I just had the most bizarre appointment with the anesthetist. I received a bill for $1500 and apparently PCI pay around $500 so you're out of pocket $1000. The letter said if you have a post-op appointment it will reduce the bill by 70% (or thereabouts). So, I just had a 30second appointment, paid $401 and they sent the rest of the bill to HCF for the remainder. Not too much effort for a $600 saving. I just think it's totally bizarre and now I'm off to spend my $600!
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.
