The surgery costs are listed on the Doctors website. The surgeons gap price is $4500. I have the cash available to redraw out of my Home Loan but I'm trying to access the money from my superannuation. You read more about the early release of super at this link.
My private health insurance excess is $250 and they will cover all other hospital costs. They say that Medicare will cover 75% of the 'schedule fee'. I search Medicare's site using the item number for gastric sleeve 30518 and got this information.
Fee: $933.30 Benefit: 75% = $700.00 so would that mean a $700 refund from the $4500? (out of pocket $3800, excess $250)
My initial appointment with Dr Costa was $150, I received $68.75 back (out of pocket $81.25)
I'm not sure how much subsequent appointments are with Dr Costa but I'll edit this when I find out.
My appointment with Cathy Harbury, Dietitian was $85.00 and I received $45 back from HCF (out of pocket $40)
I have an appointment with psychologist Dr Shane Pascoe, he charges $200 and according to the HCF website I should receive $75 back (out of pocket $125) (edited to add, HCF paid nothing back from this because I wasn't referred by a GP)
At tax time, they let you claim 20% of any out of pocket medical expenses over $1500.
So, out of pocket expenses total $4296.25. 20% of $4296.25-$1500=$559.25
Total Cost $3737 A bargain really if you add up the amount I spend of clothes because of chaffed thighs, new diet fads and food. I'm sure the surgery will pay for itself in no time.
2 comments:
Sandy,
My medicare receipt says:
Item 30511 (main surgeon)
Charge $4000
Sch Fee: $802.90
Benefit: $602.20
Item 51303 (assistant surgeon)
Charge: $800
Sch Fee: 160.60
Benefit: 120.45
So I got $722.65 back from the $4800 my surgeon charges. I have submitted a claim to my Health Insurance for their contribution, but I don't know how much that will be yet.
My anaethetist cost $268 and I got $118.15 back from Medicare.
I hope this helps.
Oh, thanks so much! I didn't receive a notification that your commented, I just saw the little 1 next to the comment box. I'll have to find out where I can do that. That's good to get at least some rebate. Thanks very much, that's very helpful.
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