Understanding My Fees

We are often asked about charges, and note the insurance and health care industry can be confusing. There are many different components of your care which potentially carry a charge.

The anaesthetists fee is separate than those of the surgeon and hospital or day surgery facility.

We will endeavour to provide you an estimate of cost at least a week prior to your procedure where possible. This is sent via secure link by text message or email.

This will allow you to enquire with your health fund about your level of benefits available for your procedure.

You should be aware that our anaesthetists are individual practitioners, and their fees will vary. Medicare and your health fund rebates may not cover the entire cost of your anaesthesia. You may have a shortfall to pay (Also commonly known as Gap or Out-of-Pocket).

• Your shortfall is the difference between what your fund & Medicare cover and the total fee for the private anaesthesia services. The shortfall will be your personal responsibility to pay.
  
  

Not all of our doctors participate in “Gap Schemes” with health funds, and you may be required to pay the total fee ahead of your surgery. In this case, you will be issued the itemised account 7-10 days post operatively to allow you to claim back any eligible rebates.

If you are self-funding (do not hold hospital health insurance, are within wait periods or not covered for the type of procedure you’re having) or you are electing to have a plastic/reconstructive surgery, you will be quoted for the total fee prior to surgery.

Please note that we are a prepay practice.
Whether you are quoted a shortfall or total fee, payment is required prior to your procedure.

The anaesthetic fee is related to the Medical Benefits Schedule, and is measured in values called “units”. There are 3 basic components to an anaesthetic fee;

1. The pre-anaesthetic consultation
2. The nature of the surgery being performed
3. The time taken for the anaesthetic
   
   

There are also a number of other items that can be included in the anaesthetic, and they are generally related to increasing anaesthetic complexity. 

Each health fund has its own rebate schedule, so it is essential that you contact your fund to confirm you are eligible for a rebate. The ASA has provided an information sheet with further information on fees, rebates and indexation. 

In the Private system, anaesthetists are not employed by the Hospital, instead, they are accredited to work at a particular hospital, and charge a fee for the service they perform. The anaesthetic fee is separate to the surgical fee, and to other hospital charges.