.
