ANAESTHETIC FEES AND QUOTES
How much will my anaesthetic cost?
The anaesthetic cost usually varies with the length and complexity of the operation. As a result, it is often difficult for anaesthetists to accurately predict the out-of-pocket expenses in advance. I will always endeavour to provide you with a quote as accurate as possible.
To provide you with the most accurate estimate possible I need to know if you have private health insurance, the fund you are with, the operation you are having and any medical issues that you might have.
What is an out-of-pocket or gap fee?
This means that there is a "gap” or out-of-pocket fee between the AMA fee and the Medicare Benefit. This is the difference in the amount your anaesthetist charges and the amount your fund and medicare will refund you.
This gap varies depending on the complexity of the anaesthesia and operation, the duration of anaesthesia and operation, your previous medical conditions, and your after surgery care.
How are anesthetic fees calculated?
When an anaesthetist provides a service to a patient, they are not doing this in the role of an employee of the hospital or the surgeon. The fees paid to an anaesthetist are paid by the patient, usually in conjunction with their insurance provider.
Each anaesthetist is an independent practitioner, and calculates their own fees independently of other anaesthetists, which is the reason why patients may receive different charges for different operations, or for the same operation by different anaesthetists.
Your fee is calculated in accordance with the structure recommended by both the Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA) and the Australian Medical Association (AMA).
Different private health insurance providers, and sometimes different policies offered by the same provider, reimburse different amounts to the patient for the same operation.
When do I need to pay?
In most cases, payment is needed after the operation. About two weeks after the operation, you will receive an invoice with information on how to pay the account.
Payments can be made by VISA, Mastercard, Direct Deposit or Cheque.