Fees, Payments and Options
Overview
This page outlines our explanation for patients payment options depending on their circumstances. The page covers the following explanations and payment options:
- Explanation of Fees
- No Gap Billing Policy for Private Patients
- Public vs Private
- Payment Policy
- Tax Refund Scheme
- No Private Health Insurance
Initial Consultation
The initial consultation will incur a fee. A quotation of this fee will be given at the time of your booking. This fee is payable at time of appointment and a receipt given for claiming back your Medicare rebate.
An Explanation of Fees
The standard fees charged by our rooms are in line with the Australian Medical Association recommended fee schedule.
Private Patients
Overview
If you have private health insurance that covers the types of procedures we perform, then your health fund excess is payable of the day of the procedure. Generally, our doctors are no gap for privately insured patients.
If you choose to be treated as a private patient, you will be treated at hospitals that our doctor is affiliated to or is a visiting medical specialist. After discharge, your care will be carried out in either an outpatient clinic or in my private rooms, or will be referred to your local general practitioner.
Private Health Insurance - No Gap Policy
Private Health Insurance allows you and your family to access the right health services at the right time. You have control of your health care and can choose the provider, facility and timing of your treatment. With the security and protection of private health insurance, you have access to an extensive range of private hospitals and can rest assured that your health is in good hands.
Depending on your level of private health cover , some health funds also require you to pay an excess. For Procedural Items typically there is No Gap payment required
We are not responsible for these costs but our staff will do their utmost to guide you to better understanding.
Our practice accepts most private health insurance programs. Our staff can also help with your claim for benefits, but we remind you that your specific policy is an agreement between you and your insurance company.
Please keep in mind that you are responsible for your total obligation should your insurance benefits result in less coverage than anticipated.
Your policy may base its allowances on a fixed fee schedule, which may or may not coincide with the AMA fee schedule.
You should be aware that different insurance companies vary greatlyin the types of coverage available. Also, some companies take care of claims promptly while others delay payment for several months.
Private vs Public Fees
You may choose to be a public or a private patient. This page provides patients with the different options are for surgery in the private or public hospital system.
Public Hospital Patients:
Australian residents who decide to be a public patient are entitled to free treatment under Medicare. Your treatment will be carried out by an appropriate specialist which will be arranged prior to your admission. After discharge, your care will either be continued in an outpatient clinic or you will be referred to your local general practitioner.
In the public hospital the surgery is usually performed by a registrar (doctor training in CHOOSE surgery) but the registrar is supervised by a senior surgeon who is responsible for your care.
There are no fees for surgery in the public hospital. However, the Waiting List for operations in the Public system is considerable, currently upwards of twelve months and patients are admitted to hospital on a "first come, first served" basis.
Your position on the waiting list will be based on the severity of your condition. Your follow up visits after surgery will be arranged through the hospital.
Private Hospital Treatment:
In the private system I will perform your surgery personally and will also look after you if you are advised to be an in-patient. All follow up appointments will be in my office.Payment Policy
Payment Options
Overview
Our reception staff will be happy to advise you of the consultation fee upon booking an appointment over the telephone. Fees for consultation along with other necessary forms will also be emailed to you for your convenience upon booking an appointment.
- Surgical fees are billed directly to the Health Insurance Providers.
- Where out-of pocket co-payment are required which can vary depending on the type and complexity of surgery or procedure. Patients will be advised, in writing, after the consultation, the amount of gap payment.
- Fees for uninsured patients are advised by the accounts manager upon request.
Payment on the day of consultation is much appreciated.
How to Pay?
For your convenience we accept a number of payment methods in the rooms, by post and online:
- Cheque and Cash
- Credit Card: VISA, Mastercard, Amex (logos),
- Electronic other - (Credit Card, EFTPOS, BPay)
No Private Health Insurance
If you are not in a Private Health Fund or DVA and you need surgery, you have two alternatives:
- Go on a Waiting List at the Public Hospital, or
- Pay for the operation yourself ("Self Insure")
I admit patients to Hawkesbury where I have regular operating lists.
The care in the public hospital is free of charge to you.
Self Insured
An increasing number of people are choosing to "Self Insure" or pay for their own surgery, so they don't have to wait. This is often a worthwhile investment as it means you can have your operation done straight away or whenever it suits you. This can allow you to get back to your work and sport as soon as possible.
The costs may not be as high as you think, especially for some less invasive surgeries.
All the private hospital fees associated with your surgery are an out-of-pocket expense, but we will assist you in obtaining an estimate of costs from the private hospital before you go ahead with your surgical procedure. The full hospital fee is payable on admission.
Call my practice and they will be happy to provide you with an accurate costing. A proportion of my fees and the anaesthetic fees attract a small rebate from Medicare.
If you require more information, please do not hesitate to call us on during office hours.