Frequently Asked Questions

Sport and Exercise Medicine practitioners diagnose, manage, treat and prevent musculoskeletal injuries as well as illnesses associated with sports and exercise.  One of our primary aims in your rehabilitation is getting you back to some form of exercise in a healthy and safe way.

Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) became a fully-fledged, Australian government recognised medical specialty in 2009 but SEM doctors have treated athletes and non-athletes alike for a lot longer than that – someone had to look after the athletes in the Ancient Olympic Games!

With today’s obesity burden, our doctors are able to deliver safe physical activity interventions, especially for those suffering chronic medical conditions.

From young children, to aspiring athletes, international athletes, weekend warriors, those keeping active for health benefits, all the way to the couch potato… Sport and Exercise Medicine can help you in a number of ways! We are trained in musculoskeletal medicine so look after various injuries and health issues associated with exercise (or hoping to exercise).

Whilst both an Orthopaedic surgeon and SEM practitioner have completed years of medical training, they have undertaken very different specialist training in musculoskeletal medicine. The main difference being Orthopaedic Surgeons are trained in surgery whereas SEM practitioners aim for the non-operative management of injuries where appropriate.  We often work closely together and can refer to each other, depending on your needs.

A Registrar is the term used for a medical doctor who is on a medical specialty training program, to become a Fellow or Specialist.  They have typically spent a minimum of three years based in the public hospital system prior to commencing specialty training.

The Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians (ACSEP) training pathway takes a minimum of four years of specialist training, examinations, research and other learning modules before a Fellowship can be granted.  Once these have been fulfilled, a doctor becomes a Sport and Exercise Medicine Physician.

During the training however, many Registrars have worked at some of the highest levels, including work with Australian national sporting teams.  A registrar is still under the supervision of a Specialist, including both on-site and via the phone should there be any concerns.

A Sports Doctor is a medical doctor who has an interest in Sport and Exercise Medicine but has not trained through the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians (ACSEP). They have often completed further study in this field, such as Graduate Certificates and Masters degrees in Sports Medicine but are not known as SEM Specialists.

Dr Kira James requires a referral from your GP or Medical Specialist.

No referrals are required to see our Registrars, however if you have one from your GP, physiotherapist or other health practitioner, please bring it along to your appointment.

Currently consulting out of a central Cairns clinic:

• FNQ Sports Medicine (within Cairns Orthopaedic Clinic) – 225-227 Draper St, CAIRNS 4870

Appointments can easily be made directly through our friendly receptionists:

• FNQ Sports Medicine – (07) 4040 6260

Initial/new problem/multiple problem consultations and medical screenings are generally 45 minutes in duration.

Review consultations typically take 30 minutes but this can vary.

• Yourself in comfy clothing – we need to see you move and be examined
• All previous relevant imaging (films/CDs as well as reports)
• Other investigation results (blood tests, ECGs etc)
• Referrals from your GP, physiotherapist, other practitioner if you already have one
• Other relevant items (ie: running/sports shoes, orthotics, medication list etc)

Yes. Please bring any relevant Workcover information to your initial appointment.

Yes. Please allow 45 minutes for these appointments and notify us of this when booking your appointment. Don’t forget to bring any information/scans/results relevant to your screening.

We do not encourage this practice as time is not set aside for numerous follow-up phone calls – and we personally like to go through any results with you as well. Please discuss this with Dr James at the time of your appointment should there be any concerns.

Currently some cortisone and viscosupplementation injections are performed in the clinic. Some however, may require further image-guidance but these can be arranged during your appointment. We hope to provide PRP injections in the near future.

Please call our friendly staff who can advise you of the fees associated with your appointment.

We unfortunately do not offer a bulk billing service.

All consultation fees are to be paid on the day of your appointment.

All appointments attract a medicare rebate. The amount of rebate received will depend on the length of your appointment. Please make sure your details are up-to-date online with Medicare for all refunds as cheques are no longer provided.

Visit the Medicare website for more information.

Unfortunately visits with a Sport and Exercise Medicine Specialist (Physician or Registrar) are not eligible for any Private Health Insurance cover.

As we are a private clinic, we do not offer concession or pension discounts.

We accept contactless methods of payment – EFTPOS, Visa, Mastercard and Amex at the time of your appointment. Unfortunately we do not accept Diners Club, cash or cheque.