Service Fees Explained
Dr Mooney’s practice charges surgical fees based on the recommendations of the Australian Medical Association (AMA). The AMA is the national medical association that analyses the current costs of running a safe private practice and recommends fair and reasonable fees to surgeons. The gap closes the difference between the costs of running a safe and efficient practice, and the limited rebates provided by Medicare and the Private Health Funds.
On 1 July 2021, the Federal Government made changes to the Medicare rebate that a patient receives following a surgical procedure. In almost all cases, the total Medicare rebate received by a patient has either decreased or not been adjusted for inflation. Some patient rebates have been completely removed.
This decision by the Federal Government to change Medicare rebates, has meant that a patient’s out-of-pocket expenses have increased. These Medicare changes (July 2021) affect rebates for orthopaedic surgery and your out-of-pocket expenses. Even if you have top hospital private health insurance, only a part of the surgical fee will be covered by Medicare and your Private Health Fund. The remainder of the fee is the out-of-pocket cost (gap) - the direct money owing from the patient which is not reimbursed by Medicare or the private health fund.
The gap closes the difference between the costs of running a safe and efficient practice, and the limited rebates provided by Medicare and the Private Health Funds.
After booking your surgical procedure, a financial consent document will be issued. This will provide full transparency of the surgical fee and the out-of-pocket costs. The difference between Dr Mooney’s fee and the combined Medicare and your private health insurer’s rebate, is your out-of-pocket expense. In most cases, we will request payment of the gap before the operation takes place. For your convenience, the remainder of the surgical fee will be charged directly to Medicare and your Private Health Fund.
To read more about the Medicare changes, click the link below:
www.ama.com.au/media/government-danger-history-repeating-medicare-rebate-changes
CONSULTATION FEES:
The consultation fees charged by Dr Mooney are based on the AMA Schedule of Fees and are as follows: Initial Consult: $180 (Aged Pension $150). Review of Consult: $100 (Aged Pension $80). Second opinion consultation: $250.
ACCOUNTS ARE PAYABLE IN FULL ON THE DAY OF CONSULTATION
SURGICAL FEES:
Dr Mooney’s surgical fees are based on the AMA recommended rates for surgery. The surgical costs will be provided to you following your consultation to ensure accuracy of the quote.
It is a term of the provision of these services that the patient shall be liable for all debt collection fees and charges, including but not limited to agent fees, solicitor costs and disbursements if debt collection is required.
Please note that Medicare does not completely cover the cost of your consultation.
Workcover and Third-Party claims are managed separately. Other fees may be incurred for fractures and their management, casts, boots, injections, splints etc and for completion of medical forms for insurance, income protection and other such forms.
