Seeing a Respiratory & Sleep Specialist
A referral from your GP or specialist is required to see Dr Fanning. If you believe you may have a breathing or sleep problem, speak with your doctor first — they will assess you and, if appropriate, provide a referral.
Your First Appointment
What to bring:
- Your referral letter from your GP or specialist
- Medicare card and any relevant private health insurance details
- A completed patient questionnaire and consent form (the rooms will provide this)
- Any previous test results — spirometry, chest X-rays, CT scans, blood tests, or sleep studies
- Your CPAP machine if you have one
- A list of questions you’d like to ask
What to expect:
Your first appointment typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes, which if clinically required, may include assessment of lung function the respiratory laboratory. Dr Fanning will take a detailed history, discuss your symptoms and concerns, and perform a clinical examination. He may request additional investigations — such as breathing tests (spirometry or full lung function), a chest X-ray, CT scan, or a sleep study — before or after your first visit.
Sleep Studies
If a sleep study is recommended, you may have a ambulatory diagnostic polysomnogram (PSG) (a diagnostic sleep study performed in your own bed with a portable device) or an in-laboratory polysomnogram (diagnostic sleep study, performed at the Respirologist sleep laboratory at Mater Private Hospital, South Brisbane). The Respirologist facility at South Brisbane also provides access to the full suite of more sophisticated polysomnograms such as CPAP titrations, Bilevel titrations and vigilance studies.
The type of sleep study recommended depends on your clinical situation. Dr Fanning will discuss the most appropriate option with you.
CPAP Therapy
If you are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy is often the most effective treatment. Dr Fanning’s team will guide you through CPAP setup and review, including access to the respiratory and sleep laboratory’s CPAP support services.
Fees & Billing
Dr Fanning practises from the Mater Medical Centre, South Brisbane. He is a private billing specialist. A private fee applies — please contact the rooms on 07 3123 5350 for current fee information before your appointment.
Medicare rebates apply for most consultations. Private health insurance does not generally cover specialist outpatient consultations (clinic visits and investigations) but will likely contribute to the cost of inpatient/hospital procedures and investigations.
Telehealth
Telehealth appointments are available for appropriate consultations. Please contact the rooms to discuss whether a telehealth appointment is suitable for your situation.
Location & Parking
Suite 22, Level 6
Mater Medical Centre
293 Vulture Street
South Brisbane QLD 4101
The Mater Medical Centre is located on the Mater Hospital campus in South Brisbane, with access from Vulture Street and Raymond Terrace. Paid parking is available on site. The campus is also accessible by public transport (bus and rail).
Contact
| Phone | 07 3123 5350 |
| Fax | 07 3123 5338 |
| Address | Suite 22, Level 6, Mater Medical Centre, 293 Vulture St, South Brisbane QLD 4101 |
| Hours | Monday – Friday (please call for appointment availability) |
In an Emergency
If you are experiencing a medical emergency — including severe breathing difficulty — call 000 immediately or go to your nearest emergency department. Do not wait for a specialist appointment.