Looking for ob in adelaide

[thenextstage]

Today I went to confirm my level of cover with my private health fund and found that I need to go on a 12 month waiting period to get pregnancy cover. Not happy! I know the public health system is not that bad... but I need to know more about it and what my options are...

Is there anyone here that has forked out for private insurance even though you weren't covered? Was it worth it?

Is there anyone here that is booked with a private doctor at a public hospital? Say WCH? Can you recommend someone?

I was (and still am) booked in with Dr Melissa Sandercock for the Cavalry, but that was when I thought I had the cover....

I don't really know which way to go... please help!

[JacquiVR]

Hi there!

I'm really sorry to hear that you are having trouble with your health fund. How long have you been with them?Some health funds can be very tricky, and there is always a loophole for them somewhere!!

I'm seeing Dr James Harvey and will be delivering at Calvary, but I think he also delivers publicly at WCH. Not sure either how the public system works, but I can recommend him!

Actually, Dr Sandercock's associate, Kay Wilson delivered my last baby, so it is a shame you can't go to Melissa. Both of them are so lovely, but, it would cost a small fortune to go as a private patient without private cover.

Good luck, and let us know how you get on with it all!!

[miss ani]

unfortunately as far as i'm aware you have to be with any health insurer for 12 months before pregnancy and birth claims can be covered.

have you considered applying to the WCH's midwifery program? i hear that it is excellent!

[thenextstage]

Thanks for your replies.

Apparently I'm not applicable for the midwifery program at WCH.

I have been with Mutual Community for nearly 2 years. But not on the pregnancy cover for 2 years--I guess that's why it's such a blow....

[cheezelz]

I had DD at Burnside in January and had a private OB. After the birth we had statements sent to us from Mutal Community stating how much money they had paid to my OB & Burnside for the care they had given me and DD. We stayed at Burndise for 5 nights and Mutual paid them around $5000 for the room and midwife care for the stay. I paid out of pocket $1300 for my OB but then Mutual also paid her $1500 and the assisting OB $300 for my c-section. Mutual also paid the anethatist (?) $1000 for my epidural. I also developed GD during pregnancy and Mutual covered specialist treatment there. So if your not covered by private it will cost heaps put of pocket. Money that is best kept for after your child is born. Public hospitals are fantastic and shouldnt be knocked either. The only reason we had private was because we got a special rate from DH work.