Confidential · Evidence-based · 5 minute screening

Do you have a hernia —
or think you might?

Are you in discomfort or pain and looking for some no-strings-attached guidance? Or do you want to get in touch with an experienced hernia specialist at the earliest? Here is the simplest way — take 5 minutes and answer a few short questions about your symptoms and history.

We build a structured clinical summary you can send to Prof. Ram by clicking on the WhatsApp button. The summary is general health information; it is not a diagnosis. On the basis of this message, he may share some options for you as part of a guideline in good faith. You can also send the summary to your own GP.

Start screening → Or just WhatsApp us
If symptoms are severe — sudden severe pain, a hard lump that won't push back in, vomiting, no stool or wind, or fever — call 000 or go to your nearest Emergency Department now. Do not wait for our reply.

Your answers stay on this device only — nothing is sent until you press the WhatsApp button.

Know your surgeon

Prof. Ramana Balasubramaniam

MS · DNB · FRCS · FRACS · FIBC · FACS · FISA

Specialist General Surgeon in Melbourne — abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR), bariatric and general surgery.

Public hospital appointments

  • Staff Specialist Surgeon
    Goulburn Valley Health, Shepparton, Victoria
  • VMO, General Surgery
    Northern Hospital, Epping, Victoria

Melbourne private consulting rooms

  • John Fawkner Private Hospital, Coburg
  • 345 Doncaster Road, Balwyn North
  • Williamstown Specialist Centre, 87 Ferguson Road, Williamstown

Credentialed in private hospitals

  • Epworth Freemasons, E. Melbourne
  • John Fawkner Private Hospital, Coburg
  • Melbourne Private Hospital, Epping
  • Melbourne Private Hospital, Parkville
  • Holmesglen Private Hospital, Moorabbin

Academic appointments

  • Visiting Professor, General Surgery
    Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Chennai, India
  • Honorary Professor, Abdominal Wall Reconstruction and Bariatric Surgery
    GSVM Medical College, Kanpur, India

Society leadership

Going direct — skip the screener

Already know you'd like a consultation? Call +61 (0)493 091 911 or email help@ramana.au.

For referring GPs

GPs with HealthLink can send a referral directly. EDI: ramanaba

What happens after you send

Your message goes to Prof. Ram's clinic. He reads it and responds within a single business day with general information, recommendations for the next steps or, if symptoms need immediate attention, guidance to emergency care. Any clinical advice specific to your individual circumstances will require a formal consultation, in person or via telehealth.

Telehealth, anywhere

Prof. Ram provides telehealth consultations to patients anywhere in Australia. Where in-person review is needed, the clinic will help you find the right pathway near you.

Privacy

Your answers stay on your device until you press Send. WhatsApp messages between you and the clinic are end-to-end encrypted. Information you send is used only to triage your enquiry and to support your clinical care; it is handled in line with the Australian Privacy Principles. You can ask for your record to be deleted at any time.

We take your privacy seriously and will not share your name, number or specifics with any third party. If you decide to go ahead with consultation or admission, your details would then have to be shared with the rooms or hospital, just like in regular practice.

What this service is not

This website provides general health information only. It is not medical advice, does not establish a doctor–patient relationship until a formal consultation takes place, and does not replace examination by a registered medical practitioner. Individual circumstances vary; outcomes cannot be guaranteed. If your symptoms are severe — see the red banner above — call 000 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. Do not wait for our reply.