ANAESTHETIC FEES
Anaesthetic fees explained
Anaesthetic fees vary depending on the type and duration of your procedure, your individual medical needs and your private health insurance. The information below explains how anaesthetic fees are calculated and what you may need to pay.
Understanding your anaesthetic fee
Your anaesthetic fee is separate from the fees charged by your surgeon and hospital. The amount covered by Medicare and your private health insurer may vary, which can result in an out-of-pocket cost.
Before your procedure
You will receive an estimate of your anaesthetic fee before your procedure, including your expected out-of-pocket cost.
After your procedure
No payment is required before your procedure. Your final invoice will be issued after your operation, once the final anaesthetic fee has been calculated.
Anaesthetic fees vary depending on the type and duration of your procedure, as well as the complexity of the anaesthetic care required.
Your fee is calculated using the Australian Medical Association (AMA) schedule of anaesthetic services. This takes into account factors such as the procedure being performed, the time taken and any additional anaesthetic services that may be required.
Medicare and your private health insurer may cover part of your anaesthetic fee. The amount they contribute depends on your insurer, your level of cover and the circumstances of your procedure.
There may be a difference between the anaesthetic fee and the amount covered by Medicare and your health fund. This difference is your out-of-pocket cost, sometimes referred to as the gap.
Where possible, you will be provided with an estimate of this amount before your procedure.
Some private health insurers have arrangements that allow anaesthetists to charge patients either no out-of-pocket cost (no gap) or an agreed maximum out-of-pocket cost (known gap).
Whether these arrangements are available depends on your health fund, your policy and the procedure you are having.
If a known-gap or no-gap arrangement applies to your procedure, this will be taken into account when your fee is calculated.
Where possible, you will receive an estimate of your anaesthetic fee before your procedure. This is provided so that you are aware of the expected fee and any anticipated out-of-pocket cost.
This is an estimate only and no payment is required before your procedure. Your final invoice will be issued after your operation.
Occasionally, the final fee may differ from the estimate if the procedure or anaesthetic takes longer than expected or if additional anaesthetic services are required.
You will receive an invoice after your procedure. No pre-payment is required.
Your invoice will include details of the amount payable and instructions for payment. Where applicable, Medicare and private health insurance benefits will be taken into account in accordance with the billing arrangements for your procedure.
If you have any questions about your anaesthetic fee, estimate or account, please contact us.
It is always better to raise any concerns about the cost of your anaesthetic before your procedure where possible, so that we can explain the expected fees and answer any questions you may have.