Hospital Support

Ask your specialist for a quote

If you’re yet to receive a quote, ask your specialist for a written breakdown of all costs associated with your procedure, and check whether your quote is for the full cost of your surgery or just your out-of-pocket costs.

Your quote should include:

• Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item numbers
• Fees of any other doctors involved, like an assistant surgeon or anaesthetist
• Costs for any prostheses and pathology

MBS item numbers are important as they’ll be your best indicator of what your out-of-pocket costs will be for your specialist. We’ll also need MBS item numbers to check if your procedure is covered under your Hospital policy.

Before your specialist can book your procedure in, you’ll need to give informed financial consent, which means you understand and consent to all the charges in your quote. Verbal consent will also be considered as consent to undertake your procedure.

What to do with a quote dispute

If after reviewing your quote you feel your out-of-pocket costs are too high, we recommend the following:

• Research costs to understand if your fees are indeed excessive: ring another specialist’s rooms, quote your MBS item numbers and compare their fees.
• Talk with your specialist and explain your concerns: if face-to-face is difficult, try emailing or calling.
• Check if your specialist is registered with Health Partners Access Gap Scheme, and ask if they’ll apply the set fees.
• Ask about payment options, like paying by instalments.
• If your surgery isn’t urgent, check if delaying your procedure is an option.
• If you’re still uncomfortable with your costs, speak with your GP about getting a second opinion.

For information on making a formal complaint about your specialists fees, click here.

The information contained here is of a general nature and does not take into account your personal medical situation. The information is not a substitute for independent professional medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or used for therapeutic purposes. Should you require specific medical information, please seek advice from your healthcare practitioner. Health Partners does not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information provided.