Home / For Referrers

Referring to Dr Tarr

Thank you for considering interventional radiology for your patient. Every referral receives a formal consultation, honest triage, including advice when IR is not the right option, and a letter back to you promptly after consultation and procedure.

Refer by specialty

Find your referral pathway

Choose your specialty for the conditions Dr Tarr can help with, why to refer, and how to send a referral, or scroll down for the full indications table.

How to refer

Three simple ways

1. Phone

Call 07 3107 4875 to discuss a case or send a referral. Dr Tarr welcomes informal "is this suitable?" conversations before formal referral.

2. Written referral

Email referrals@drtarr.com, or address to Dr Gregory Tarr, Interventional Radiologist in Brisbane or Ipswich. Electronic referrals via Medical-Objects, search "Dr Gregory Tarr". Healthlink available on request.

3. Consultation

Patients are seen in Brisbane or Ipswich. Following consultation you'll receive a letter outlining the plan, and a procedure report after treatment.

Quick reference

Indications for referral

ProcedureConsider referral whenTypical pathway
Uterine artery embolisation Symptomatic fibroids or adenomyosis. Heavy menstrual bleeding, bulk symptoms, pain, where the patient wishes to avoid hysterectomy/myomectomy or is unfit for surgery. MRI pelvis pre-consult ideal; overnight stay; usually no gap on the specialist fee.
Prostate artery embolisation Moderate–severe LUTS from BPH refractory to medical therapy; patients wanting to preserve sexual function, on anticoagulation, with large glands, or in urinary retention. Day case or overnight; preserves ejaculatory function in many patients.
Genicular artery embolisation / TAME Mild–moderate knee OA with pain refractory to conservative care, in patients not ready (or not fit) for joint replacement; chronic tendinopathy or enthesopathy refractory to standard treatment. Day case; sedation; rapid return to activity.
Varicocele embolisation Symptomatic varicocele (pain, swelling), abnormal semen parameters in the setting of varicocele, or recurrence after surgery. Day case via single venous puncture; no incision.
Pelvic venous congestion Chronic pelvic pain >6 months with ovarian/pelvic vein reflux on imaging, pelvic origin varices, or atypical lower limb/vulval varicosities. Day case; venography confirms diagnosis at the time of treatment.
Y-90 SIRT / tumour ablation HCC or hepatic metastases for consideration of locoregional therapy, typically via MDT in conjunction with oncology, hepatology or surgery. MDT discussion welcomed; staged work-up for SIRT.
Haemorrhoid artery embolisation Grade II–III internal haemorrhoids with recurrent bleeding despite banding; patients declining surgery, anticoagulated or comorbid. Colonoscopy required first. Day case; no rectal instrumentation; preserves surgical options.
Vascular malformations Venous/lymphatic malformations causing pain, swelling or functional limitation; AVMs; uncertain vascular lesions needing diagnosis and a plan. MRI mapping, then staged sclerotherapy/embolisation; surgical co-management welcomed.
Tubal recanalisation / lipiodol flush Proximal tubal occlusion on HSG/HyCoSy; unexplained infertility for lipiodol flushing; pre-IVF in collaboration with fertility specialist. Day procedure, cycle days ~6–12; report to referrer same week.
What to include

In your referral

  • Patient demographics, Medicare and health fund details
  • Relevant history, current medications (especially anticoagulants) and allergies
  • Relevant imaging reports and where imaging was performed
  • Recent relevant pathology (e.g. iron studies/FBC for fibroids, PSA for BPH, semen analysis for varicocele)
  • Treatments tried to date and patient preference if known
Billing

Costs your patients can predict

Most procedures are performed with no gap on the specialist fee for privately insured patients; hospital or anaesthetic costs may still apply. All fees are disclosed in writing before booking, informed financial consent, every time.

Uninsured and self-funded patients receive a written quote up front. Dr Tarr is happy to discuss individual circumstances.

Unsure if your patient is suitable? Call for an informal discussion before referring. It often saves the patient an unnecessary appointment.

Discuss a case

Dr Tarr is available to discuss suitability, urgency and work-up for any patient you're considering referring.