Medicare & Fees

What about your fees?

Medicare pays for most consultations, our standard fee charged in this office is slightly more than the Medicare. This means that in most instances there will be a moiety of your surgical fee which will not be covered by Medicare and your health fund. If there is any problem with this it is important that you ask about this gap. Our staff are fully informed with changes and rebates and will be able to help you navigate your way through this area of your procedure.

Once it has been determined that you need an operation, our staff will be able to provide you with a cost estimate for your surgery. This can be a confusing area and the office staff will readily offer you assistance in navigating the financial part of your surgery. This includes help with paper work, hospital admissions, medical fund rebate and the like.

The standard fee charged in this office is the Australian Medical Association recommended fee. This means that in most instances there will be a portion of your surgical fee which will not be covered by Medicare or your health fund. It is important that you ask about this gap prior to receiving treatment. With respect to Orthopaedic surgery, some of the operations will receive a benefit from your insurer whilst others will not. We are able to give you the appropriate advice on all these matters and give you accurate estimates of what the final costs might be. Please be advised that when you have an operation there is a fee for your attending surgeon, his assistant, the anaesthetist and the hospital. Our staff are fully informed about charges and rebates and will be able to help you navigate your way through this complex area.

If you require more information, please do not hesitate to call us on (02) 8893-4900 during office hours.

What are your acceptable means of payment?

Fees will be reviewed with you at the consultation visit. Payment during the consultation is appreciated.

Bank cheques, personal cheques, cash or credit cards (MasterCard, VISA) are acceptable means of payment. We do not accept American Express cards.

Do I need to have private health insurance?

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.

What are the Medicare rules about referrals to specialists?

If you want Medicare to help to pay for specialist medical services at the referred rate, it is essential to discuss your condition and possible referral with your family doctor before you see the specialist. Please note that the backdating of referrals is illegal and can result in heavy fines and prison sentences.