Q & A
Welcome to the NZDBC!
Some frequently-asked questions…
Bookings
Q: How may I make a NZDBC booking?
A: To make a booking with the NZDBC, it is recommended you get a referral letter from
your GP, or any medical, healthcare, or ACC professional. It should be emailed to
[email protected] or faxed to 09 9720525
Q: Can I book in to see one of the NZDBC-affiliated ENTs listed on your website?
A: Yes. The ENTs associated with the NZDBC are very happy take referrals from your GP, or
any medical, healthcare, or ACC professional.
Their practises are not presently housed at the same location as the NZDBC, so referrals
should be addressed to their practises directly, rather than to the NZDBC.
Q: What if I need to change my NZDBC booking?
A: Of course, we are happy to help! Having dizziness or a balance problem can make a
person feel less independent and less confident. We want to help everyone regain their
confidence and health. By giving us a few days’ notice we can easily find a better time for
you – and perhaps fit someone else into your previous booking timeslot. Everybody wins!
Costs?
Q: How much does testing at the NZDBC cost?
A: This will depend on what testing is recommended by the NZDBC, based on your referral.
You will be advised of the costs prior to booking an appointment.
In this way, you can explore potential coverage of costs via your medical insurance.
Or, you may decide you would prefer ENT specialist referral to the NZDBC, through the
public hospital sector – rather than paying privately (yourself). The choice is yours.
Earwax?
Q: My GP already looked in my ears and says I don’t have much earwax.
Why has the NZDBC recommend professional wax management?
A: Clear ears are needed for precise test results. Even a very small amount of earwax can
prevent accurate results.
If not sufficiently clear, we may be able to do most of the testing, but one or more parts of
your test may need to be rebooked.
Enquires
Q: Where may I send/email my enquiries?
A: Please send them to [email protected] – we look forward to hearing from you!
Referrals
Q: Where do I submit my referral letter from my GP, medical, healthcare, or ACC
professional?
A: Please email them to: [email protected]
Q: What happens after I email my referral letter to [email protected]?
Do you contact me?
A: Yes. We review the referral letter and make recommendations regarding testing.
We then contact you to book an appointment with our team.
Q: Can I self-refer?
A: It is usually a good idea to get reviewed by your GP initially, to rule out any potential
contributing factors to your symptoms or balance problems (for example: high/low
blood pressure, hydration, or any possible medication interactions).
If you are seeking a second opinion, or do not have a GP, please send a brief description
of your symptoms and balance issues to: [email protected]
This can help us determine a good starting point for your assessment(s).
Insurance
Q: Are your services covered by medical insurance?
A: This will depend on your policy. Once you have been formally referred to us and have
received our recommendations regarding assessment, you can enquire with your insurer,
to determine coverage.
Testing
Q: Why should I not eat, 3 hours before my NZDBC test(s)?
A: Some of our balance system tests can cause temporary sensations that may be similar to
dizziness or light-headedness you could already be experiencing.
Testing on an empty stomach is best, to reduce any possibility of nausea.
You will receive this advice if it applies to you, based on the NZDBC test(s)
recommended.
Q: Why am I recommended not to drive after my NZDBC test(s)?
A: Some appointments may be longer than 2 hours in duration. Depending on the timing of
the NZDBC tests recommended, some clients feel tired after testing.
Some of our balance system tests can cause temporary sensations that may be similar to
dizziness or light-headedness you could already be experiencing.
Therefore, some people may not be at their best for driving.
You will receive this advice if it applies to you, based on the NZDBC test(s)
recommended.
