Fees: Joondalup Private

How the fees work in private care

They are quite complex, and we will give you written details on your first visit. You can also call us for a copy of these.
 

Fees for consultation in the rooms

The costs of your specialist obstetric consultation fees are reduced by a contribution from Medicare. This contribution varies according to several factors. When you reach the safety net (usually after you pay the management fee, sometimes sooner), the consultation fees are considerably reduced.

Gap | Out-of-pocket fees

As the amounts refunded by Medicare have not been increased much over the last 20 years, they don’t even cover the practice expenses. This is the reason for the need for additional contributions (“gap” or “out of pocket” fees). Gaps are charged for consultations & special obstetric procedures eg. cerclage.

Pregnancy management fee

This fee is for providing 24/7 consultant obstetrician cover during your pregnancy which is a huge commitment. It also contributes to the large indemnity fees we pay that are required by law. The management fee is paid in 2 parts & we will give you details when you book.

Medicare safety net

When you’ve paid over a certain level of gap payments (usually after payment of the pregnancy management fee) the Safety Net kicks in and all your consultation & other fees drop considerably. This is calculated automatically by Medicare. You should get in touch with Medicare & register your whole family with them – then all your family’s gap payments count towards the Safety Net.

Payment of fees

With our practice, consultation fees are payable at the time of each consultation. Payments can be made by EFTPOS, debit or credit card. In most cases you will receive your Medicare rebate on the day or a day or two afterwards, without need for further action.
 

In-hospital & birth fees

Usually, standard obstetric events where you are an admitted hospital in-patient are covered without any further gaps from ourselves, once you’ve paid the pregnancy management fee. There are certain exceptions, for instance if your health fund under-insures you, or for rare procedures such as cervical cerclage. When you are admitted into Joondalup hospital, your private health fund kicks in. Your hospital care is covered as follows:

Hospital charges

The hospital charges are usually covered by your private health fund. These include your room, food, non-medical hospital staff, birth suite fees and operating theatre fees. Your health fund policy excess may apply.

Obstetric birth fees

Our fee for your birth is paid by Medicare and your health fund together. With most private health funds, you will not have anything extra to pay – it’s all covered and included. For example, women having standard vaginal births and Caesareans with HBF, Medibank or BUPA have no further obstetric fees.

However, (and this is rare) some smaller private health funds are under-insurers. The difference between our standard fee for your birth and the amount these health fund pay will be charged as a gap/out of pocket fee.