There are a number of fees and charges.

The surgeon

Dr Brazel’s fee depends on the type of operation you are having. Each operation has one or more item numbers which are used to work out the cost.

The assistant

Dr Brazel usually needs an assistant. Their fee is about 20% of that of his fee.

The anaesthetist

The anaesthetist’s fee also depends on the item number.

The hospital bed

This is charged according to the number of days you are in hospital. Information on hospital bed costs should be obtained from St Andrews Private Hospital Phone 38169999. Information on an intermediate hospital bed at the Ipswich General Hospital should be obtained by telephoning 38101111.

The operating theatre

The cost of this varies according to the complexity of your operation and how long it takes. There is no theatre fee in a public hospital if you are an intermediate patient.

Prostheses and implants

In Orthopaedics, many operations use prostheses and implants, such as hip and knee replacements, plates and screws, and spinal rods.

Other costs

These may include medications, blood tests, x-rays and physiotherapy. Your doctor may ask another specialist to see you, especially if there are complications or health concerns. If you need to go to Intensive Care, there will be extra costs.

Can I get a quote?

Dr Brazel’s receptionist will provide you with an estimate of the proposed fee. In most cases it will be accurate but it may vary if something different or extra needs to be done at the time of surgery. The anaesthetist can also give you an estimate if you contact them and give them the item number or numbers. Dr Brazel’s receptionist can inform you about the cost of implants and prostheses. The hospital will be able to provide estimates of bed costs and extra costs.

If I have private insurance

There will be a gap between the fees that Dr Brazel, his assistant and the anaesthetist charge and the Medicare rebate. Some of this difference is covered by your private health insurance. Your insurance should cover the hospital bed, theatre fees, prostheses and implants, and may also cover some or all of the other costs.

If I do not have private insurance

Medicare will pay some of the fees that Dr Brazel, his assistant and the anaesthetist charge but there will be a gap to pay. You will have to pay the full cost of the hospital bed, theatre fee, prostheses and implants, and other costs. If you are over the age of 65 and treated in a public hospital as an intermediate patient, there is no fee for prostheses or implants.

How will I be charged and how should I pay?

The bills will come from different sources at different times.

Dr Brazel’s and Assistant fee

This will be issued soon after the operation. In cases where gap-cover is used, it will be issued directly to your health fund, and in other cases it will be sent to you. More information can be found in the section dealing with the gap. If the bill is sent to you, there are two ways to deal with this. The first is to pay the bill to the doctor and then to take the invoice to Medicare to get the Medicare rebate back. If you have private insurance, you then take the invoice to the health fund to obtain a further rebate. Alternatively, you can take the bill to Medicare (and to your health fund if you have private insurance). Once you receive your Medicare cheque (and your health fund cheque if applicable), send these cheques together with the difference to the doctor.

Anaesthetist fee

NARKOS provide anaesthetist’s services for the Ipswich region. Please contact NARKOS Phone 32819444 for information on their fee and billing policy.

Hospital fee

If you have an excess on your private health insurance policy, you will be required to pay this on admission. If you do not have private health insurance, you will be required to pay part or all of the anticipated hospital costs on admission. The remainder will have to be paid when you are discharged.

Other costs

Bills for tests, medications, physiotherapy and other fees may be mailed to you after you have been discharged.