Medical Checks for Incoming Patients
Despite the fact that Australian immigration authorities require checks for TB and HIV before allowing people to enter Australia, some children coming for ROMAC operations may have other health problems that were not advised to ROMAC before they were accepted for treatment. Many will have other problems, which will need resolving prior to surgery.
Recent examples include malnutrition, anaemia,undiagnosed epilepsy,hepatitis B,hypospadius and severe hypertension.
All patients should have a thorough examination from a paediatrician. It need not be the Regional Medical Director but assistance from a colleague in the city of treatment is suggested. (This helps involve others in ROMAC).
A medical history should be taken from the accompanying adult; the carer too may have significant health problems. A general practitioner assessment should be organised for them if there are any concerns.
Particular attention should be given to the possibility of scabies and head lice. Children and their accompanying adult should be treated for intestinal worms if present. A history of recent fever or the onset of fever after arrival should be considered as possible malaria until proven otherwise.
Possible investigations to be considered if indicated:
Full Blood Count and ESR
Iron studies
Electrolytes Urea and Creatinine
Liver Function Tests
Hepatitis serology for Hepatitis B & C
HIV serology
Serology for measles, tetanus, rubella and diphtheria (if no immunization record)
Serum vitamin A & D levels
Mantoux (read at 72 hours)
Chest X-ray
Faeces c/s and o/c/p (collected in formalin fixative)
Urine m/c/s
Other investigations should be ordered as indicated.
Please ask your pathologist, radiologist or other medical practitioners you involve to provide the service at no charge if possible. ROMAC patients and their carers are not eligible for Medicare so bulk billing is not an option. ROMAC will meet any costs if they insist on charging.
