binbird

I haven't needed to ask a question on here for a long while (been here for 5 years) but now I need an operation to repair a tendon in my left hand I have plenty of questions!

I have private medical with HCF and am seeing a consultant (private) tomorrow but don't want to commit to anything without an inkling of what out of pocket expenses I might be hit with. I spent 5 hrs in A & E on Friday night and didn't tick the box to say I had private medical and haven't had to pay for any of that, including x-rays (is that normal?) Or is it possible that a nasty envelope will make it's way to my mailbox in the next day or two?

I can't drive at the moment so am keen to get this fixed asap so think it will definitely have to be the private route. If any one has any experiences they can share I would be very grateful. . . .

Thanks.

B

ABCDiamond

Yes, that is normal. All A&E is free, unless you want to pay of course

Ask the consultant to give a full breakdown of costs and your net costs if possible.

I've not had to pay for anything so far, so I can't help with costs. I do recall being told not to use my private insurance when I did have it, as it was cheaper via Medicare only. But that was emergency stuff, so no waiting list.

goldchoccycoin

There's a really good checklist to bring with you that lists all the questions you shoul ask before committing to surgery provided by the Government.

http://www.cdhbf.com.au/Going%20to%2...0Checklist.pdf

hope it helps!

binbird

Thanks ABC and tking. And the checklist looks a fantastic document. Feeling more confident about meeting the surgeon now!

carolinephillips

Hope it all goes smoothly for you. If you need anything, pick up the phone and call.

Petals

We do not have health insurance at all and have always been looked after very well in the public system. If we need a knee or something we just pay. However now that I have breathing problems I have to ask my specialist if I can use a private hospital, they prefer me to use public. This should tell you something. lol

mark213

If you go private you would need to pay
- Consultants Fees (prior to admission), and recover Scheduled Fee from Medicare. Possibly have a gap at that stage.
- Hospital Excess (depending on your insurance policy) once admitted
- Any specific hospital costs not covered - most are nil except for non-patient meals etc.

If you go public
- A&E is free, but they may refer you to a consultant - you can elect to go public and have possibly no gap, but some will refer you to private ones.
- Admission is free and all surgical procedures ie no excess
- non patient meals are chargeable too.
Only issue is there is a wait list.