Frequently Asked Questions

No referral is required, but a GP referral is strongly recommended as it enables Medicare rebates, significantly reducing your out-of-pocket costs. A referral also provides key clinical information that helps me prepare for your consultation. Book an appointment with or without a referral.

Yes, Dr Wells is accepting new patients. Book your appointment today.

Think of it like seeing a cardiologist for your heart. A Sport and Exercise Medicine Physician is the specialist doctor for your muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments.

This specialist training bridges the gap between GPs, surgeons, and physiotherapists. In practice, I work collaboratively with all three, providing a thorough assessment, a clear diagnosis, and a treatment plan that may include imaging, hands-on procedures like ultrasound-guided injections, medication, exercise prescription, and coordinated rehabilitation. If surgery is needed, I will refer you to the right surgeon and support your recovery.

The letters FACSEP after a doctor's name mean they have completed this specialist training and passed national fellowship examinations with the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians. After six years of medical school and three years as a junior doctor, a sports physician completes a minimum of four years of specialist training in diagnosing and treating injuries, pain, and movement problems. From starting medical school to receiving these letters takes at least thirteen years. See Dr Wells' journey.

You may already be seeing one or more of these professionals. Here is how each fits into your care:

• Your GP is usually where things start. They can assess your concern, start treatment, and write a referral if you need specialist input. A GP referral also means you get a Medicare rebate for your specialist appointment.
• A Sport & Exercise Medicine Physician gives you a specialist-level diagnosis and manages your condition without surgery. This includes ordering and interpreting scans, performing procedures like injections under ultrasound guidance, prescribing medication and exercise, and pulling your treatment plan together.
• An Orthopaedic Surgeon is the specialist you see when an operation may be needed. If surgery is the best path for you, I will refer you to the right surgeon and help manage your recovery before and after.
• A Physiotherapist provides hands-on treatment and guides your rehabilitation exercises. I work closely with your physio to make sure your rehab program is matched to your diagnosis and recovery goals.

You might benefit from seeing me if: you have a new injury and want a clear answer on what it is, your pain or problem is not improving, you need scans ordered or explained, you want to know whether you need surgery, or you have a complex issue that needs someone to take the lead on your care. View services.

No. The name "Sport and Exercise Medicine" comes from the training pathway, not the patients we see. I treat people of all ages and backgrounds, including office workers with back pain, retirees with arthritis, teenagers with growing pains, weekend gardeners with sore shoulders, and yes, athletes too. If your problem involves muscles, bones, joints, or movement, you are in the right place. Everyone is welcome.

Please bring:

• Any relevant imaging (X-rays, MRI, ultrasound scans)
• Previous medical reports
• Referral letter if you have one
• A list of current medications
• Your Medicare card

Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy movement and access to the injured area.

Dr Wells has access to top-tier physician Medicare rebate rates (MBS A4), so with a valid GP referral your rebate is maximised. On an initial consultation, this generally means approximately $150 rebate back to you through Medicare. Dr Wells can also refer for Medicare-rebateable MRI scans. Fees vary by clinic location, so please contact the practice via the Locations page for specific pricing.

Initial consultations are 30-45 minutes for comprehensive assessment and treatment planning. Follow-ups are typically 15-30 minutes. Book your consultation today.

Yes! Once you're an established patient, book follow-ups directly through the clinic. You don't need a new referral for 12 months after your initial consultation. Contact your clinic to schedule.

Your first appointment includes:

• Detailed discussion of your injury, symptoms, and goals
• Review of your medical history and any previous treatments
• Physical examination of the affected area
• Review of any imaging or test results
• Discussion of diagnosis and treatment options
• Development of a personalized treatment plan

I currently consult at SportsMed Sunshine Coast at the Sports Hub Bokarina, with a Noosa location coming soon. View clinic locations and book for current availability and directions.

Yes! Free open and undercover parking is available on site, with lift access to Level 1 where the clinic is located. View clinic location and directions.

Yes, telehealth consultations are available for follow-up appointments and certain initial consultations where a physical examination isn't essential. Medicare rebates apply with a valid referral. Book a telehealth consultation.

Please provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. This allows us to offer the slot to another patient. Late cancellations or missed appointments may incur a fee.

For serious injuries such as suspected fractures, dislocations, or head injuries with loss of consciousness, please go to your nearest Emergency Department. For urgent but non-emergency injuries, contact the clinic and we'll arrange a prompt appointment.

Bulk billing is not available for specialist consultations. However, Dr Wells has access to top-tier Medicare rebate rates (MBS A4), so with a GP referral your rebate is maximised, with approximately $150 rebate back to you on an initial consultation. Dr Wells can also refer for Medicare-rebateable MRI scans. Contact your preferred clinic for fee details.

Private health insurance typically does not cover out-of-hospital specialist appointments, including Sport & Exercise Medicine consultations. The good news is that Dr Wells has access to the highest Medicare rebate tier (MBS A4), so with a valid GP referral you receive the maximum rebate available, with approximately $150 rebate back to you on an initial consultation. Dr Wells can also refer for Medicare-rebateable MRI, helping keep imaging costs down. Most patients find this makes specialist care very accessible.

Dr Wells does not currently accept DVA (Department of Veterans' Affairs) referrals. However, veterans are welcome to book as private patients with a GP referral to access Medicare rebates. Dr Wells accepts Medicare, WorkCover, and self-referrals. Please contact the clinic on (07) 5415 0428 to discuss your options or book an appointment.

Yes, I treat patients of all ages including children and teenagers. Young athletes have unique injury patterns that benefit from specialist assessment. Book an appointment.

I provide comprehensive medical reports for WorkCover Queensland. This includes injury assessments, treatment plans, and return-to-work advice. Fees for reports are separate from consultation fees.

I provide comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning for musculoskeletal injuries and conditions:

• Acute Injuries - sprains, strains, fractures, and trauma
• Overuse & Chronic Conditions - tendinopathies, arthritis, and persistent pain
• Concussion & Imaging Review - assessment, management, and expert scan interpretation
• Advanced Procedures - ultrasound-guided injections, PRP therapy, shockwave
• Performance & Prevention - load management, training advice, injury prevention
• Exercise as Medicine - exercise prescription for chronic disease

View services and treatments

I can arrange diagnostic imaging (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound) through local Queensland imaging providers and provide expert interpretation. As a specialist sports physician, I can refer for Medicare-rebateable MRI scans, helping keep your imaging costs down. I also perform in-clinic diagnostic ultrasound for certain conditions.

If surgery is a possibility, I'll help you make an informed decision by explaining your options and the evidence for and against surgical intervention. When surgery is the right choice, I work with trusted Sunshine Coast and Brisbane orthopaedic surgeons. Learn about treatment options.

Absolutely! I collaborate closely with physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, and other allied health providers across the Sunshine Coast. With your permission, I'll communicate with your existing team to ensure coordinated care. Learn about my collaborative approach.

Recovery varies based on your injury and individual factors. I'll provide realistic timelines and develop criteria-based return-to-activity plans that balance safety with your goals. Book a consultation to discuss your specific situation.

Consider referral for:

• Acute Injuries - complex sprains, strains, fractures requiring specialist assessment
• Overuse & Chronic Conditions - tendinopathies, arthritis, or persistent pain not responding to first-line treatment
• Concussion & Imaging Review - concussion assessment, diagnostic uncertainty, or need for expert imaging interpretation
• Advanced Procedures - consideration for ultrasound-guided injections, PRP therapy, or shockwave
• Performance & Prevention - return-to-sport planning, load management, or pre/post-surgical optimization
• Exercise as Medicine - physical activity prescription for chronic disease management, metabolic health, rehabilitation, and healthy aging

View services | Common Injuries / Conditions

I provide prompt, comprehensive reports to referring practitioners via Medical Objects after initial consultations and significant management changes. Reports include diagnosis, investigation results, treatment plan, and recommendations for ongoing care.

Sport and Exercise Medicine sits between general practice, orthopaedic surgery, and physiotherapy. We specialise in diagnosing musculoskeletal injuries using clinical assessment, ultrasound, and advanced imaging, then managing them with non-surgical treatments including injection therapies, exercise prescription, and coordinated rehabilitation. We also prescribe exercise as a medical treatment for chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. If surgery or another specialist is needed, we coordinate that referral and support your care throughout. Learn more about Sport & Exercise Medicine

I am a Fellow of the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians (FACSEP), which requires:

• Medical degree (MBBS)
• General medical training
• Minimum 4 years of specialist Sport & Exercise Medicine training
• Successful completion of ACSEP Fellowship examinations
• Ongoing continuing professional development

I am a registered medical practitioner (doctor) with AHPRA.

I've worked with elite sporting organizations including:

• ACT Brumbies Super Rugby (Team Doctor)
• Australian Institute of Sport (Sports Medicine Consultant)
• Olympic and Paralympic athletes
• ACT Academy of Sport
• Queensland Academy of Sport

I'm also a former professional cyclist with experience as an Australian National Champion and UCI race winner.

I've worked across a wide range of sports at elite and community levels, including:

Team sports: rugby league, AFL, cricket, soccer, netball, rugby union, basketball, touch football, volleyball, field hockey, waterpolo, ice hockey
Endurance & sprint: swimming, triathlon, running, athletics, road cycling, track cycling, mountain biking, rowing, paddling
Adventure sports: ultra-running, adventure racing, hiking, orienteering
Action sports: surfing, skateboarding, BMX, climbing
Combat: boxing, martial arts, combat sports
Equestrian: horse riding, equestrian sports
Technical: gymnastics, dancing, synchronised swimming
Racquet: tennis, golf
Functional fitness: CrossFit, Hyrox, HIIT, F45
Winter sports: skiing, snowboarding
Para sports: para-athletics, para-swimming, para-canoe, wheelchair rugby

Whatever your sport or activity, the principles of injury assessment, rehabilitation, and performance apply. Book a consultation to discuss your specific needs.

After working in Canberra with elite sporting programs including the ACT Brumbies and Australian Institute of Sport, I relocated to the Sunshine Coast to be closer to family and bring specialist Sport & Exercise Medicine care to this active community. The region's outdoor lifestyle and sporting culture are a perfect fit.