Here at SPOC we aim to reduce costs wherever possible for our patients.
If you have a valid healthcare card, or a valid pensioners card we will provide a no gap consultation. Please be sure to advise our staff and they will be happy to ensure you are not charged a GAP.
Consultation fees
Initial consultation fee is $210 (You will receive $76.80 back from Medicare*)
Follow up appointment fees are $115 (You will receive $48.05 back from Medicare)
*Valid Medicare card holders
There are no further costs for post-operative visits for the first 6 weeks, after which time the cost of each visit is $115.
Workers compensation and TAC consultation fees will be sent direct to the insurer. However, if the claim number is not provided you will be responsible for settling the account on the day.
Surgery Fees
Cost of Surgery – This depends upon your procedure, health fund and coverage.
Mr Damasena participates in the known GAP system which reduces costs for surgery to the patient, however, this depends upon the type of health insurance you hold and the procedure being performed.
ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY COSTS
There are several costs to surgery. Most patients believe the bills they are paying are for the surgeons. In reality there are multiple providers who are sending out bills to the patients and the health insurance company:
Surgeon’s Fees – Mr Damasena bills typically a proportion of the AMA Fee – this depends upon your health fund.
Anaesthetist’s Fees (the specialist who provides the anaesthetic to the patient) – Most anaesthetists charge gaps varying from $250 to $1000. Your anaesthetist will contact you prior to surgery and obtain informed financial consent.
Assistants Fee (this is the doctor who assists the surgeon) – Most assistants will charge gaps between $100 and $350.
Hospital bed and Theatre costs – If you have private health insurance this is confined to your excess, but certain orthopaedic procedures are excluded from your policy and therefore need to be checked prior to booking in surgery.
Pathology and Radiology – These are blood tests and imaging taken during your inpatient stay that may also incur added costs.
Implants and Prosthesis – Most of these are covered by your insurance company, but once again it is important to check with them prior to the surgery.
Blood tests
You may require blood tests prior to surgery or during your hospital stay. The pathological laboratory may charge out-of-pocket costs for these tests.
Radiology
X-rays as an inpatient are usually covered, but outpatient X-rays and CTs within the hospital have an out-of-pocket cost.
MRI costs vary considerably depending on where they are done. Please ask for more details.
Physiotherapy
Inpatient physiotherapy following most orthopaedic surgery is vital for the best outcome and you will be seen by a physiotherapist. The charges for this service are set by the physiotherapy company and vary depending on the individual needs. The amount of rebate from the health fund will depend on your fund and cover. Please discuss this with the physiotherapist for further details.
Medical reports and insurance forms
Medical reports and insurance forms are charged at a rate representing the time taken to complete the forms.
Payment methods
Full payment at the appointment time is appreciated. Cash or credit cards are acceptable means of payment. For bank and personal cheque please make prior arrangements with the reception.