What does ‘No Gap’ mean? 

A ‘gap’ is the amount you pay either for medical or hospital charges, over and above what you get back from Medicare or your private health insurer. 

Most patients requiring knee, hip or shoulder replacements incur significant out-of-pocket expenses (on top of private health insurance premiums that are paid annually) in the form of surgeon fees, anaesthetist fees, physiotherapist gaps, etc. 

However, JRC offers a ‘no gap’ holistic care pathway for privately insured patients requiring a joint replacement. 

The only out-of-pocket expense you may incur is a hospital excess charged by your health insurer. This is different for each insurance policy and can be checked with your insurer.

Why do you offer a Gap-Free end-to-end service while others charge large gap payments? 

Professor Jegan Krishnan founded The Joint Replacement Clinic because he believes that high quality health care should be available to all and has never charged a gap for consultation or surgery. The Joint Replacement Clinic is built on this philosophy. 

Jegan and his team have worked hard to put together an end-to-end Accelerated Care Pathway that offers all that a patient needs at no gap for privately insured patients and at the lowest possible cost to non-insured patients.

Do I need to have private health insurance? 

To take advantage of the JRC Accelerated Care Pathway with no out-of-pocket expenses, you do require private health insurance. 

However, self-funded patients can also use this service. As always, we endeavour to provide high quality medical care at the lowest possible cost to the patient.

What is The Joint Replacement Clinic’s Accelerated Care Pathway? 

Our Accelerated Care Pathway is a stream-lined pathway for your joint replacement. We have thought of everything you need and packaged it into one smooth process. 

The JRC Care Pathway includes everything from the patient’s initial consultations through to post-surgery recovery (in the comfort of the patient’s home), with zero out-of-pocket expense for: 

• Surgeon 

• Anaesthetist 

• Physiotherapy (6 treatments) 

• Physician 

• Hospital stay 

• Transport to and from hospital 

• Home care following hospital discharge 

• Mobility aids following hospital discharge, as required (for up to 14 days) 

• Follow-up 

• 2 weeks post op wound review with JRC Nurse 

• 6 weeks post op review with surgeon 

When does the JRC Accelerated Care Pathway commence?  

It commences from the initial consultation with the surgeon.  

Following the initial consultation, our team will be in contact with you to organise a pre-operative anaesthetist consultation, a physician consultation and a physiotherapist assessment.  

A 10-day care package begins on the day of surgery consisting of transport to hospital from home, hospital stay following surgery, discharge (usually on third day following surgery) and home care (as required).  

Some patients may need further care following discharge requiring transfer to a rehabilitation centre and will not need home care.  

This is followed by physiotherapy sessions as part of the JRC Accelerated Care Pathway (6 treatments included in total as part of the Pathway). All patient requirements and recovery times do vary. It is important to note that the 10 days of treatment commences on the day of your surgery. 

How many physiotherapy appointments do I receive from this Pathway?

The JRC Care Pathway includes 6 physiotherapy treatments in total. This may be split up to be 1 pre-surgery and 5 post-surgery. Alternatively, you may use all 6 as part of your post-surgery treatment. As part of your pre-assessment, we can discuss your individual needs.

Where are the consulting locations? 

Prof Jegan Krishnan consults out of Southern Community Health, Firle Medical Centre Holdfast Medical Centre, Krishnan Medical Centre and Port Pirie.  

Dr Sunil Reddy consults out of East Adelaide Specialist Centre, Specialist Suites – Calvary Central District Hospital, Gawler Specialist Clinic, McIntyre Medical Centre and Port Pirie. 

Where can I have my surgery? 

Ashford Hospital, North Eastern Community Hospital or Calvary Central Districts Hospital.

How quick is the recovery process after a joint replacement?

It is common for most patients to be discharged from hospital on day 2 or 3 of the Accelerated Care Pathway. Getting you back home and out of hospital within a short timeframe is important so you can begin your recovery journey in a comfortable and familiar environment, actively participating in your rehabilitation and receiving personalised support from our team. 

This timeframe prioritises early mobilisation and active participation in your recovery, which can lead to better outcomes. 

Returning home to familiar surroundings: This promotes comfort, independence, and a sense of control, aiding in your rehabilitation journey. 

Receiving ongoing support and guidance: Our team will provide you with a personalised plan for pain management, physiotherapy, and wound care. 

While the initial hospital stay is brief, full recovery typically takes several months. Here's a general timeline: 

• Weeks 1-4: Focus on managing pain, regaining mobility, and performing basic daily activities with assistance. 

• Weeks 5-8: Increase strength and flexibility through physiotherapy exercises, gradually progressing towards independence. 

• Months 2-6: Continue building strength and stamina, resuming most daily activities without restriction. 

• Beyond 6 months: Enjoy the full benefits of your new joint, returning to hobbies and activities you love. 

Remember, this is a general guideline, and your individual recovery may differ.

Please also note that most knee and hip replacement patients can expect improvements in strength, swelling, mobility and function for up to 12-18 months following surgery.

At the Joint Replacement Clinic, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way, providing the guidance and resources you need to achieve optimal results. 

How can I make an appointment with JRC?

If you have a GP Referral, please contact your preferred surgeon below. 

Prof Jegan Krishnan 
13 Laffers Road 
Belair SA 5052 

Phone: (08) 8267 8233 
Email: krishnanadmin@sahi.org.au 

Dr Sunil Reddy 
151 Hutt Street 
Adelaide SA 5000 

Phone: (08) 8232 8899 
Email: admin@drsunilreddy.com.au 

If you do not have a GP Referral:  

Please contact your GP and request a referral to The Joint Replacement Clinic.