Auckland osteopath Mike Mirkovic is proud to have the country’s only focused shockwave therapy machine, which significantly speeds up recovery from chronic injuries.

The treatment is non-invasive and uses ultrasound to target old, fibrotic or scarred injuries.

“The shockwave therapy machine increases circulation, activates fibrocytes and can help reduce bone oedema,” Mike says.

“We use shockwave therapy for chronic injuries – things like plantar fasciitis, mild osteoarthritis, chronic tendon injuries, mild bursitis or torn muscles. We use our high-powered laser therapy for more acute injuries to reduce pain and swelling.”

Mike, who established Epsom Osteopathic Centre in 2006, says the high-powered machines broaden his treatment options immensely.

Musculoskeletal all-rounders

Mike, who grew up in Germany, says there can be a bit of confusion about what osteopaths actually do. Unlike physios, most osteopaths don’t do rehabilitation exercise work.

“Basically, we treat anyone who has a musculoskeletal issue, from children right through to older people, from office workers to athletes, so you can think of osteopaths as musculoskeletal all-rounders.”

He says the most common problem he sees in his practice is lower back and neck pain.

“Often I will look at correcting the patient’s posture or the way they move. For example, if it’s an office worker I’ll look at the way their desk and computer is set up or, if it’s an athlete, I’ll look at video footage of them in action to help treat them.”

He says he’s seeing more and more children and teenagers with musculoskeletal problems due to the overuse of devices.

“They are hunched over and wilting, so that position coupled with a lack of exercise is causing a lot of problems.”

Team effort

Mike says he likes to work closely with other health professionals.

“I’ll send patients to a physio or personal trainer if needed. I like working with other health professionals to get the best outcome for the patient. I’m not in competition with anyone and actively encourage patients to seek other procedures if needed.”

Mike works alongside osteopath Amanda Collis and naturopath Gordana Mirkovic in his busy practice and takes private patients as well as ACC referrals.

“I’ve done a good job if I don’t see my patients again with the same pain pattern. I treat them and encourage them to make changes so they don’t have to come back for the same issue.”

How to refer to Epsom Osteopathic Centre:

• open the patient record
• select the HealthLink icon
• use the CareSelect search bar, type “Epsom Osteopathic Centre” or “Mike Mirkovic”
• click “Compose Referral”.

TRG Auckland’s 10 clinics located around the greater Auckland region offer state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging services as well as a caring patient-centred environment.

Established in 2004, TRG Imaging is the largest private multiple modality provider of radiology services in the North Island. It also has clinics located in Whangarei, Taupo, Rotorua, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay.

TRG Auckland offers ultrasounds, MRIs, mammograms (2D and 3D), x-rays, CT scans, pregnancy imaging, steroid injections, angiographies, bone density scans and several other special procedures.

TRG Auckland general manager northern Gillian Dawe says the business prides itself on having the latest, cutting-edge technology on offer.

“We keep up-to-date with the latest imaging technology so we can provide the best service possible for our patients,” she says.

Patient experience key

As well as having the latest technology on offer, TRG Auckland also focuses on the patient experience.

“The patient experience is key and we work hard to make it as pleasant and stress-free as possible.”

Clinics are designed in a patient-friendly way to help people feel relaxed and at ease.

“We have added soft lighting and furnishings in many of the sites because we don’t want the space to look clinical and cold. We’ve also introduced some lovely decals on the walls and have wooden-looking floors to make it feel warmer, homelier and more interesting.”

Gillian says staff members receive ongoing training and support, with a focus on how to support and help patients to feel comfortable and relaxed.

“Sometimes the reason for visiting TRG means it can be an anxious time. The news patients receive isn’t always positive, so compassion and understanding is key.”

TRG Imaging clinics are owned and managed by radiologists and doctors who work there.

“This is fantastic because it means they have a vested interest in the clinics to make them the best they can be.”

Gillian says the specialists and staff at TRG Imaging Auckland are highly qualified and professional.

“The combination of latest technology, high standard of imaging and reports and customer care means patients are in excellent hands.”

Gillian says GPs are offered training and support by TRG Imaging on the use of e-Referrals, which has been well received.

GPs can now also refer a patient for an MRI directly to TRG Auckland for MRI knee, shoulder, cervical spine and lumbar spine imaging.

“We really support GPs using e-Referrals. It reduces errors, is completely secure and more time efficient for everybody.”

TRG Auckland has clinics located on the North Shore in Milford (its flagship clinic), Rosedale and Northcross. In the south, there are clinics at Ormiston Hospital, Takanini, Otahuhu, Manurewa and Glen Innes. There is also a clinic in Ponsonby and one in Henderson.

How to refer to TRG Imaging – Auckland:

• open the patient record
• select the HealthLink icon
• use the CareSelect search bar, type “TRG Auckland”
• click “Compose Referral”.

You can also refer to TRG Whangarei, Taupo, Rotorua, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay via CareSelect e-Referrals.

One in six New Zealanders are affected by hearing loss and that number is expected to grow to one in four as the population ages.

With hearing loss such a widespread and growing problem, Triton Hearing is focussed on providing accessible and affordable hearing care to as many people as possible.

E-referrals can now be made to Triton Hearing using HealthLink’s CareSelect service, making it easier for GPs to make a referral and easier for patients to receive the care they need.

Triton Hearing has been delivering innovative hearing solutions to people around the country for 30 years. It offers free hearing checks at each of its 70 community based clinics located around New Zealand or via its website.

Quality of life impacted

Triton Hearing’s Head of Innovation and MNZAS audiologist, Craig Lett, says untreated hearing loss can negatively impact on wellbeing and quality of life.

“It also affects the lives of those around the person with the hearing loss. Even a mild loss can cause changes to the way a person lives, works and socialises,” he says.

Because hearing loss is often gradual, it can take sometimes take years before a person seeks help.

“It’s important people get their hearing checked at the first signs of hearing loss. There are many people who have untreated hearing loss who could significantly improve their quality of life simply by wearing hearing aids.”

Triton Hearing offers the full range of audiological care, including ear nurse services in most locations. And contrary to popular belief, hearing aids are affordable and discreet to wear.

Triton Hearing offers a Better Hearing Guarantee from only $495, including Government subsidy. This includes a free hearing test, a pair of hearing aids and free care and support for the life of the hearing devices.

“We don’t want price to be a barrier for people who need hearing aids,” he says.

Triton Hearing is also New Zealand’s only Consumer NZ trusted hearing provider, something the company is very proud of.

Accessibility key

At some locations, Triton Hearing also offers the TeleAudiology service, the first of its kind in the world.

Patients can have a consultation with an audiologist using a high-definition teleconferencing system.

“This means those located in more remote areas of New Zealand have access to the same level of care and support,” he says.

In addition, Triton Hearing has also recently transformed a 1949 Bedford bus, named Te waka Āwhina or Penelope, into a mobile hearing clinic that travels to remote parts of the country.

“We provide Triton TeleAudiology services on the bus and can test and fit people with hearing aids, wherever they are,” he says.

“We’re really focussed on providing easy access to better hearing for all New Zealanders, whether it’s price or location.”

How to refer to Triton Hearing:

• open the patient record
• select the HealthLink icon
• use the CareSelect search bar, type “Triton Hearing”
• click “Compose Referral”.

Auckland-based Nutrition Consultants prides itself on providing evidence-based advice to people wanting to manage their weight.

With so much contrary, pseudo-scientific information about how to lose weight available online it can be hard for people to know what to believe, says Nutrition Consultants owner MaryRose Spence.

“People are confused about what they should be eating and what’s good or bad for them and how to lose weight. We keep it simple and evidence-based and our advice is based on food science,” says MaryRose, a registered dietitian with more than 30 years experience.

While Nutrition Consultants specialise in weight loss, MaryRose and her colleague, registered nutritionist Brigid Chunn, also see patients with a range of other issues including bowel problems, raised cholesterol levels and low energy. They also give high performance athletes nutrition advice.

Body composition monitor

MaryRose, who is also a published author, says the use of a body composition monitor to assist patients has been a game-changer.

“This wonderful piece of equipment gives us more information than just a person’s weight, it tells us how their body is made up. Knowing how much of a person’s weight is body fat and much is muscle mass helps them and us understand their metabolism,” she says.

“We can then provide a diet that is tailor made to that person. I’ll talk them through the results and about the science of food and what they need to be eating at each meal and why.”

MaryRose says people feel better when they are eating the right combination of food for their particular body.

“Where I place certain foods in their day gives them appetite control and they can confidently lose weight and keep it off. They don’t feel hungry and they can lose weight much more easily,” she says.

“The repercussions of weight loss are huge and there are a whole lot of flow on effects. You have more energy, you can decrease blood pressure, you can come off diabetes medication, you can be less prone to certain cancers, the list goes on.”

Practical advice

MaryRose sees a lot of people who have been given inappropriate dietary advice.

“There are a lot of cowboys out there whose advice is not evidence-based like ours.”

She says when she gives advice, she tells people how they should do things not just what they should do.

“I like to be very practical, visual and hands on in my practice.”

That includes whipping up a tasty, healthy, vegetable recipe each week that patients can sample and try cooking themselves if they like it.

MaryRose has patients from all age groups, including people in their eighties as well as patients based ouside of Auckland and overseas.

“Food can give us great energy and health, but it can also take our energy and health away.”

How to refer to Nutrition Consultants:

• open the patient record
• launch the HealthLink homepage
• using the CareSelect bar, type “Nutrition Consultants”
• click “Compose Referral”.

Kiwi-owned Horizon Radiology is opening a new radiology clinic in South Auckland next month due to an increase in demand for its services.

The new expanded services clinic will be located in a large integrated medical centre, which will include an urgent care facility as well as general practice, pharmacy, physiotherapist and dentist. The centre will be located on Watford Street in Otara and is due to open on 10 April.

Horizon Radiology managing director Mary Gordon says their new clinic will be much bigger than the old one, which was located across the road.

“It’s a really exciting opportunity for us to open in this new, larger clinic which will offer x-rays and ultrasounds. In our old clinic across the road we only offered x-rays,” Mary says.

Horizon Radiology started in 2003 and is Auckland’s largest community based radiology provider. It has 16 clinics across the Auckland region offering a range of diagnostic imaging services including x-rays, pregnancy scans, general and MSK ultrasounds and steroid injections.

“Horizon is also an approved provider to perform immigration chest x-rays at our clinics in Queen Street and Manukau.”

High standard of care

Mary says patients at Horizon Radiology can expect a high standard of care in a caring, customer-focused environment.

“We have highly skilled and experienced clinicians working in our clinics right across Auckland offering expert care. We actively support and fund in-house and external ongoing development and clinical training for staff to keep up to date with the latest developments.”

Horizon Radiology also regularly updates its equipment.

“We have an ongoing equipment acquisitions and maintenance plan as we are committed to re-investing back into the business to ensure our equipment is the best,” she says.

Mary says more women choose to have their pregnancy scans at Horizon Radiology then anywhere else in Auckland.

“We can also offer 3D, 4D scans and a live recording for a minimal cost on a USB sticks at certain Horizon clinics, should expectant parents want them.”

She recommends GPs use InteleConnect to securely access their referred patient’s images and reports online to stay informed about their progress.

“GPs can have confidence in our highly skilled clinicians and latest equipment and know their patient is receiving a high standard of care.”

If GPs have any questions about the referral process they can phone Horizon Radiology’s helpline on 0508 397 7377.

How to refer to Horizon Radiology:

Horizon Radiology branches are Auckland wide and can be referred to electronically.

• open the patient record
• launch the HealthLink homepage
• using the CareSelect bar, type “Horizon Radiology”
• click “Compose Referral”.