Costs of having a baby

[bubhub]

When you are newly pregnant with your first child, it can be very confusing/worrying to know what costs you are going to incur for medical services and what costs you might get back through medicare and your private health insurance.

It would be great to use members' recent experience of having a baby in Australia to let others know what they had to pay for, at what stage of the pregnancy and what they got back.

We can then collate a general guide.

An example would be along the lines of (note these are completely made up figures):

12 weeks
Scan and obs appointment: cost: $150. Got $100 back on medicare

16 weeks: obs appt: cost $75, got $50 back on medicare

20 weeks:
Scan and obs appointment: cost: $150. Got $100 back on medicare

And the hospital costs for the birth.

There'll be different types of birth - eg natural, no drugs, through to c-section where the costs vary widely, but we can include all that type of info in the final 'guide sheet'.

Thanks for your input!

[Preggie1]

I wish to ask if we have to pay extra for the glucose challange test? Because I had been paying around 35$ to my Obs for every visit but this time I got my reciept of 100$:confused:

[bubhub]

Just bumping this one to see if we can build up a list of the costs involved from the experiences of our viewers...

[catt]

I have identical twin girls and everything seemed to cost so much that we very quickly passed our medicare threshold (for a couple $1000).
Due to previous miscarriages and the fact they were identical, we had ultrasounds from week 5. i calculated that we had approx 15 ultrasounds that cost $300 each go! This was because they were twins. I think I only got about $75 back for each. We also had to have weekly heart monitoring for about 8 weeks at $40 each visit. My ob visits were every fortnight at around $90 each go plus his delivery fee for the C-section. It was more than usual as it was classed as a complicated birth.

At hospital I didn't receive a bill from the anethatist and as the twins were in special care for 4 weeks we ended up being out of pocket $800 to the pediatrician. Now each visit to him is $175 for each! on top of that I had to have 4 ultrasounds done for their hips when we LEFT hospital at $215 for each x 4!!!!

Although we have had many expenses we have 2 beautiful and precious girls! And having a private room where my husband could stay every night with me after their birth when they were very sick was WORTH it!

[kdemonj]

I am seeing a specialist ob in melbourne for type 1 diabetes. In a nut shell I am a private patient seeing a private ob in a public clinic.
Luckily I am able to see him in the public pregnancy management/diabetic clinic at the Royal Womens, so I don't have to pay for any of my consults. I just pay a one off management fee of $2,100(total out of pocket expense) at about 20 weeks.
All bloods and urine etc is done in the hospital, and due to it being public there is no charge.

I am going to have to pay about 250 excess as I am having the baby at Frances Perry, but my private health insurance (MBP) covers all of the delivery fee and bub is automatically covered for any hospital costs also, meaning you don't have to take out family cover two months prior to birth like you do with some other funds. We just have to add bub onto the cover within a month or two after the birth. This is good news because the family excess is much more then the single excess (about $700).

[CrankyAndTired]

Hi hi.

I'm only 9 weeks along, but have had two dating/viability scans (one to date the bub, another because we enjoyed the first so much!)

The first cost $190, the second (different clinic) cost $180.

We get $110 per scan back from medicare (i think).

I'll add in my costs as I come across them.. I think this would be a useful resource for people..

Cheers

Liv x

[MilkOnTap]

I'm seeing an Independant Midwife (IM). She is charging me $4K for the whole kit and caboodle. Thats ante-natal care, 24/7 phone help, delivery of the baby, daily for the week following the birth and once a week in the post-natal period. She will provide the birthing pool and everything that we need here at home for the birth.

I will receive $2000 back from private health insurance. $500 for ante-natal care PER financial year, so I can claim that twice, and $1000 for delivery and confinement by a midwife.

[~Emmylou~]

DD - Public - $0 :D

DS - Private - out of pocket about $1500 after medicare and PHI rebates.

I have a detailed list of what costs were involved but it's a bit boring to post here.

OB visits were $90 each, and PMF was $2500 I think. Got most of those back through Medicare as we reached our threshold a few months into the pregnancy thanks to a hospital admission for DD.
Hospital was $250 excess and there was no OB charge for the birth as he had an arrangement with health fund for no out of pocket.

Money aside, hated private. If I had to birth in a hospital again I would go public and not pay a cent.

[livgoesagain]

Our costs are a little at the top end as we're using a specialist obstetrician in the city but here goes.

First ob appointment $229 (including quick ultrasound) - received about $60 back

12 week ultrasound $190 - received about $60 back and then downs syndrome blood test $100 (don't know what I'm getting back yet but am now at safety net).

20 weeks - ob management fee $3099 (can be claimed on medicare)

30 weeks - another ob management fee $2000 (can't be claimed on medicare)

After birth we will receive a bill for all the appointments but that is apparently 100% claimable on medicare.

With DS we needed a paediatrician after birth which was around $600 we got about half back.

Hope this was informative

[cho]

Sorry but what did that cover? Scans, hospital stay and everything?



DD - Public - $0 :D

Money aside, hated private. If I had to birth in a hospital again I would go public and not pay a cent.

[christinem75]

Hi everyone

My obs appointments were $136 for 1st appointment (got $65.70 back from medicare) and this included a scan as he has the equipment in his office. My monthly visits are $47.90 and I get $38.30 back due to being over the medicare safety net. My planning and management fee at 20 weeks will be $1119.50 but will get some back on medicare. Delivery fee will be (out of pocket after medicare and MBF) $1400 and hospital stay excess is $500. My midwife visits are $10 (my Ob has a midwife that looks after you as well during your pregnancy and birth so you get the same Dr and midwife wihen giving birth).

I had my NT scan today and it cost me $150 (this included blood test) and I will get nothing back for that.

I'm not sure how much my 19 week scan will be (I'm having 3D), but will let you know when I do.

Anyone else giving birth at North West Private Hospital in Brisbane?

Christine

[pkbub]

12 weeks
Scan and obs appointment: cost: $150. Got $100 back on medicare

16 weeks: obs appt: cost $75, got $50 back on medicare

20 weeks:
Scan and obs appointment: cost: $150. Got $100 back on medicare

And the hospital costs for the birth.



Oooooo:yelclap: What a good thing to do! I wish I had something to go by when I was embarking on my pregnancy journey...I just added up all my figures cause I wanted to know...and here it is.

Private Hospital and OB, vaginal delivery, Location: Perth, HBF was my fund.

Note - additionally- I had a GP visit and early scan to confirm pregnancy was not ectopic (sp?) Cost $160 medicare reimbursed $83.

Total Paid:
OB appts $2250
12 wk scan $165
20 wk scan $170
Hospy Delivery fee $3156
Private Rm with spouse 4 nights $1156
In Hospy Paed $410
Grand Total Paid: $7465

Total Reimbursed:
$1839 by Medicare and $4167 by HBF

Total out-of pocket $1460

[bubhub]

That's great info - thanks for that. Keep them coming...!

[Malu]

Hi,

Private with HBA delivered at FPH in Melbourne.
Initial consult & quick scan at 9 weeks in OBs rooms $120, got $80 back from Medicare.

12 wk scan $200 - got $120 back from Medicare

NT Blood test $50 - got $30ish back from Medicare

19 wk scan $200 -got $120 back from Medicare

20 wk OB management fee $2600 - got $1900 back from Medicare (was over safety net threshold).

30 wk OB management fee $1400 - claimable on income tax

Swab and glucose test $50 - totally covered by Medicare

OB in-hospital management of labour $1,100 - totally covered by medicare and HBA

All in all we were out of pocket $2,300, $1,400 of which is claimable on tax, so not tooo bad.

[doulatash]

Before kids, we were at a Pregnancy and Baby Expo in Adelaide, and went into one of the health insurance booths to "sign up" for private cover. We told the guy our only reason was for pregnancy, and he told us not to do it!!! Said it wasn't worth it, public hospital was every bit as good as private, and if there were any major problems with myself or baby we would be taken to the big public hosp anyway!!
So we took his advice, didn't take out insurance, and have had 4 beautiful babies in the public system with one-on-one personal "private" care from our midwife, for $0!! You can't do better than that.
Can't imagine that guy kept his job for long though, they could have made a fortune from us!!!:laughing:

Doula Tash

[kiwibird27]

All free, I chose not to have the nuchal trans scan at 11 weeks cause thought it was un-necessary, went thru the public system, everything bulk billed. Had to see an ob at 20 wks pg as developed a cyst, midwife at the hospital organised that and the immediate removal of it, also all free. Excellent care all the way through.

Don't know why u would pay when u don't have too!!! The private system is a rip off, If things go wrong u end up in the public sector anyway.

Also my daughter spent 8 months in the childrens hospital, also all free, including all specialists and follow up appointments, includes free tests for genetics when we have the next baby.

[KiwiinPerth]

Thanks Kiwibird27. I am another Kiwi but only been in austrailia for a year. Am having a suprise baby (No3) but have no idea how the system here works, with the medicare and bulk billing and should I go private etc...So you have put me at ease - and we cant afford private anyway!!!:)

[Sassi]

Hi Girls,

It costs a bomb I'm afraid, but I appreciated the specialist care. I went private in a public hospital, and had a normal delivery, no intervention and the out of pocket costs were as

13 x Ob appoint $90 each = $752 (OP)
Pathology Tests = $81 (OP)
Ultrasounds = $280 (OP)
Birth Payments = $2700
GP Appoints = $35


Total = $3848 so say bye bye to your baby bonus!

Because we were in a public hospital we didn't have to pay the excess on our private insurance, and didn't have any anaesthetist fees.

Hope this helps you all

[Bel1978]

Don't know why u would pay when u don't have too!!! The private system is a rip off, If things go wrong u end up in the public sector anyway.
.

I went through the public system originally and had no success, now private my Ob helped us delivery a healthy baby Girl and due to have another baby in a week or so... I wouldnt have it any other way. Our Ob found the problems that the public system didnt...

I love the fact that i have my Doc on call 24hrs if i have a problem also i get my own room in the hospital...

DD was admitted to the childrens ward at a week old.. They wouldnt help me with BF and i had to give up at 1 week.. i felt :( ....

As for the fee's 1st visit $160 then $40 per visit.. I have many extra visits to start due to medical condition couldnt tell you exactly how many... Management fee $1700 extra scans $180 each depending on how many you get.... Then medication each month for me......

I wouldnt have it any other way...... But if they take out the baby bonus it will push too much of a strain on the public system i would imagine

[Nex]

It cost us about $6000 to concieve her, but I think it's only been about $300 all up for everything else! Being on Drought Assistance entitles us to a health care card, and with the Medicare safety net I've had very little out of pocket expenses. It also helps that my Ob is a relative and put me through public. And we live in a small town, so I got a room to myself anyway.

[mumsangel1]

So glad i looked at this thread as i want to have my next child in a private hospital just only for the reason of having a garentee of my own room after the birth! (had my first in public and had own room, and was great would love it again as i could have ppls visit me anytime and not disturb anyone and best of all your own bathroom, its almost like a single appartment!) but reading the out of pocket expences makes me wonder if it is all worth it just for a private room? Hopefully i'll get my own room, the only problem is i feel like i expect it!:yes:

Overall the Public hospital was great helpful in every way and i still had a doctor for my appointments so all and all, all good!

[niknax]

Hi everyone


Anyone else giving birth at North West Private Hospital in Brisbane?

Christine

Hi,

Had my daughter at North West Private and can highly recommend them. The before and after care was excellent and the nurses were all lovely! :thumbsup:

Good luck with your experience

[dawnygirl]

I was very lucky as I had a very healthy baby girl, who gave me a relatively wonderful pregnancy and labour. I went through the public health system and so paid a big, fat $0 for the entire thing.

I had aout 6 ultrasounds by the end as I had an implantation bleed at 5 weeks and then later in the last trimester my ob was worried about size (told she was over 8lb 3 weeks before she was born; born 7lb 9oz!). I also had numerous blood tests (as I was rhesus positive), glucose challenge test and urine test; all covered as done in the hospital. I visited the hospital clinic for all of my appointments, and had Charlotte in hospital. Didn't pay a cent, the nly thing we only thing we had to pay for was a hip ultrasound when she was a few weeks old, as she was born with clicky hips. Cost was $175 (as hospital didn't have a staff member equipped for this kind of ultrasound) and we got about $75 back from Medicare.

I would definitely use the public health system again. Only disadvantage I suppose is not getting the private room, but I felt it gave me the opportunity to bond with other mums on my ward and share experiences. Also gave me visitors when mine had left! Again too, if you have complications you may need to pay to gain piece of mind that your precious little bundle will be okay.

Me 22 :valentine: DF 24
Charlotte 14/10/2007 :laughing:

[SweetDreams]

DD we had through public system and from memory apart from GP appts until I switched over to going to hospital for them the only other cost involved was for the first ultrasound.

We had a private room as bubs came out blistered and in hindsight given the misdiagnosis which I believe led to the loss of sight in one of her eyes I wish we had been private then. The hospital staff etc with DD were very helpful though with b/f etc.

Then we moved and I was pregnant again however miscarried at 13 weeks. Only cost was for one ultrasound (the one no one wants to see). GP bulk billed. Hospital staff were ATROCIOUS. Ended up with PTSD. Oh. If I include the cost of my ongoing psych appts this will end up my most expensive pregnancy both emotionally & financially. :(

Pregnant again however this time covered by our PHI - going to private hospital. GP referred to ob/gyn and following charges:

Initial Appt ($136) + scan (8wks) ($81) = $217 - 192.70 back from Medicare (over threshold) = $24.30
Next appt ($86) + scan (12wks) ($82) = $168 - $62.65 (new year - threshold reset) = $105.35
Next appt ($86) + scan (16wks) ($89) = $175 - $65.20 = $109.80
Planning & Management (20wks) = $1,750 - $1,266.70 (part over threshold) = $483.30
Next appt (24wks) = $86 - $75.40 (over threshold) = $10.60
Next appt (30wks) = $86 - $75.40 = $10.60
Next appt (32wks) = $72 (saw midwife as ob delivering a bub!) - $61.45 = $10.55

I'm assuming my next appt (this coming week) will continue on in the same vein... I can't remember when you go to weekly visits (36 weeks?) but I imagine the costs will remain the same ($10.60/visit including refund).

No excess at hospital - will have to pay for paediatrician to see bubs if he/she not admitted but not sure on that cost.

So to date total out of pockets:

$754.50

Estimating another 6 ob/gyn appts ($10.60 x 6) = $63.60
Paediatrician (guessing) $200 with about $175 back = $25

I'm anticipating it will cost us under $1000 all up. If anyone sees any glaring holes where I've left something out let me know!

Just want to say that being private gives no guarantee that you'll get a private room!

[Susan Mac]

I was living overseas until 28 weeks with DS. That cost the equivalent of $4 a visit to an Australian GP that happened to be an obstetrician previously. So that included my 20 week scan. and another scan or two because he didn't have a doppler in the clinic.
when I got back to Oz, I went through the public system (my private health was suspended while we were out of the country, and I didn't have high enough cover for preg), and that didn't cost a cent.

my most recent pregnancy I was doing shared care with my GP. That was $28 out of pocket for the first visit, and $10 for subsequent visits, after medicare.
I had a dating scan at 8 weeks which was entirely covered by medicare, and my 20 week was going to cost $150, but I would have got about half back.
I don't know what other costs there may have been if my pregnancy had gone full term, but my guess was there wouldn't have been any (unless they had come across a problem I guess). So, it would have been around $300?

I still don't have top level health insurance so pregnancy isn't covered. I am umming and aahing as to whether to consider going private in the future. it just seems so expensive. Mum had seven babies private and I think they were all entirely covered by her insurance and medicare - baby number seven is only 9 now. Times have changed.

[wibble]

Could anyone tell me if you can claim any of your private room accommodation costs back from Medicare? We are paying private, but do not have private health insurance. Thanks.

[katieinwa]

no, you can't claim private accommodation costs with Medicare, that includes theatre fees, surgeon fees, hospital bed, meals, etc.
Medicare only covers the cost of consultations and procedures, for inpatient its 75% of schedule fee. The difference between that and what dr charges is your out of pocket expense. you can use it towards your tax medical expenses net.

[Nattles]

It cost us a small fortune in antenatal care for DS but everything was covered in hospital (except my epidural) including vacuum extract delivery, 2 CTG's pre delivery day, private room (great food), twice daily follow up from Ob and 6 days in special care for DS, including paediatrician, bloods, etc. I also had ante natal classes fully covered.

Average cost was about $90 per OB visit- medicare refunded about $32
$220 each for 12 and 20 week ultrasounds, plus another $220 at 28 weeks to check a few things- Can't remember how much Medicare paid, less than half I think. There was also the cost of blood tests throughout the pregnancy- I had more than usual due to unstable blood pressure. Medicare refunds very small amounts for bloods/pathology depending on what they are. I also had to pay $250 excess.

HOWEVER, I would not change anything about the standard of care I received at every Ob visit, the delivery and follow up care. My Ob was amazing throughout the pregnancy and delivery and was contactable 24/7.

Our fund costs us $45/week (NIB family cover) and we have definitely gotten our money's worth. Apart from the $10 000+ DS and I were covered for in hospital my husband has also had surgery and follow up for a stomach condition the public system (as a private patient) failed to pick up 3 times. NIB covered the costs of his care and he is finally healthy. I have also worked in the public hospital system and while the staff do the best they can, they don't have the resources to give the same level of care we have received. Money's tight with me not working ATM but I will be forgoing other things to keep my coverage and will definitely be going private for bub #2.

[bubhub2009]

I am pregnant and have received a quote a private Ob.

I was quoted:
$165 (bout 75 after medicare) for first appointment.
$80 ultrasound
$2400 at 22 weeks for all appointments there on in.

I am confused about what the $2400 covers. Can anyone clarify what this includes? Are there no appoinments in between 12 and 22 weeks?? Does the 2400 cover the doctor attending the birth? or is this where my private cover comes into things. Please enlighten me!

When I am in hospital, am I right to conclude that I only need to pay the excess that is stipulated in my MBPrivate health cover policy?

[kdemonj]

In my experience, that big fee you pay at around 22 weeks is a general management fee that covers the remainder of your pregnancy. If you are unsure, you should get your ob, or someone in their office (usually the receptionist knows everything you need regarding this) to clarify for you. You should ask whether this fee covers all the appointments other than your first or whether you will have to make additional payments per visit. Different obs do things differently and have different price structures.
No question is to silly - they are there to inform and help you.

I am also with MBP. With my level of cover I will be paying an excess and a daily co-payment. It will depend on your level of cover whether this applies to you. Bub is covered under my cover including any special care if it is needed (hopefully not). I simply need to make sure that I add bub onto my cover within 2-3 months. I had recieved much conflicting advice on PHI and whether/what stage to add bub on. Even the Private Hospital I am going to has the wrong info regarding this on their website.
The best advice I can give is to always get your information first hand (i.e. go into a MBP outlet) and then ask for it in writing. That way there are no nasty surprises!!

[LivingINhope]

DS - Public $0 out of pocket and had public endocrine care

No2 - IVF baby- so far we have spent over $10,000 on IVF alone and now we have been told becasue I had thyroid cancer in my first pregnancy that I would need OB care in private hospital (long story).

Anywhoo found out about cost today:-
Initial Appointment $140
Subsiquent appointments $80
PMF - $1980
7 week scan at SIVF - $160
10 week BT $120
12 week scan $205

I have a $300 hospital excess, the oB charges the scheduled fee so no out of pocket expenses. However I have no idea about anesthetists paediatrics ect if required...

I will also get back 80% of all costs from medicare this year as I am well over the threshold thanks to our IVF journey.

[kazarina]

well i am only 17 weeks along but i have been a little bit surprised.As we do not qualify for healthcare cards it has been as follows

~u/s scan at 6 weeks -$120
got 50 back rebate
~u/s scan 15 weeks -$144
53 back rebated

we will be having another scan on the 28th and its going to cost $185, can anyone explain to me why it costs more the "more pregnant" you are?just curious.

all my docs visits cost $50 but i get 33 back and i get all the blood work bulk billed:)
hope that helps.

[vanessasoma]

I'm going through Arrivals in South Brisbane, Dr Paul Bretz, accross from the Mater. All up I will be around $1800 out of pocket. That's assuming a natural birth (no anesthetist fees). That is approximately;
$145 for the first visit
$80 for scans after that
$2500 for an obstetrician 'handling' fee (or as my friend and I like to call it 'trophy wife / sports car fee' ;)
$200 private insurance excess for the hospital stay (in a private hospital)
then about $80 each for two follow up visits.

With medicare and private health, we're probably looking at 2 grand out of pocket. I was initially wary of this, but I work in the hospital system, and I know that private care is a LOT better. This is my first child too, so of course I want to make sure we have the best we can (while we're so new to all this). Maybe I'll be a bit less anxious with the next one and go public, who knows. :)

It's a lot, and it does make me think sometimes that the money could go somewhere more useful than to an Ob, but overall I have come to the conclusion that 2 grand is not a lot to pay for peace of mind in what is probably the biggest event you will ever experience...your first child. :)

[LeeJ]

kazarina,

my cost have been similar to yours, so far i have had
a 5 week GP consult - $50 (33 medicare)
a 9week GP consult - $50 (33 medicare)
due for my 13 week tomorrow prob same as above.

Viability scan @ 10weeks - $155 (60 from medicare)
Nuchal Scan @ 12weeks - $105 (no medicare claimable) (we had to go back for another scan, as they couldn't get the measurements, no charge)
Blood tests @6weeks - $100 (think i got 30 back?)

so to 12 weeks you could say $250 so far, this is through public, with no ob, ect.....

[emstar21]

have just had our first child these were our costs.

first ob visit $130 ($65 back from medicare)
12 week scan $165 ($60 back )
specialist ob $238 for maternal illness ($202 back)
$1500 ob management fee ($770 back)
had ob visits till monthly till 28 weeks $80 each visit ($32 back)
then we hit the $1000 threshold and from then on it was $80 each ob appt forthnightly then on to weekly but got $69 back for each visit.
2 scans one at 20 weeks then another at 38 both $165 (back $85 then $132)
the birth....
$500 excess for the private hospital
$200 excess for epidural dr bill was $800
$300 out of pocket for xrays and blood tests in hospital as our little one was not well
$500 out of pocket for paeditricians.
She spent 8 days in neonatal ICU but didnt have to pay the $500 excess again.

She was transferred to a public ICU for 3 days and I have to say we certainly noticed the difference in care between public / private and leading up to delivery we thought about dropping our private cover once she was born.
That will definetly not be happening now. I will keep it for ever.
Money well spent.....:)

[MelissafromSyd]

Independent midwifery fees vary from state to state and midwife to midwife. Fees range from $1000 to $5500 (maybe $6000). You may claim a rebate through your private health fund dependeing on your level of cover. Not every fund will rebate you, but if you let them know the total cost, some will agree to pay as it is significantly cheaper than a private hospital birth.

[kazarina]

tommo787 (http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/member.php?u=33465)


yep all public here and a gp visit every month.

i am still trying to understand why it costs more for u/s the " more pregnant you are " lmao

[gamsarah]

It looks like going private still leaves you with quite a lot of out-of-pocket expenses.

I was thinking we'd go on private health insurance before we TTC, but I want a homebirth and not a hospital birth anyway, so I'm wondering whether we'd be better off going public for antenatal care and paying privately for an independent MW. Does anyone have any thoughts (or experience) on this?

[Baby86]

I think the u/s costs more the 'more pregnant' you are because there is more measurements and checks they can do on the baby as it develops.
I went through MGP at WCH in Adelaide both times. THIS WAS THE BEST EVER and did not cost me a penny.


tommo787 (http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/member.php?u=33465)


yep all public here and a gp visit every month.

i am still trying to understand why it costs more for u/s the " more pregnant you are " lmao

[mammakel]

Hi Girls,

It costs a bomb I'm afraid, but I appreciated the specialist care. I went private in a public hospital, and had a normal delivery, no intervention and the out of pocket costs were as

13 x Ob appoint $90 each = $752 (OP)
Pathology Tests = $81 (OP)
Ultrasounds = $280 (OP)
Birth Payments = $2700
GP Appoints = $35


Total = $3848 so say bye bye to your baby bonus!

Because we were in a public hospital we didn't have to pay the excess on our private insurance, and didn't have any anaesthetist fees.

Hope this helps you all


I'm still a bit confused - the prices for going private seem to vary quite a bit. Does it depend on the OB or the hospital?

Sassi, did you get any of this money back from your private health fund?

I'm 4 weeks pregnant and feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all! I'm deciding between RPA & North Shore Private as a private patient. Does anyone have any prices to compare with OB's at either of these hospitals?

Thanks!

[MelissafromSyd]

Hi there,

yes, the prices for going private vary a lot! I've heard of OBs charging anywhere from less than $1000 to $10,000! In the hospitals you're talking about, they probably charge in the vicinity of $5,000 - $10,000. Depends which OB you have. RPA also has midwifery care as a public patient, or you could go through the birth centre - this is free. You can also go through the birth centre as a private patient.

I'm not sure about the hospital - this would depend on your excess.

RPA is public, so it might be cheaper than NSP.

Melissa.

[cindye]

mamakel - I had my baby at NSP in May. Here is a previous thread about OB fees in Lower North Shore Area http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=212293

I felt private was the best option for me, and was really glad with my choice. The standard of care was excellent.

HTH

[mammakel]

Thanks for the feedback ladies!

Cindye, of the prices you listed in the other thread, coming to nearly $5000, did you get any of that back from Medicare or your private health fund?

Also, who was your OB at NSP? Would you recommend them?

Thanks!

[Pices_79]

Hi there

I had my DD in a private hospital and am going private again with this pregnancy. I am 33w pregnant with DS and due in January...I am having bubs at Burnside War Memorial Hospital in Adelaide. LOVED my experience there last time and my Ob.

I cant remember the costs I had regarding scans - but for the 12w & 20w scans - I got at least 1/2 back from medicare.

My Ob fees were $1700 - I got $1051 back from medicare

I didnt pay anything for the Glucose Challenge Test or for any other blood tests that I have had...

I will be up for $200 excess for my hospital stay and a couple of hundred dollars for the Paed checkup of our newborn in hospital....

I never got charged for an epidural last time...

I couldnt be more thrilled with my experience and will be going down this track again if we go back for #3.....

[cindye]

mammakel - I was out of pocket almost $5000. About $3000 for my OB, $500 for anesthetist, $500 for booking fee / excess for hospital and the rest for scans, blood tests etc, which I had more than usual.

The management fee at 20weeks pushed me over the medicare safety net, so I was about $1000 out of pocket from that amount. The "birth fee" of $1800 I paid was not refunded at all by medicare or private health. I found private health pays very little of doctors fees - I think my anesthetist charged $750, but the scheduled medicare fee is around $250, which medicare pay 70% (say $175) of and then private pay 30% of ($75) (so you're still out of pocket $500...). Medicare Safety net only applies to out of hospital expenses. Private Insurance covers more your hospital charges.

If you want to go private, then you'll need to book into an OB and the hospital ASAP. (I did it the day I missed my period!)

Hope that helps!

[kez23]

I have found this thread very informative so far, thank you ladies!! I am in my 12th week and going private, I'm in Perth and I've got full HBF cover. My first OB appointment was last week and cost $290 and I got $67 back from medicare which I was a bit disappointed with!! My 16 week appointment is $90, and we've got a management fee of $2700 to be paid by week 22. I've got my nuchal scan thingo next week which apparently costs about $150 and you get nothing back for that one.

I must say I was overwhelmed by the costs - silly me didn't realise that private health insurance covers you in hospital but not your OB appointments and ultrasounds - d'oh!! Also because the medicare safety net runs by calendar year I'll be set back to zero soon and so probably won't get as much back from that big $2700 management fee bill. I certainly hope going private is worth it - I do like the option of choosing your own OB and the potential of having my own private room in hospital!!

Lets keep this thread going ladies its very helpful!!

[Joey73]

I'm 21 weeks and my hubby and I thought we'd go private. We saw the ob, got the rundown on fees - $160 first visit, $120 per visit thereafter (Medicare refunds $53 per visit), $2500 at 22 week mark. We were sent for blood tests (which I had already had done by GP but the ob wanted his own done) my GP blood tests have always been bulkbilled, the ob's blood test cost over $100 (Medicare refund about $50). Also, while we would be seeing the same ob during the pregnancy, there was no guarantee he would attend the birth! He and the other doctors at the hospital had a roster for out of office hours to attend births that occurred out of office hours! Hmmm.

When the ob wanted to do a 12week scan (just over $200) before we could do our nuchal fold scan (approx $300), hubby and I dug our heels in and swapped to public. Best decision! Not only are the doctors and midwives at the public hospital just lovely, they also organise it so you have continuity of care with the same doctors/midwives. On top of that, everything is free - doctor visits, scans, blood tests etc.

Having said all that, private v public is obviously a personal decision. What suits some people may not be right for others.

[mammakel]

Thank you all so much for all the brilliant information and advice! It has all been so helpful and things seem a little clearer now.

I think I'm going to make an appointment with a private OB and make my decision after that.

Anyone have any recommendations at the Mater or North Shore Private in Sydney? There seem to be a lot of good options at either...

[vanessasoma]

These are our costs through 'Arrivals' at Stanley St South Brisbane;

First Obs visit: $250 (including scan)
Subsequent visits: $53 each (one visit every month till 28 weeks then one every 2 weeks)
12 week and 20 week scans: $350 each
Obs Handling fee: 2500 (upfront at 20 weeks)
Hospital: $200 out of pocket from Medibank Private (paid upfront)
Antenatal Classes: 250 (about 100 back from Medibank for the Physio part)

All up, it's about a 4k outlay, from which we will get about half of it back.... so about 2k out of pocket.

The hospital and Antenatal classes are reimbursed by medibank private and medicare gives about half back of everything else.

If you are lucky enough to be having your baby all in the one calender year, you will get 80% back of everything after you reach your threshold (about $1100) which is the out of pocket part after you claim back through medicare. If like us, you fall pregnant one year and give birth the next, you won't get as much back, as the medicare threshold is re-set at $0 the beginning of each year on Jan 1. Meaning the $1200 we are out of pocket by the end of this year wont count next year.

I am 19weeks today and although I was very sceptical about private cover at first II am really happy I chose it now.

I decided to go private at the hospital I work at because having worked in the public system, I have seen too many mistakes and confusions happen through lack of consistent care, and the combination of med students and newly practicing doctors and midwives. In public you can get anyone on any day. You dont have a consistent obstetrician or midwife, and you could end up being delivered (including emergency c-sections) by a 21 year old student resident who is nowhere near as experienced as a reknowned ob with an excellent reputation.

Arrivals are great. There are 4 obs (all with excellent reputations for no tears, natural births) and one is rostered to each day for delivery, so you get someone who is not only experienced and expert, but also someone well rested and alert, who has not been up studying or working all night already (as many residents and reg's in public are forced to do as they gain their qualifications).

I chose to see one at each appointment, and get to know them all, so that I feel comfortable with whoever is there on the day. I think it's ridiculous to expect to get the same ob you have for every appointment, firstly, who could possibly do that? See patients all day as well as deliver babies anytime of day or night, and secondly, even if they could, how could they possibly be alert and on the job if they had that kind of workload? I think the group practice is a great idea, and it's not such a big deal to see 4 obs, as they all share the information, so each one is well versed on your history so far before you even show up to the appointment, and by the end, they all know you well.

That's just my opinion anyway, I totally understand not wanting to pay that kind of money though, we aren't rolling in it, and we had to save up for a year to afford it, but so far I am really happy and comfortable with my desicion, and I think that peace of mind is worth the 2k (especially as it is my first and working in a maternity hospital does make you a little extra sensitive to everything that could go wrong).

Thanks to everyone for contributing to the thread. I have really benifitted from all your replies and I hope mine helps (and doesn't sound too opinionated!). It seems there is a LOT of variance in fees and it pays to do your research and I know this forum will definitly help more than just me to do that! :)

[vanessasoma]

oh and just another thing I like about private, I can call my midwife any time at all for free advice, free of charge! :)

[AnneApple]

Hi everyone, great thread, its answered a lot of questions I have been wondering :)

I am 19 weeks pregnant and due to pay my pregnancy management fee next week. Since it is the start of a new year, my medicare safety net balance is back at 0.

I need to pay my OB $1800
Does anyone know if I will get back only
1) 101.80 from medicare, and then subsequent bills 80%
or
2) Will I get back the proportion of this that is over the medicare safety net? I would get $101.80 from the $1800, and the amount over my safety net (which is 1111.60)
So, would I get back $571.00 in total?

Sorry it sounds confusing. I called medicare twice as I wanted to make sure. First person said I would get back 80% of my out of pocket expenses over the 1111.60, so around $571 refund.
Second person said I would only get back the 101.80 :confused:

Thanks :)

[HeidiLee]

Hi everyone, great thread, its answered a lot of questions I have been wondering :)

I am 19 weeks pregnant and due to pay my pregnancy management fee next week. Since it is the start of a new year, my medicare safety net balance is back at 0.

I need to pay my OB $1800
Does anyone know if I will get back only
1) 101.80 from medicare, and then subsequent bills 80%
or
2) Will I get back the proportion of this that is over the medicare safety net? I would get $101.80 from the $1800, and the amount over my safety net (which is 1111.60)
So, would I get back $571.00 in total?

Sorry it sounds confusing. I called medicare twice as I wanted to make sure. First person said I would get back 80% of my out of pocket expenses over the 1111.60, so around $571 refund.
Second person said I would only get back the 101.80 :confused:

Thanks :)

You will get the $571. Then until December 31 you will get back 80% of your out of pocket expenses for everything you claim :)

[vanessasoma]

Good news, the first person was right. :) You will get the 571, as the answer above says. I called heaps of times to make sure myself as we had the choice to pay our management fee at the end or beginning of the year. We ended up choosing to pay it at the end of the year as we would get more back. I am 22 weeks, and have had all my expensive scans etc, so it was better to use that toward the threshold amount, and get more back from the management fee than to get 80% off my appointments this year. I confirmed before we lodged it that your management fee will go toward the threshold and when you reach it, the rest of the management fee (anything over the threshold) you will get 80% back. This proved to be true, and with our prior appointments etc, we got $1797 back from $2500.

If anyone was wondering about the baby bonus also, that is calculated on your estimated combined incomes for the 6 months following baby's birth and paid fortnightly from the date the forms are lodged. If your combined income is over 75k for this period you need to pay some of it back (depending on how much over you were paid etc). I don't know many people who would have a problem qualifying for this though, as with mat leave one of you will usually only be getting 3 months worth of pay over this time. My friend took early mat leave to make sure they qualify though, lucky thing! :)

[sandy119120]

I went through the public system originally and had no success, now private my Ob helped us delivery a healthy baby Girl and due to have another baby in a week or so... I wouldnt have it any other way. Our Ob found the problems that the public system didnt...

I love the fact that i have my Doc on call 24hrs if i have a problem also i get my own room in the hospital...

DD was admitted to the childrens ward at a week old.. They wouldnt help me with BF and i had to give up at 1 week.. i felt :( ....

As for the fee's 1st visit $160 then $40 per visit.. I have many extra visits to start due to medical condition couldnt tell you exactly how many... Management fee $1700 extra scans $180 each depending on how many you get.... Then medication each month for me......

I wouldnt have it any other way...... But if they take out the baby bonus it will push too much of a strain on the public system i would imagine


HI girls!!

I definetly have to say this i had my first baby back in my country 6 years ago my own ob my own suit,everything pay NOTHING out of the pocket. And i even use twice ambulance coz i had too much morning sickness(not even close to this one) and the other a fall at 35 weeks. No charge. MMMM i wonder now. I think the private sector here really suckss. Needs a big change. here thing i caanot beleve you dont get in private:

- You shouldnt not be charge in the visit that is why you have you private.

- No out expenses unless ,medicare covers for it.

I have private insurance as i ussually had one back where i come from, but i dont see the point on having one here is just not worth it. You better off just on public as the best hospitals are pblic anyway. And yuo dont have to pay a fortune on private.

Sorry i dont agree but i had better experience in private somewhere else and i think is nothing wrong with just make the private sector they are not looking after their patients but their share holders.

Thanks for reading!!!!

[LeeJ]

sandy, its so true, you pay out of your own pocket for private, and then STILL have to keep paying, whereas,
public, pay nothing, and then pay nothing!

We didnt have private till we had to (get slugged on tax at end of year if we dont), and seeing as dh is 30 this year, figure we may as well keep paying otherwise we'll get slugged later on....
:rolleyes:

[mammakel]

Hi ladies,

I looked into going private and had an appointment booked, but my cousin is a midwife and she has begged me to go public saying that the hospitals and the care is so much better in the public system. She said that often at the private hospitals there is not even one ob present and that there are half as many nurses to patients as in public. This has been really hard for me to get my head around as its hard to believe that by forking out the thousands of dollars in out of pocket costs, you don't actually get better care?? I'm sure this depends on which public hospital you go to, but just thought I'd share it in case anyone else is trying to decide which way to go.

In saying that, I've got loads of friends who have gone private and had great experiences as well, I guess it just depends on your situation.

One thing she said that really took me by surprise is that she doesn't know any doctors (public or private) whose wives have had babies in a private hospital, if anything they go as a private patient in a public hospital.

I'm going to give RNS a go, I've had one appointment so far and they were great. I think going public probably means more time in waiting rooms though, so I'm lining up some good books!

[AnneApple]

The choice between public/private can be a hard one. I was a public patient with my last pregnancy. Which unfortunately ended in a m/c and D&C. Although the care I received from my GP and the hospital experiences were OK - aftercare and advice were just not there. If I had a query regarding anything that was going on afterwards, I'd have to make an appt with my GP. Who really didn't know what should be happening after my D&C anyway. I ended up in a pretty bad physical state and it could have caused irreversible damage. Not that I am trying to blame it entirely on the public system.But I guess I feel more comfortable and better looked after as a private patient this time around. My OB is so lovely and I can always phone her with any questions etc. Also her care seems so thorough. Referrals for U/S & tests are with people who seem to take so much more time.

Paying the extra is a bit hard, but I guess to me its worth it after my past experience




vanessasoma & HeidiLee
Thanks for your replies :) I now feel pretty confident I should get the larger amount. Which should help as we've got to now start budgeting for baby items!

[vanessasoma]

...All I can say is that after 2 years of working in a major public maternity hospital as a social worker, hearing all the terrible experiences (in counselling sessions) and seeing truly awful things happen because of lack of funding and poor conditions I have chosen private for my own peace of mind. I work in the public system, and from that I know that every single staff member is doing the very best they can, but conditions are often tough, and sometimes people just cant cover that gap. I have personally seen too much difference between the two to go public now, even though as a staff member, I would get better treatment than most, I still think the private fees are worth every cent.

That said, you can be really lucky in the public system, have a great experience, and the added satisfaction of knowing you got the whole thing free! My friend had that, (well, all except for having to share a room and being unable to sleep because of the bickering couple next to her and their distressed baby) and she was thrilled with it, and I was so happy for her because everyone deserves to have a lovely time giving birth to their baby (you know what I mean ;)

It really is such a personal choice, I think at the end of the day, it's an intuitive one (as well as a budgeting one) and my friend and I are a good example that it can be great either way! I feel best about private, she felt best about public, and we have both had wonderful experiences. I think it depends on you, the hospital, your budget, and what will give you peace of mind in the end, because a happy mum is a happy bub, no matter where they are born! :)

Good luck to all of you! xo

[vanessasoma]

Just wanted to say a quick reply to mammakel too, I think the midwife you spoke to must have a pretty specific experience in mind, I have seen the opposite at the hospital where I work, but it's not in Sydney, so maybe if you are booking in to the hospital she is talking about you should check her reports out with others who are familiar with the area. Just wanted to say though, that's not been my experience in the hospital where I work, there are one on one patient to midwives, and everyone I know who works at the hospital (going on 15 now) who has had their baby there has gone private. I think youre right though, it must vary from hospital to hospital.

[oMo]

Might help if everyone also mentioned what level of cover they have with their PHI, as that makes a difference.


Also, if you know what Obs you wish to go with, you can call them and ask to be sent a schedule of their fees. This will give you alot of information in detail.
You can also find out what group of anesthetists he/she is with, phone the anesthetists office, tell them what level of cover you have and they can tell you your out of pocket expenses for epidural, c-section etc.

One thing to remember, which hubby said to me and I hadn't even thought about it. If your GP does not bulk bill, then I wouldn't even take the monthly/fortnightly/weekly Obs consults into consideration when working out costs, as this is something you would incur whether you choose to go private or public with shared care.

[beebs]

I went public the first time....never again - my mind was made up while a public patient in a public hospy. I'll have to post here at the end and tell you what the private experience was like :)

It was in a massive city hospy with a brand new mothers/baby section.

I like it better so far to be honest. I like having the one person looking after me.

[shymmer]

Just wanted to mention that I went public with DD two years ago, I did 'shared care' so saw my regular GP for each checkup and requested the same Ob for my hospital appointments who then booked and did my c-sec, so it IS possible to see the same doctors throughout your pregnancy in the public system if you organise it. I assume perhaps you could request the same midwife for appointments too . .? A natural birth may not guarentee the same doctors/middy for the birth of course, but you have that risk with a private Ob too.

My GP visits were all bulkbilled.
My NT scan was bulkbilled at the Mater - GP deemed it nessesary as I was over 30 (I wanted it too).
And all delivery costs and hospital stay were free.
So my only cost was for the 20wk scan at $200 at a private Diagnostic Centre ($80 back from medicare I think) Scan costs vary/are bulkbilled depending entirely on where your doctor sends you and 'why' they request it.

I am 15weeks preg now and had to pay for my NT scan this time (different GP - who deemed it 'optional' because I'm not over 35) So has cost me $150; no rebate. But my 20wk scan will be bulkbilled this time.

I had a good expereince in the Public system.

Oh, something my current GP mentioned the other day . . . . a private Ob who bulkbills!!!!! I think my GP had a list, so worth asking about!

[LittleBug'sMum]

Wow! What a lot of info and differing opinions! I am going public because my pregnancy wasn't exactly planned and my PHI doesn't cover pregnancy. But I have just been changing my cover over, and have decided to go with basic cover without pregnancy again, as can't really justify the extra cost in the premium, when it is unlikely my hubby and I will use any other hospital cover (just need it for tax really).
I've opted for midwife care at the hospital rather than shared care with my GP, because I'm not that fond of my GP (didn't start seeing him until I found out I was pregnant, and each time I went waited over an hour to see him for 2 mins and then be charged $50 for the privlege).
Went for the 12 week NT scan, which was prerpared to have to pay for, only to find out I wasn't 12 weeks pregnant, was 20 weeks (GP's comment when I told him - hmm probably should have examined you, would have been able to tell by feeling that you were more than 12 weeks)! So had to pay only contribution for 20 week scan, which wasn't very much.
Midwives at hosp have been great (my pregnancy is low risk), was a little disappointed by my one and only ob appointment (was fairly junior dr), didn't do anything different to what the midwife had just done.
I have worked in public hospitals for about 8 years, and I do have faith in the system. BUT for all you ladies going public, you need to be prepared to speak up and ask questions, especially if you feel that something isn't right. It is true that you may not see a senior ob in the public system, but if something does go wrong, there is a senior ob responsible for your care, and they are likely to be a very experienced and very good dr.
Well that's my opinion anyway. Good luck everyone with whichever way (private or public) that you are going. :wave:

[staceylee]

This is our first baby and we are going public. All scans and blood tests have been bulk billed. We are doing shared care with dr and middie and each app cost $50 and we get $38.60(?)back but my last app ony cost me $33 not sure why, they have changed there billing lately so that might be it. Hospital stay and birth is bulk billed and as we live in the country we have our own room anyway and have to share a barthroom but I think thats ok.

[RCOMAN]

My mother inlaw is into 'alternative medicine' and dosen't believe much into doctors etc. I can appreciate others beliefts - reglious etc. But I knew the second I became preg. that I was going to go private and no matter the cost vowed to ensure I had the best resources available.
My dad had major issues due to malpractice and was qutie scared of the public system.
Went private first time and could not fault one thing. The hospital, staff, doctor pillows, even the food was tops. It cost me approx. $5K but was happy. Even my husband. His whole life he was brought up under the impression doctors were not nessacary and private was simply a waste of money. Once we left the hospital with my first, Georgia. He spoke more highly of the service and the expereince then myself. The support they had for fathers was truely amazing. Just the ability he could stay the night.
For anyone looking at the costs I would recommend looking at the ability of having your partner staying overnight.
Of all the memories I have of my whole life - that first week of my daughters life was the best. We spent the whole week at the hospital and it really brought us closer then anything. I am confident to say if I went public I would not have had that.

[Dortygirl]

What was the difference for you with public vs private?? I just can't justify paying $1500 - $2000 out of pocket for the same experience (even though I have top health cover). However I will be needing a CS due to complications so did you go natural or CS? Still trying to make a decision early on (I'm not due untit December).

My sister in law did private first and then public the second time and she said that the experience was pretty much identical from the Northwest to the RBH (she had a bad midwife at both) but all in all the public system didn't cost her a cent and the private system cost them over $2000. Why do we bother with health cover if it is only going to cost you a bomb to go private.

What is the benefit can anyone tell me when the same doctors are available at in the public system for no charge (sure you don't get your choice but what if your obstrician is on holidays when you deliver anyway - you have paid for nothing). Sorry maybe I'm being a bit negative but I would really love some other peoples opinions on the difference.

[vanessasoma]

You dont get the same doctors in public as you do in private. In public you get whoever is available at the time, often this is just a reg or res (student doctors). Private you have the benifit of a consistent person (or in group practice, team of a max of five obs) who has a lot more experience and better reputation. Statistically, private obs also have a lower rate of tears (the ripping kind, not the crying kind) and c-sections (excluding the too posh to push set) than public. They can also pick up any special circumstances earlier and deal with them better due to their experience and level of expertise. If you are 100% confident you will have a normal uneventful pregnancy and birth, it shouldn't matter who your treatment teamis though, your body and baby will just take care of everything. For me, I could not say I was 100% certain of anything, and we had the savings to do it, so we went private, mostly for peace of mind. The rooms are also nicer (you don't have to share with a stranger) and you can have your husband stay over also. There are other options also. You can be a private patient on a public ward. Meaning you have the same obstetrician (private) and claim that back through medicare, but birth in a public hospital / room. You don't need health insurance for that as insurance only covers your stay in hospital. Or you could be treated as a public patient throughout the pregnancy, but pay the $2000 for a private stay when you deliver, or if you have health cover, use it for that (approx $200 out of pocket with medibank), if you're not fussed about the doctor but want the benifits of a private room. Just some info to think about anyway. :)

[luv2luv]

DH and I have medium to top level PHI and at this stage I definetely can't see us going Private unless I have a very high risk pregnancy. My first preference is definetly public probably at the RBH. I want to try to get into that midwifery programme where you are allocated one midwife from start to finish. I am after a more natural approach then a medical one. Also saving $2000 instead of being out of pocket for private can buy a heck of a lot of baby stuff - particulary handy if it's your first bub I guess.

I was previously always determined to only go Private but my opinion changed when my sister had her first bub last year and told me about her experience. She loved it but I thought there were quite a number of flaws from the private system (i.e waiting a couple of hours for midwives to come to their room for assistance with baby etc). She also didn't get her assigned ob and was left with a random midwife and delivering ob - no familar faces.

As for Northwest, some of the private obs get their assigned midwives to do all the checkups. I know a lady who said that throughout her whole pregnancy she saw her assigned ob a total of 3 times and the midwife did all her appts. He charged her around $2000.00. She could have gone public for that and saved her cash!

[caramex]

I had twins and went public and have no complaints at all. At no time did I feel lacking in care. I had shared care with the obs in the hospital but 90% of them were lovely. One was a bit old and crusty and I did on odd occasion have to hear the same info but it was all fine.

I was also lucky enough to have a dedicated midwife through a new program they had introduced and that definitely was enjoyable.

I only ended up paying $50 total (for my first "dating" ultrasound, which I had to get done privately when we got the surprise that we were having twins). I paid $100 and got $50 back. That's all I paid, all pregnancy.

I had a c-section and stayed in hospital for 6 days. Babies had to stay in SCN for 4 days due to gestational diabetes :( but the endocrinologists were also lovely and I feel very well looked after.

I would have no qualms about going public again, even if I had private health insurance.

[Janet]

I am a little aghast at the whole cost.
Although I did have a rough idea before I agreed to go with my OBS but had no idea that I was required to attend this amount of appointments:
8 weeks ($450), 9 weeks ($90), 11 weeks ($90), 13 weeks ($90), 17 weeks ($90), 20 weeks ($1,500). I cannot remember the rest but you get the picture. I know I am private so cannot really compare to public but just a little excessive i think. It is also very difficult to keep getting out of work as the hospital is a 30 min drive away.
Does this all sound normal?
:ecomcity:

[Brookestar]

Hi girls, I am 14 weeks with my first baby.
I have private health cover in a public hospital. I haven't seen an ob yet but am about to in 3 weeks time. I have decided to have the baby in the public hospital but have to see my ob in the private hospital as that is where his office is.

My big question is how much is the ob going to cost me? I rang my health insurance and I do have cover for an ob but that there would be some out of pocket expenses.

I am freaking out a bit because my husband was talking to someone at work and they said it cost them $4000!
As this is my first baby I would really like to have my own doctor to make sure everything is OK. But all the people I talk to are just going straight to the midwife.

Any help would be appreciated I'm a little stressed :banghead:

[Jade1204]

Hey there, thanks for the heads up on the private/public debate. My husband and I are looking at starting a family soon. He wants me to find out costs re having a baby with private h/ins. I will show him what you said. Im starting to think Private H.i is a waste of money !!!:)

[garfield13]

We were out of pocket at the end of it around $1700 and it was worth it. Next time around due to the recent changes to Medicare we will be out of pocket more like $3500 - $4k, but we will still be going private. In the public vs private hospitals I have to choose from, the level of care etc from the private cannot compare to the public.
I think it really depends on what hospitals you have to choose from

[kcash]

I am booked to go private through Frances Perry in Melbourne. I have HCF cover. Anyone have any experience with HCF?

[beloved]

We were really worried about the OB costs because my friends had spent thousands on them. I had DD in Perth and I actually went with an Obstetric GP instead of an OB who delivered in a private hospital, it basically cost me approx $60 each time I saw him and I got back approx $30 from Medicare on each visit. His management fee was like $200 but it was bulk billed to Medicare so I did not have to pay anything for that and his hospital costs were fully covered by HBF. I paid for a 12 week scan which was about $180 and got a small amount back from Medicare. I had the 20 week scan done for free at Broome hospital. I had to pay an excess of $150 for the hospital cover and we stayed in a lovely double bed private room for 5 nights. I was really happy with how little we were out of pocket and I will do the same with our next one.

[EquineMum]

We went through a birth centre with DS1 and had no extra expenses whatsoever. Regular checkups from the middies, blood tests, scans etc done in the hospital - even fetal monitoring, ante natal classes etc all done at no extra charge through the public system. We felt very well looked after and had no issues whatsoever. Can't recommend it strongly enough. Everyone was fantastic.

Come the birth though, DS had other ideas and after 2 days of labour, refused to budge. We ended up having an unplanned CS and I then spent the next 5 days in hospital. The nurses and care were fantastic, the procedure went fine and I was on my feet later that afternoon as soon as the epi wore off. Our only complaint was that DH was unable to stay - so next time round (we are currently TTC #2), we will go in as private patients in a public hospital so that we can still have all pre-natal care through the birth centre and public system, but if we end up with another CS, I will hopefully be in a private room and DH can stay.

That's my two cents!

[purska]

20 wk OB management fee $2600 - got $1900 back from Medicare (was over safety net threshold).

30 wk OB management fee $1400 - claimable on income tax
.
just wondering what the management fee's are for:confused:
thanks!

[Opinionated]

My management fee covered all my appointments with my ob and the use of the mobile ultrasound in the ob office.

If you are giving birth in a public hospital, and don't have any out of the ordinary health concerns, I would save your money and use the midwives.

I have used an ob previously, but had health concerns (it was unknown how my body would react in labour) and I wanted to birth in a private hospital. Next time I want to give birth in a public hospital and as my health concerns turned out to be a non issue I will opt for midwife led care. I estimate we will save $2.5k and the only difference will be the length of my hospital stay.

[Jess988]

I am booked to go private through Frances Perry in Melbourne. I have HCF cover. Anyone have any experience with HCF?
Hi Kcash... have u had your baby yet? i am with HCF as well, i have rang up and the private hosp. i am going with the ob are with hcf no gap initiatives. i am from brisbane, and dont have time to go into the hcf office in brisbane to ask questions. so could you please tell me roughtly how much u were out of pocket or claimed?

:doh:

[bub 2 on the way]

Hi all

i have been totally overwhelmed and stressed about the costs involved with pregnancy care as a private patient as I had my first public (and hated it!) but here is what i have found so far.

I am insured with Latrobe on the top hospital cover (no excess or co payment) for 46.00 per fortnight.

As i only joined a few weeks before I fell pregnant i am not covered for any emergency pregnancy related services so would have to go to a public hospital HOWEVER they will cover me if i go into labour early (i had to send them a letter from my OB confirming my EDD)

So far i had a dating scan at 10 weeks which was bulk billed,
18 week morphology scan for $190.00 ($105.00 gap)
I have one more scan planned at 32 weeks (same cost as above) and my OB advised that the after the first 3 they are all bulk billed. (i live in SA)

I have not had any fees for my 3 blood tests (all behind the scenes bulk billed)

My OB charges to me are $1500.00 all up (gap) (plus medicare contribution of about $175.00)
and as I am eligible for Family Tax Benifit A my safety net threshold kicks in at $550.00 medicare will pay 80% after that =)

I have to pay the fees upfront and am reinbursed by Medicare.

I have been told my hospital stay is totally covered by my private health cover and the baby too as long as I increase my cover to family 2 months before due date. If my baby is admitted to the nursery all costs (paediatrician, surgeon etc) will be covered for him her as well.

One thing I found out along the way is if you go over your safety net BEFORE you fill out a form that medicare sends you declaring your entitlement to FTBA you WONT get your 80% out of pocket back for that amount. You MUST complete the form before paying any extra money.

I hope this has helped someone out there as I must admit I was totally confused by it all to start with! :wave:

[sosie]

hey there bub 2 on the way i am with latrovbe aswell and my ob charges are

100 per visit = 35 medicare 65 gap

2000 planning and management fee =
117 medicare, 1883 gap
but safety net will kick in and il get all up 1620 back

1800 upfront at 36 weeks for birth in which medicare and latrobe combined will give me approx 800 back and my gap will be 1000 as safety net doesnt apply as its an in hospital service is that right?

my scans at my ob are 80 each if he chooses to do them and i get 33 back.
i am due in early feb so my safety net resets from jan one, but doees anyone know about in hospital treatments and safety net?

[bub 2 on the way]

Hi Sosie

I am with latrobe on top hospital cover and having bubs at Flinders private Hospital in Adelaide and have been told there are no costs to me at hospital as medicare covers part and latrobe picks up the dirrerence.

I pay my 1500 to my OB and thats it as far as i have been told ie: no extra charges for the birth.

[mammakel]

Hi ladies

I just thought I'd update since I've now had my gorgeous son and had such a wonderful experience at Royal North Shore Public Hospital in Sydney.

I was admitted to hospital 10 days before my DS was born due to pre eclampsia and stayed for another 6 after his birth as he had jaundice. I had the best experience from the very start of my pregnancy though. Every doctor / nurse / midwife I dealt with was lovely. They took such good care of us. We even had a private room once my son was born. Best of all, it didn't cost us a cent!

Even though my blood pressure was high and things weren't ideal, I wasn't pressured into a ceaser although the option was there. And even though I was seeing different ob's, they were all very well informed on where I was at and my medical history.

I cannot recommend this hospital highly enough!
:yelclap:

[Aaliyahsmummy]

Hi Sosie

I am with latrobe on top hospital cover and having bubs at Flinders private Hospital in Adelaide and have been told there are no costs to me at hospital as medicare covers part and latrobe picks up the dirrerence.

I pay my 1500 to my OB and thats it as far as i have been told ie: no extra charges for the birth.

Can I ask what Ob your seeing?
Im Looking at Flinders Private when I get pregnant and have also been looking at switching to latrobe Thanks in advance:)

[bub 2 on the way]

hey!

Yes i am seeing Ginette Kremidiotis whom I chose as she consults out of rooms in the southern suburbs and does deliveries and c sections at flinders private.

So far she has been awesome! Also latrobe have been great i would recommend them as well. I fell pregnant on our first try which was a shock and only just scraped in to the 9 month waiting period by 5 days!!! lucky! They have told me if i deliver early, or am scheduled for a c section early i will be covered as i have provided a letter confirming my edd so thats a relief!

Im going for a refresher class/maternity unit tour on flinders private in october - but after seeing my friend there after her baby was born i was totally sold on it anyway!!

[sosie]

bub 2 on the way i would be asking for that in writing from both your ob and latrobe to be safe.

So i need some clarification if you may.

so my ob charges 1800 for birth and medicares new scheduled fee in 2010 will be 641 which means 75% of that being 480 from medicare then the 25% from latrobe of 160 plus a further 25% for being billed direct to latrobe by my ob. so another 160 on top.

In total that being 800. so for me 1800-800= 1000 oop.

my hospital told me that latrobe is the only health fund that dopesnt pay out the total lamount for birth like others and i rang latrobe and they agreed taht they dont pay total.

is it your ob doesnt charge a labour fee at all? is it they assumethat you would be covered 100% for the birth cost that they charge by your fund? or have latrobe told you they cover it in total?

Im totally confused as i rang everyone medicare, latrobe, ob and printed the schedule from the net aswell as i always do my research.

im curious asnow i want to know who to get my claws out at haha

:hair: this is how all this stuff makes me feel haha

[Aaliyahsmummy]

hey!

Yes i am seeing Ginette Kremidiotis whom I chose as she consults out of rooms in the southern suburbs and does deliveries and c sections at flinders private.

So far she has been awesome! Also latrobe have been great i would recommend them as well. I fell pregnant on our first try which was a shock and only just scraped in to the 9 month waiting period by 5 days!!! lucky! They have told me if i deliver early, or am scheduled for a c section early i will be covered as i have provided a letter confirming my edd so thats a relief!

Im going for a refresher class/maternity unit tour on flinders private in october - but after seeing my friend there after her baby was born i was totally sold on it anyway!!

Thanks for that:) I will look in to it

[monz21]

I just thought I'd update since I've now had my gorgeous son and had such a wonderful experience at Royal North Shore Public Hospital in Sydney.

Best of all, it didn't cost us a cent!

I cannot recommend this hospital highly enough!
:yelclap:

Hi mammakel,

I'm now TTC #1 and RNSH is my closest public hospital. Could I ask you a few questions?
Were you in RNSH as public or private patient? If private, what PHI are you with? And which program were you in? I understand they have several programs there?

Thank you and congratulations for your newborn! :flowerz:

[bub 2 on the way]

bub 2 on the way i would be asking for that in writing from both your ob and latrobe to be safe.

So i need some clarification if you may.

so my ob charges 1800 for birth and medicares new scheduled fee in 2010 will be 641 which means 75% of that being 480 from medicare then the 25% from latrobe of 160 plus a further 25% for being billed direct to latrobe by my ob. so another 160 on top.

In total that being 800. so for me 1800-800= 1000 oop.

my hospital told me that latrobe is the only health fund that dopesnt pay out the total lamount for birth like others and i rang latrobe and they agreed taht they dont pay total.

is it your ob doesnt charge a labour fee at all? is it they assumethat you would be covered 100% for the birth cost that they charge by your fund? or have latrobe told you they cover it in total?

Im totally confused as i rang everyone medicare, latrobe, ob and printed the schedule from the net aswell as i always do my research.

im curious asnow i want to know who to get my claws out at haha

:hair: this is how all this stuff makes me feel haha

Yeah... I need to speak to my OB and hospital again I think.

Latrobe told me the same thing as what you said - which sucks cos in their printed materiels it makes it sound like if you have top hospital you will be covered for everything! I need to speak to my ob and my hospital again now that i have this info from latrobe. $1000.00 oop is a lot considering you already pay so much for the monthly premiums!! Would the safety net come into this somehow?

Its really a confusing and frustrating thing having private cover when you cant really afford it as the last thing you want to be worrying about is money when the time comes!!!!!!!!

[garfield13]

We are with Latrobe as well and had their top family cover when dd was born.
We were fully covered for everything for everything for me at the hospy so didn't pay anything. They dont cover anything pre birth. Once bub was born I didnt receive any bills or anything.

With the changes happening on Jan 2010 and in anticipation for when we have #2 I started looking around to find a fund that covered some of the obs prebirth charges - as I have found out since no funds cover any of your obs fees pre birth:(

My scans etc were paid out of pocket and a bit back from medicare for them. My ob charged $2100 pg management at 20wks (which we got 80% back from medicare as we were over the safety net) & then $1057 antenatal co payment at 32wks (of which none is claimable from medicare)
I was out of pocket around 1600-1700 all up. After you are out of pocket $1500 in a year you can claim this on your tax and get a small amount back.

We were a little surprised how much to costs you when you have insurance

We are still undecided what we will do for #2, we will go private again as it was well worth the money, but now on one salary it will hit a bit harder. Once the changes are in place I will se what my ob is charging then an work out how much we will be out of pocket, guessing it will be close to $3k (if we fall pg this year, we will go back to the same ob and pay it all up front before years end so we will be covered by the safety net as before) otherwise I'll be lookign for an ob that charges less

[kochanski]

I'm preg with #1, and after saying to DH for weeks that we'll go public, I've sorta panicked and chosen to go private after all for the continuity of care!

If I stuck with public the only cost would be blood tests (thankfully my GP can bulk bill those) and ultrasounds; which for me was $200 prior to 12 weeks and would have been $260 post 12 weeks. I got back $51 from Medicare for a dating scan at 6 weeks :)

Private is looking mathematically complicated, lol!

The Ob I've booked in with as of today charges a little under $200 for initial visit at 10 weeks (which includes ultrasound), and $80 for subsequent antenatal visits. Postnatal are also $80 a visit. None of which is covered by insurance but I'm hoping to get small amounts back from Medicare.

First management fee is due at 20 weeks and is $950, second fee is due at 30 weeks and is also $950.

Birth they bill directly to my health insurer apparently, so I'll only have hospital excess to pay (and I think they mentioned gap fees for anaesthetic if that ends up applying).

The changes to Medicare safety net and new caps on obstetric services couldn't start at a more annoying time as I'll be close to the out of pocket limit when I hit 20 weeks and probably tip over in the new year and suffer(?) the new system. For now it's easier just to assume we're going to be out of pocket the entire amount and think of anything Medicare gives back as a bonus.

Ohh, and we get 7 ante natal classes (or 2 day intensive) covered by our health insurance as long as its run by a registered midwife or physio.

[mum2cat]

I gave birth in April and doing it privately cost me all up just over $4K out of pocket expense. Hopefully you'll get the baby bonus to offset the cost, which I wasn't eligible for, :(
At the end of the day, I was happy with the service of my chosen OB and the stay at the private hospital. I'll probably go private again since it will be hard to down grade. :)
Good luck with your pg.

[bub 2 on the way]

Just thought id post an update here about what i have discovered in my search for answers on oop expenses!!!

After speaking to my OB she has put my mind at ease. She advised she only charges the scheduled fee at the birth plus what ever the amount that Latrobe will contribute with NO GAP TO ME =)

She also said generally the anethitists dont charge a gap (unless in some cases its out of hours or public holidays) and the only gap payment i may be required to pay is the peadiatrician IF he is needed after the birth and for follow up visits. However if bubs is normal and healthy there shouldnt be a fee from him either!

So - in summary I think the case may be every private hospital and consulting speacilist is structured slightly differently so for me,

having bubs at Flinders private in adelaide and latrobe as my health fund ALL in hospital costs are covered, my OB charges only the scheduled fee and other gaps may be payable IF bubs needs a paediatrician or if i need the anethitist at the birth after hours.

So my OOP costs seeing as how i am eligible for the medicare safety net which kicked in at $550.00 should be as follows

OB pregnancy management and care: $1500 total - oop: $750.00

2 Scans 190 each - oop $17.00 x 2 = $34.00

Blood tests= no OOP

Ob at birth = no OOP

Hospital costs ie room, theatre costs, anestetic etc = no OOP on latrobe top hospital cover

Total = $784.00

So over all im very happy I stuck with private!!

Hope this helps someone out there but like i said after reading some of the other replies it seems you could expect to pay more especially if not eligable for the lower safety net like I am or if you will be affected by the changes to the safety net as of Jan next year

[bub 2 on the way]

I'm preg with #1, and after saying to DH for weeks that we'll go public, I've sorta panicked and chosen to go private after all for the continuity of care!

If I stuck with public the only cost would be blood tests (thankfully my GP can bulk bill those) and ultrasounds; which for me was $200 prior to 12 weeks and would have been $260 post 12 weeks. I got back $51 from Medicare for a dating scan at 6 weeks :)

Private is looking mathematically complicated, lol!

The Ob I've booked in with as of today charges a little under $200 for initial visit at 10 weeks (which includes ultrasound), and $80 for subsequent antenatal visits. Postnatal are also $80 a visit. None of which is covered by insurance but I'm hoping to get small amounts back from Medicare.

First management fee is due at 20 weeks and is $950, second fee is due at 30 weeks and is also $950.

Birth they bill directly to my health insurer apparently, so I'll only have hospital excess to pay (and I think they mentioned gap fees for anaesthetic if that ends up applying).

The changes to Medicare safety net and new caps on obstetric services couldn't start at a more annoying time as I'll be close to the out of pocket limit when I hit 20 weeks and probably tip over in the new year and suffer(?) the new system. For now it's easier just to assume we're going to be out of pocket the entire amount and think of anything Medicare gives back as a bonus.

Ohh, and we get 7 ante natal classes (or 2 day intensive) covered by our health insurance as long as its run by a registered midwife or physio.

You should ask your ob about her fee at the birth as there may be a gap to pay there - also - you should be able to pay the whole amount (950 x 2 ) in one go soon and hopefully this will put you over the saftety net before the new rules kick in!!

[bakubaby]

this is tricky as i'm discovering that there will be changes to medicare safety net as of 1st Jan 2010, and this probably means you can claim a maximum back of $200 on item#16590, but we won't know for sure until next year. previously, if you had hit the medicare safety net, you could claim 80% of all medical expenses, but this item will be capped (supposedly to stop obst. charging high fees). what this mean is that if the obs fee is $5,500, you will get a maximum of $200 (which is rumoured to be the cap)rebate from medicare. (previously would have been $4,400). anyway/ i'm only 4.5 wks pregnant, and will keep a log of my costs!

[bakubaby]

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/Factsheet-EMSN

here are the changes to item 16590 :hissy:

[mumma2cubs]

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/Factsheet-EMSN

here are the changes to item 16590 :hissy:

Disgusting isn't it.

Love how the govt justifies giving money to methadone programs yet takes money away from people making choices about their reproductive health and birth.

Whatever happened to populating Australia? Wasn't it our former treasurer who said "one for mum, one for dad and one for the govt"

Not making that easy with their changes

[lulu40]

So glad to read this thread, we just had our first babe DS on 21/9/09 and went private (in Perth) as a)I'm 40 (copped a lot of flak for that) and b) I have MS so we opted for Private in case of problems. Was horrified to find we had to pay PMF $3064 (to be paid in full at 20 wks) that was on top of the $94 for every visit and the $166 for a visit with ultrasound and out of pocket on delivery fee of $500. Followed up with $700 for amnio.

I mean he is our miracle baby conceived naturally after 12 years and being told 0.01% chance of falling pregnant and well worth it but why such huge costs i.e. PMF and what does that actually cover??? If fortunate to conceive again before I am too old will definitely look at going public.

[garfield13]

I knows, its stupid! I know a couple of poeple who wont be going private now because of this change -how much extra is this going to costs the govt!
Its going to be a push for us to go private but there is no way i would use our public hospital, But if I did go public im sure it would cost the govt more for me to use the system than the $1500 odd i would be rebated for going private!
More pressure on the public system, yes kruddy your right just what it needs!!!! I miss Johnny Howard so much:crying:

[oMo]

oh wow, I had no idea about this. Thankfully our obs isn't expensive, so if we decide to have another bub and go private it won't cost the world, but geeez, where is the incentive to use phi if you have it ? I can see public hospitals getting an overload of patients..........and really, they are already too busy aren't they ? (i'm talking the general management fee for an obstetrician)

[garfield13]

yes it will be very interesting to how much more pressure the public maternity system will be under in 12-24mths & if the govt doing this will make obs drop their fees.............dont think so!

[Izy]

Are you seriously attacking the methadone program and seeing this is as not supporting reproductive health? They are only limiting the safetynet! They are not removing funding from item numbers, just putting a ceiling on oop's that can be claimed under specific item no's as the dr's have the power to set the fees at any amount they like.
Look at the medicare schedule of fees for those item numbers and know that the public doctors get that, and ONLY that. The private dr's can still charge more, and medicare will still pay more for those private ob's, there is just a ceiling now.

I understand that it's frustrating, and when your ob's fees are high it feels unfair, but at the same time, those of us who are using a private ob get so much more money out of the government, and not always for more service. It cuts both ways.

As for the dissing of the methadone program. Knowing that it's the only thing that kept a family member alive long enough to rehabilitate herself and become a valuble part of the community means that I SUPPORT the program 100% and if you'd like to discuss funding of the methadone program I suggest it be taken out of the costs of having a baby thread.

[KMGG]

Hello,

We have chosen private health cover. Hubby was/is very nervous about it all. I can't really see the difference in care if you are not a high risk patient and live close to a city with big hospitals to choose from.

If they do cut our rebates from medicare and from having private health insurance we may well be forced to go public which is not really fair seeing as the public system is under so much strain from what I hear.

Anyway I am 3 weeks away from our first baby and here are the costs we have come across so far medical wise.

Our private health insurance premiums went from about $100 to $240 a month when we included pregnancy in our policy.

Our obstetritian has only charged us 2 fees so far. Each appointment we have is bulk billed which I think is really good.

We have also had a few other medical fees this year so we hit the Safety Net quite early so rebates might not be the same for you.

Initial Ob Fee $250 Rebate $67.20
Genetics Blood Test $100.30 Rebate $43.20
12 Week U/Sound $215.00 Rebate $59.50
19 week U/sound $220.00 Rebate $85
2nd OB Fee $3,600.00 Rebate $2,632.05
Hospital Excess $500

I think that is it with the fees, well I hope it is anyway. I'll update my post if I come across anymore.

[LookedOver]

I'm due to have bub's on the 29th of Dec (c-sect) :smiliedance: beat the cut off for the safety net! We are with Latrobe and from what we have been told from our Ob's office we will have a substantial OOP expense, due to the Ob not signing on to Latrobe's no gap plan, The lady did say though that when you work it out over a year of PI payments made to Latrobe over what it cost to hold PI with other health funds we will still be better off! Still a kick in the teeth though that we pay all that money during the year and still have to fork out more money!

[HeyMissA]

Just thought i'd share what out of pocket costs i'd had so far with dr's appointments, etc. Am going private so have an Ob and I'm sure that most of the time they refer you off to places that don't bulk bill just because you're private so try to do a bit of research before hand.

initial appt $200 ($67 back)
Monthly Follow up $90 ($34.40 back)
12 week ultrasound $150 ($60 back)
monthly follow up $90 ($34.40 back)
20 week ultrasound $194 ($172 back - reached safety net)
20 week ob preg mgmt fee $3100 ($2066 back - safety net)
Monthly follow up $75 ($34.40 back)
urine tests $61 ($26 back)
blood tests $91 ($40 back)

Currently out of pocket about $1500 and i'm only at 25 weeks. Also as it is a new year start back at scratch for the Medicare safety net.

Still to go - lots of Ob follow ups at $75 to $100 each, some more tests and $250 for hospital contribution (plus some more out of pocket for anesthetist). So it's all adding up.

[bakubaby]

Just thought i'd share what out of pocket costs i'd had so far with dr's appointments, etc. Am going private so have an Ob and I'm sure that most of the time they refer you off to places that don't bulk bill just because you're private so try to do a bit of research before hand.

initial appt $200 ($67 back)
Monthly Follow up $90 ($34.40 back)
12 week ultrasound $150 ($60 back)
monthly follow up $90 ($34.40 back)
20 week ultrasound $194 ($172 back - reached safety net)
20 week ob preg mgmt fee $3100 ($2066 back - safety net)
Monthly follow up $75 ($34.40 back)
urine tests $61 ($26 back)
blood tests $91 ($40 back)

Currently out of pocket about $1500 and i'm only at 25 weeks. Also as it is a new year start back at scratch for the Medicare safety net.

Still to go - lots of Ob follow ups at $75 to $100 each, some more tests and $250 for hospital contribution (plus some more out of pocket for anesthetist). So it's all adding up.


thanks for sharing your costs :) i'm just not sure how relevant it is anymore.... i like you am going private with ob and my costs are very similar (tho my 20 wk u/s was $280!). Because of the changes to medicare, where you got $2066 back for pmf, i will only get around $400, as this item no. has been capped as of 1st Jan 2010. lucky you to squeeze in before the changes!!

[Niclish]

Hi Guys,

I have done up an excel file of all my costs.

http://www.paulandnic.com/Finances.htm

I was a private patient (HCF), private hospital (Nepean Private) and had a private obstetrician (Dr Carmella Rizvi).

Hope this helps those interested.

[MumtoD]

Hi Guys,

I have done up an excel file of all my costs.

http://www.paulandnic.com/Finances.htm

I was a private patient (HCF), private hospital (Nepean Private) and had a private obstetrician (Dr Carmella Rizvi).

Hope this helps those interested.

So your OB charges no pregnancy management fee? Thats very unusual.

[Niclish]

So your OB charges no pregnancy management fee? Thats very unusual.

Tell me about it! I never enquired about the costs but expected there to be a ~$2k fee around the 20 week mark from advice from friends.

You will see at my 23 week appointment there was an increased charge - of a whopping $138.15! The receptionist was like "Oh, this week you have to pay the post 20 week fee" I thought oh yep, this will be it, the big amount all my friends told me about.. But nope!

You could imagine my suprise and huge smile when they told me this was the only increased payment I had to make! :D

I have done a post on my Obs here if anyone is in the area and is interested - http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=318339

[coleb]

Tell me about it! I never enquired about the costs but expected there to be a ~$2k fee around the 20 week mark from advice from friends.

You will see at my 23 week appointment there was an increased charge - of a whopping $138.15! The receptionist was like "Oh, this week you have to pay the post 20 week fee" I thought oh yep, this will be it, the big amount all my friends told me about.. But nope!

You could imagine my suprise and huge smile when they told me this was the only increased payment I had to make! :D

I have done a post on my Obs here if anyone is in the area and is interested - http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=318339


wow that sounds exactly what I am looking for - do you have her details for contact ? also where is she located ? What health fund are you in

[joenbby]

Hi guys,

Just a quick question. I saw that a lot of you get back quite a substantial amount for your 20 weeks management fees.

I will be charged $2500 for it but how come when I check with Medicare, they say that i'll only get $240+ back (without safety net) and $450+ (with safety net)? :no:

Thanks,
Jo

[katieinwa]

thats correct jo. new medicare safety net rules means there are caps to the amount of $$ you receive back on obstetric/ART services as of start of january this year. this has been known since the beginning of this current financial year :)

[garfield13]

Hi Jo,

yes as per previous post, there has been changes to medicare as on jan 2010 where they have now capped the rebate they pay, so most of these costs posted wre pre the changes.
I was out of pocket under about $1700 with my dd, we were hoping to be pg just in time to miss the changes but wasnt to be, so for our next one we will now be out of pocket about $3500

[joenbby]

Thanks guys...looks like i've missed the ship! Hub gonna be ****ed...:)

[garfield13]

one thing to lessen it a little is at tax time - it was this amount when we had dd, think its still the same, but maybe double check.

Once you are out of pocket anything over $1500, you can claim part of ( i think 20%) the amount over the $1500 back in tax.
So if you end up being out of pocket $2500, you will be able to claim 20% of $1000 back in tax - helps a little

[littlemisspaula]

We've done lots of research, asked lots of people, friends have had babies in both the public and private systems, but we are STILL confused!

We are working in Sydney on a 4-yr visa and my husband's company pay for basic healthcare cover with HBA for both of us. We are also covered for any 'necessary' healthcare with Medicare. We're very excited about starting a family (just started ttc) but we have no idea which route to take. To be honest we are leaning towards the private system- only because we would go this way if we were at home.

To go fully private in Australia we can choose to pay a top-up of $240 a month to HBA- which is what hub's HR secretary has told him in work. As far as I am aware this would cover us for all scans, tests, private obstetrician, in a private suite/hospital etc. From our research, I don't think we will be out of pocket for anything else if we went private (i.e. our only cost would be $240 pm).

Am I right in thinking this? Or is there a catch?!

Any other UK/Irish expats been through the private care system and wish to share their thoughts?? It would be really appreciated!!

[bakubaby]

little miss paula,
i am sorry to tell you you have been very badly misinformed. private health cover only covers you for IN HOSPITAL costs, if you use a obstetrician, there is a good chance you will pay for every scan and test, getting only a minimal amount back from medicare. Furthermore, your obstetrician will charge a pregnancy management fee, also not covered by private health cover, which can range from $0 to around $7,000 depending on the obstetrician. the maximum rebate you will get from medicare for this fee is $463.
you will probably find there is also a 'gap' that you need to pay if you require an anaesthetist and a pediatrician at the birth. there may also be a hospital excess to pay.
i am currently 34 weeks pregnant, seeing a private obstetrician and so far we are about $6,000 out of pocket, and expect this to reach about $7,000 (we have high level private health cover). yes it's alot of money, but it's our choice (and we would happily spend this on an overseas holiday, so for us, it was a no brainer).
the main thing private health cover pays for is your hospital stay in a private hospital, and gives you the freedom of choice of an obstetrician (and yes, we will claim back 20%of costs over $1,500 at tax time, every little bit helps!)
probably the best thing you could do now is research obstetricians, narrow down the ones you like, and find out what sort of fees they charge, and also obtain a list of recommended tests/scans they would want you to have and then get costs for these.
you should also ring HBA and find out if they have a list of 'no gap' obstetricians in your area.
it is very confusing, so i hope this helps.

[Izy]

bakubaby, you will find that littlemisspaula will be on a different system to us.

By the sounds of it her HBA cover is a visitors product, and the medicare access she has is as part of a reciprocal agreement. Medicare only pay for ESSENTIAL treatment for her. Things like antenatal appointments, scans etc will need to be claimed under ther HBA assuming that it's covered and not subject to waiting periods.

Quite often it is no different in price for delivery private to public when under visitors cover. The major variation is the Dr's, as visitors cannot access the medicare safetynet.

Truth be told littlemisspaula is that you will have to trust your healthfund on their advice as every product is different on what and how they pay visitors claims.

I'd highly recommend calling your fund and letting them know before you start that you will be taking down the consultants name, and details through the call. Ask that they ensure this conversation IS RECORDED so that if they get confused and tell you something is covered when it's not you can still have the fund pay.

Good Luck

[k3nnis]

Hi All,

I am new to this and need some advice.
I am with Medibank Private with the hospital cover etc.

I am planning to use st george private. So basically I guess I need a referral from a GP to see an obs?

I used a a pregnancy test and I am positive. I am guessing around 4 weeks pregnant? As I was suppose to get my period aronnd 3-4 days ago.

What are the first steps to take? See a GP and get a referral? Or will the GP do a blood test on me first to confirm and then I can choose an obs and they can refer me?

Or is it too early for me to do that?

What are the costs if I go down the private path approximately? i.e. scans,delivery etc. Assuming natural birth or maybe even c-sec. What percentage do we get back using medibank private if any? Sorry for so many questions!

Cheers!

[joenbby]

Hi All,

I am new to this and need some advice.
I am with Medibank Private with the hospital cover etc.

I am planning to use st george private. So basically I guess I need a referral from a GP to see an obs?

I used a a pregnancy test and I am positive. I am guessing around 4 weeks pregnant? As I was suppose to get my period aronnd 3-4 days ago.

What are the first steps to take? See a GP and get a referral? Or will the GP do a blood test on me first to confirm and then I can choose an obs and they can refer me?

Or is it too early for me to do that?

What are the costs if I go down the private path approximately? i.e. scans,delivery etc. Assuming natural birth or maybe even c-sec. What percentage do we get back using medibank private if any? Sorry for so many questions!

Cheers!
Hi K3nnis

Congrats and sorry for the late reply. You've probably sort things out by now but just in case you havent'. Yes you need to see a GP and get a referral. You need to do some research and find an obstetrician under medibank private and who operates at St George. Your GP will probably do a urine test to confirm ur pregnancy. Most obs don't see you until you are almost 12 weeks. You can opt to go for an ultrasound scan by your GP if you like. That's your own out of pocket cost.

I'm abt 28weeks now. So far, most of the costs such as scans and obs visit are subsidised by Medicare. E.g about half of what you pay can be claimed back from Medicare. Your private health insurance only covers your hospital bills so really it's just your accommodation and delivery fees. It doesn't matter if it's c-sec or natural, the hospital should bill directly to your health fund. The out-of pocket costs will be anesthetist, pediatricians or other specialists you may need during your pregnancy or delivery.

One important thing to do is make sure your family is registered under the Medicare Safety Net. Once you passed that which usually is ard $1100-1200 you get more rebates from Medicare on your scans and all other visits to GP and obs.

The scans you do are usually the 12weeks scan and 20 weeks scan. You can do bulk bill or go to places where they offer 4d scans (that costs about $290-310 for me). I did it at Qld Ultrasound for Women. Dr Rob Cincotta is really good, he's also a heart specialist and he picked up my baby's heart defect which some specialists may missed.

This is also my first time pregnancy so i'm not sure if i've provided the right info but so far that is what i've gone through. Hope it helps and good luck with the rest of your pregnancy.

[newby13]

Hi all,
i'm currently working on our 1st baby and have been doing some research into obstetricians in my area, as i'd prefer to go private with my 1st and i've been paying for PHI for a couple of years in readiness. I'm so angry and disappointed to find out recently that i'll be so much more OOP now than i would have been last year. I can understand why the medicare changes have been introduced, but it doesn't help us, who now have to foot almost the whole amount of the obs fees.
Does the government think that everyone who decides to go private just has thousands of $$ in their pocket to cover these expenses?? i for one do not. I paid my PHI fees and expected to be OOP about $2K when the time came, now it's looking more like $4-5K. something i just can't afford.

so it looks like it's public for me, i'm going to cancel the obstetrics services from my PHI to lower my fees. Surely there must be many women out there in the same situation as me, which is only going to put more strain on the public system. Doesn't make sense.....

very disappointed.....

[k3nnis]

Thanks Joenbby for the info!

With the medicare safety net, how do I register for it or is it already on our medicare? Also when you claim back about half of the scans and obs visits using medicare, does the obs just bill medicare or do we need to claim it back after?

By the way we have found an obs, and going to Hurstville Private hospital. Will be seeing my obs when I am 10 weeks. My GP mentioned that the obs will do a scan when I'm around week 11-12? I think it was to detect down syndrome? Sorry new at this. This is a common scan is it?

Many Thanks!


Hi K3nnis

Congrats and sorry for the late reply. You've probably sort things out by now but just in case you havent'. Yes you need to see a GP and get a referral. You need to do some research and find an obstetrician under medibank private and who operates at St George. Your GP will probably do a urine test to confirm ur pregnancy. Most obs don't see you until you are almost 12 weeks. You can opt to go for an ultrasound scan by your GP if you like. That's your own out of pocket cost.

I'm abt 28weeks now. So far, most of the costs such as scans and obs visit are subsidised by Medicare. E.g about half of what you pay can be claimed back from Medicare. Your private health insurance only covers your hospital bills so really it's just your accommodation and delivery fees. It doesn't matter if it's c-sec or natural, the hospital should bill directly to your health fund. The out-of pocket costs will be anesthetist, pediatricians or other specialists you may need during your pregnancy or delivery.

One important thing to do is make sure your family is registered under the Medicare Safety Net. Once you passed that which usually is ard $1100-1200 you get more rebates from Medicare on your scans and all other visits to GP and obs.

The scans you do are usually the 12weeks scan and 20 weeks scan. You can do bulk bill or go to places where they offer 4d scans (that costs about $290-310 for me). I did it at Qld Ultrasound for Women. Dr Rob Cincotta is really good, he's also a heart specialist and he picked up my baby's heart defect which some specialists may missed.

This is also my first time pregnancy so i'm not sure if i've provided the right info but so far that is what i've gone through. Hope it helps and good luck with the rest of your pregnancy.

[myrainbowfamily86]

my scans were all covered my medicare (except the nuchal fold one which cost us around $70 after medicare rebate) as we got them at a public x-ray/scan clinic in cairns.

We chose to have DS at private hosp (we have PHI) and we saw OBS from 14 weeks, each appointment was $60 but after medicare rebate we were only out of pocket approx $22. WE reached our threshold near end of pregnancy so we were only out of pocket $10 ish then. Our hospital stay left us out of pocket $580 (including co-payment, excess, and fee for DH staying with me at hosp) that was an all natural labour and baby was rooming with me. If bub needed to be admitted for severe jaundice etc it would have cost more.

[joenbby]

You just need to see Medicare and ensure you and ur DH are registered under the Safety Net. I believe u can get the information online Medicare website and possibly register for it online too. That's what i did. The next time you go Medicare and claim, just check over the counter how far are you from the threshold. Usually they'll send you a letter when you almost reach the threshold.

As for the claims, some obs do link to Medicare so all you do is pay upfront and Medicare will transfer the $$ back to you. I prefer to claim from Medicare myself as it might take days for those to get through electronically.

Your 1st scan with the obs ard 12 weeks is called the nuchal transluency scan. It's meant to check for your baby's growth so far and risks of down syndrome. It's not 100% accurate but if you have higher risks, they'll advise you to do another test which will confirm the results 100%. My risk was fairly low for the 12 weeks scan so i didn't do any invasive test. However at my 20th week anamoly scan, they detected a heart defect and suggested i do an amniocentesis to check on DS and other chromosome abnormalities. But don't worry so much, just go with the flow. Your ob will be able to advise you on what's the next step at every visit. The 2 main scans are at 12 and 20 weeeks. If there's complications, then you probably have to go for more scans.

If you are going for the 4d scan at 12 weeks, you'll be able to see your bubba not just black and white 2d but like the real thing. That was really exciting for us and my DH will not save that money to see our bub in 4d. It's entirely up to you.

Good luck and do ask around the forum or myself if you are in doubt. It helps to share especially when it's our first time around here.

[joenbby]

Newby13

I can so understand how u feel. My DH was so ****ed off when he realised we missed out of the thousand dollars medicare refund. My ob charged $2500 for management fees and we purposely waited till we reach the threshold to claim $400+ back, if not it'll be just a miserable $200+. That's really unfair, just because the govt thinks that the private obs are taking advantage but that has nothing to do with us. We already pay a big deal for PHI and yet still have to pay so much out-of-pocket.

Anyhow I'm sorry you have to change your plans but good luck with the rest of the pregnancy.

[k3nnis]

Thanks for the info once again joeybby. I will check with medicare!

[littlemisspaula]

little miss paula,
i am sorry to tell you you have been very badly misinformed. private health cover only covers you for IN HOSPITAL costs, if you use a obstetrician, there is a good chance you will pay for every scan and test, getting only a minimal amount back from medicare. Furthermore, your obstetrician will charge a pregnancy management fee, also not covered by private health cover, which can range from $0 to around $7,000 depending on the obstetrician. the maximum rebate you will get from medicare for this fee is $463.
you will probably find there is also a 'gap' that you need to pay if you require an anaesthetist and a pediatrician at the birth. there may also be a hospital excess to pay.
i am currently 34 weeks pregnant, seeing a private obstetrician and so far we are about $6,000 out of pocket, and expect this to reach about $7,000 (we have high level private health cover). yes it's alot of money, but it's our choice (and we would happily spend this on an overseas holiday, so for us, it was a no brainer).
the main thing private health cover pays for is your hospital stay in a private hospital, and gives you the freedom of choice of an obstetrician (and yes, we will claim back 20%of costs over $1,500 at tax time, every little bit helps!)
probably the best thing you could do now is research obstetricians, narrow down the ones you like, and find out what sort of fees they charge, and also obtain a list of recommended tests/scans they would want you to have and then get costs for these.
you should also ring HBA and find out if they have a list of 'no gap' obstetricians in your area.
it is very confusing, so i hope this helps.

Girls thank you so much for your help- I have spent so much time researching this issue and finally, after two weeks of waiting, I have written confirmation that our full HBA Visitors' Cover covers absolutely everything if we decide to go private. I am indeed on a different system to you ladies and it is such a relief to know that we won't be massively out of pocket - we can claim 90% of all our costs back from HBA. The Medicare Safety Net does not apply to us at all. So it's full steam ahead now on the TTC planning!!!!!!!!!! Yay!!! :yelclap:

[wozza]

I dont know if this is an easy question but

My friend is bringing his wife from overseas to give birth
she doesnt have any medical insurance and of course no medicare

She will be 7 months when she arrives so the question is, Can any one put a figure on what it will cost to have the child born in Australia through a public hospital?

[oleander]

I went private with my DD although I didnt have health insurance so I paid $155 for each Ob visit and got about half back from medicare. I had my ob deliver her in a public hospital which cost me about $300 per night in the hospital (private hospital would have been $900 per night) and the Obs delivery fee for a cesarean. All up about $4000 for hospital and delivery and maybe $800 for appointments and scans.

[oleander]

I dont know if this is an easy question but

My friend is bringing his wife from overseas to give birth
she doesnt have any medical insurance and of course no medicare

She will be 7 months when she arrives so the question is, Can any one put a figure on what it will cost to have the child born in Australia through a public hospital?

I know the overnight cost to stay in a public hospital is around $300, maybe more for other states. Not sure how much they would charge for the delivery. I would guess it wouldnt be more than about $3000.

[nikki83]

Hi,

Just thought i'd list my costs,

each app with my ob is $65 and we get about $30 back on medicare. My ob doesn't charge the pregnancy management fee and he is the only one in my area that doesn't. I rang around and most of them quoted me around $2500.

12 week scan $180- $90 back on medicare
i am almost over the safety net limit so i should get more back on my 20 week scan and the rest of my ob visits.

ob delivery fee out of pocket after PHI and medicare rebate will be $300 and i have a $400 excess.

I had my DD through the public system and all of the costs for the doctors app and the scans were the same. So this time around i am going to be paying $700 more than last time but for me its worth it, i had a terrible experience in the public hospital

Hope this helps :)

[kellyr]

I had my first baby at Peninsula Private and used Dr D'Mello as our ob - he was BRILLIANT!!!!! We absolutely LOVED him, but simply can't afford him second time around. Does anyone know of an ob that won't leave us $1000's out of pocket? I believe Jenny Pickering or Brian Fox could be the solution? Anyone know the fees associated with these obs? :baby:

[garfield13]

Id just give them a call. I looked into it about 6mths ago as ill only go to penninsula private. Brian foxes out of pockets were about $600 to deliver at penninsula, i think jenny pickerings were a bit more but under 1000. If u look on pp website at their obs list, i think their is a third gp that delivers there too.
We ended up deciding to go to back to our ob again even though it costs alot more now just incase anything comes up or even at the birth as the obs are alot more experienced with any complications. I know if brian fox has any issue he'll call in brett marshall

[nikki83]

Hi,

Im pregnant with no.2 due dec 27th and i am going to peninsula private seeing Brian Fox.
I think the out of pocket depends on who you have PHI with but i was told that with HBA i would out of pocket $300. Brian Fox is really lovely and my sister saw Jenny Picking for her DD and said she was also fantastic.

[kellyr]

Thank you both so much for the info! I'll be sooo happy to go back to PP - LOVED LOVED LOVED everything about it!!! Will be sad to not go back to Dr D'Mello as he was fabulous, but 1 out of 2 isn't bad ;0) Does anyone know why Brian Fox and Jenny Pickering are soooo much cheaper??? Are they GP's instead of OB's??? Not that it phases me, just curious! Thanks again. I will give them a call soon xx:bee:

[garfield13]

Yep, they are both gps who pay a large fee to penninsula private to be allowed to deliver there each year. I know brett marshall is brian foxes back up if he needs an ob not sure about jenny pickering but would be marshal, dmello or luiz as they are the only obs who work at pp

[amiee]

i am in perth and am going to sjog murdoch. i will give you the cost of this pregnancy as prices have gone up since i had ds last year and the medicare rebate has changed.

the medical safety net is about $1500 but as i am recieving ftb a i hit the medical safety net when i have spent $500 dollars on medical bills

first visit to gp to confirm i am pregnant $65 - think i received about $33 back

first visit to ob $460 - i think i got back roughly $150

planning and management fee which i paid at 20 weeks $1975 - i think i got back roughly $460 this is with the safety net.

any other visits to the ob is $110 (i will have about roughly about 7 or 8 of these as in the last month of pregnancy i will go weekly) and i am pretty sure its like $60 back this is once i have hit the safety net.

i have had two ultrasounds so far and they were $195 each. one was the nt scan and the other was a 32 week scan to see if my placenta has moved. i will require one more ultra sound in a couple of weeks, so that will probably be another $195 - i cant remember how much io got back for these.

i also pay for blood test they are normally between $70 and $130 i have had three lots so far but my dr bulked billed the last one so i have only had to pay for two. but i pretty much receive the whole amount back from medicare.

when i go to hospital i have to pay $500 excess fee to stay and we pay another $99 a night for dp to stay.

last time i had a vaginal birth with an epi and there were no out of pocket cost for me.

this time i am having a c section but the ob told me that i shouldnt have to pay any extra.

after i got home last time i received a nice big bill from ds peadatrician as he is wasnt classed as an in patient as he didnt go to the nursery. i think it was a couple of hundred for the first visit when he was born and then he also charged me everyday that he came in and seen ds which was like $100 for 3 days. but i got most of this back.

thats all i can remember for now but i am pretty sure i havent left anything out.

[gumts]

Hi All,

My very first post here. I'm 18 weeks pregnant and still have not decided whether to go public/private and seeking advice on the hospital of choice.

This is my first pregnancy and it was unplanned and I was completely surprised when I got know it as I had no clue that I could get pregnant so easily... after having some lengths chats with my DH we decided to keep the bub:yes:

DH is supporting me at the moment until I finish my uni course! so a bit tight on the $$$

Living in the eastern subs and currently visiting the RHW. We also planning to move to Inner West, probably SummerHill/Newtown area in the next 2 weeks or so depending on property availability...the rental market in the east is ridiculous.

I see that RPA is highly recommended here and I will be contacting them first thing tomorrow to check how busy they are etc. I'm guessing I wont be able to book anything until I've a valid address to live in that area.

So far, I've only had one appointment with the midwife on the 17th week, so I'm guessing there wont be any major issues with changing the hospital. Also taken 2 scans so far - all appears normal. Can't wait for the 3rd scan which suppose to reveal the sex.

Also, I didn't like the GP I visited. The hospital told me to use the midwife care instead of going through GP.

I'm on a Interim medicare setup at the moment, and will be looking into registering for the safety-net scheme, not sure if I need this if I decide to go public.

I'd like to also look into the costing involved in going as a private patient in a public setup as I would prefer to have my own toilet. Rough estimate would do. Also, will I benefit in taking up a private health if I opt to go as a private patient in a public setup?

I'm all into the idea of natural birth and would prefer this in the first instance but welcome any aid that can be given to ease the pain. ETA is 23rd Feb and Im hoping to resume uni work part-time by March, wish me luck!!

Sorry for such a long winded post and many q's... I guess I've to set time to do lot of reading up once Im done with all my assignments!! Any tips/advice is much appreciated.

TIA

[Izy]

private cover attractswaiting periods, so unless you dropped an equivelant cover from the uk, or whichever country you have comefrom, within two months, any private admission would be entirely self funded.
What you can do is talk to the hosp about if it's possible to pay a private room premium. Some hospitals do, some don't. But the thing i want to stress is that even as a private hospital you can never be gaurenteed a private room. It all comes down to availability and they can't kick someone out to fit a new private room patient if you know what i mean.

[vanessasoma]

I would reccommend going public if you want to avoid a c-section. The stats on private pts going to c-section aren't great, about 50% in private compared to about 15% public. Ask your midwife for the hospital stats of where you are looking at booking in. I went private and it went to c-section. I'm not sure if they would have pushed me for a natural birth in public, but statistically speaking, it's likely. That said, I was happy with the final result. Just letting you know that info though. If you REALLY want a natural birth, statistically, its a lot more probable if you go public.

[Izy]

but vanessa i went pvt in a facility with high cs rates, had a pretty borderline birth (apgar of 2 @birth-he HAD to come out and quick) but i still had a vb with no stitches. Statistics can show what you want them too. If it's a 'high risk' hub of course it'll have high cs rates. You're better of asking anecdotally (did i just make up a word?) to see if people got the birth of their choice.

Does that make sense or am i talking in riddles again? (stupid end of wrk day no brains)

[diana811]

Hey,

I'm having my second baby and decided to change obstetrician. Has anyone had or heard of Dr Ian Fulcher from Liverpool Private? Anyway, i found out from Medibank website that he is a preferred provider for Gap Cover. Does anyone understand how this gap cover works?

[notoverlymaternal]

My understanding of the Gap cover is minimal, but this is how I understand it.

Basically - hang on, let me get my paperwork, it says you will have no out of pocket expenses, or you will know how much exactly you will have to pay.

Sorry, that was no help.

I dont get it either. Beware that PHI wont cover your OBs costs at all, PHI only covers costs while you are admitted in hospital. So the GAP cover thing applies to your hospital stay only. I'm assuming my hospital stay won't cost anything because of this Gap thing.

[diana811]

Thanks for that. it can be so confusing. I hate that i pay top cover for PHI and it only covers what happens in the hosiptal. Mind you, last time i had a baby hospital costs came to $945 (which was covered by medicare and PHI) whereas prenatal costs came to $3200.... where was PHI then?! Can you use health insurance as a public patient but so that you get your own room?

[Izy]

you can in some cases. It's up to the hospital. Call the patient liason officer and let them know you want to be treated like if you were public by the medical staff, but if they can technically class you as private for the admission/room/tv newspaper side of things

[Janesmum123]

WOW this is really eye opening, some people are paying a lot to have a baby.

And I thought PHI covered everything.
Guess I was wrong, I had mine public so I didn't know.

A lot to think about.

[goldencrumble]

I am due for #1 in Feb 2010 and am going private in Melbourne.

My ob costs are below:

1st appointment: $100 (Item No 104: rebate $68.75)
All other appointments: $50 (Item No: 16500: rebate $37.90
Preg Management Fee: $2500 (Item No: 16590 rebate $260.40) I will get more than that back as that payment will make me reach the medicare safety net, although I believe its capped at around $400-500

Our hospital excess is $500 which will cover our stay in private hospital.

Just thought I would share a few of our costs.

[ames80]

Hi all,
I hope that this year will be my year and I will be fortunate enough to finally get pregnant (I have m.s so it's a complicated situation!)
I really want to understand these costs! I called up an ob I thought I liked and was told his first app fee is $250, scans $70 each, then each app $130. I would get some of this back from Medicare. The 20 week fee is $2900. The obs admin lady said I would get around $468 back from Medicare. I told all this to my insurance company being Manchester unity. They told me they cover 75% and Medicare cover 25% but why did she say Medicare would only cover $468? That's not $25% !!!!
tell me if this is right?...
468 x 4 = 1872 work of what the remaining 75% is = 75% of 1872 =1404
so Medicare will pay 468, private cover covers 1404 I pay the rest (468+1404-2900=1028)
so I pay 1028 plus the other app costs etc which I should get some of that back from Medicare.

What if I have a sec section how much do anesthetists charge and what do you get back.
Do you have to pay any more fees to the hospital to stay there?

I'm so overwhelmed trying to get it!
I would really love some help please!

[garfield13]

The think she is probably referring to labour /post birth / hospital costs

It may of changed, but last time I looked into it about 6mths ago, no private health fund cover any of the pre birth costs, only some small medicare rebates.
So for me, my obs 20wk & 32wk fees add up to around $3500 & Ill only get a few hundred back, the rest is out of pocket. This covers all appts, scans (with ob only(not nt or 20wk) and birth / hospital costs regardless of type of birth - except if an anthes is needed (& if it is a csect a paed must be present too, so there is a gap for that to pay) all you pay for the hospital (apart from aneth / paed if needed) is your excess, if you have one.
So when we finally fall pg, we will be out of pocket
$120-150 for 12wk scan
$120-150 for 20wk scan
aprx $2000 for 20wk ob fee
aprx $1500 for 32wk ob fee
$500 excess for hospital
extras could be:
anesth (out of pocket could be between $200-900)
Paed (put of pockets would vary in this too - we had one come twice while in with dd & we were out about $250)

[Izy]

Hi all,
I hope that this year will be my year and I will be fortunate enough to finally get pregnant (I have m.s so it's a complicated situation!)
I really want to understand these costs! I called up an ob I thought I liked and was told his first app fee is $250, scans $70 each, then each app $130. I would get some of this back from Medicare. The 20 week fee is $2900. The obs admin lady said I would get around $468 back from Medicare. I told all this to my insurance company being Manchester unity. They told me they cover 75% and Medicare cover 25% but why did she say Medicare would only cover $468? That's not $25% !!!!
tell me if this is right?...
468 x 4 = 1872 work of what the remaining 75% is = 75% of 1872 =1404
so Medicare will pay 468, private cover covers 1404 I pay the rest (468+1404-2900=1028)
so I pay 1028 plus the other app costs etc which I should get some of that back from Medicare.

What if I have a sec section how much do anesthetists charge and what do you get back.
Do you have to pay any more fees to the hospital to stay there?

I'm so overwhelmed trying to get it!
I would really love some help please!

It's 25% of the medicare schedule of fees for the item and 75% of the MSF.
Issue is that the dr's often charge more than the MSF.

Good news is that you may be entitled to claim some of the out of pocket through the medicare safety net.

[ames80]

Thanks girls . Garfield did u get any back from ur private health fund


The think she is probably referring to labour /post birth / hospital costs

It may of changed, but last time I looked into it about 6mths ago, no private health fund cover any of the pre birth costs, only some small medicare rebates.
So for me, my obs 20wk & 32wk fees add up to around $3500 & Ill only get a few hundred back, the rest is out of pocket. This covers all appts, scans (with ob only(not nt or 20wk) and birth / hospital costs regardless of type of birth - except if an anthes is needed (& if it is a csect a paed must be present too, so there is a gap for that to pay) all you pay for the hospital (apart from aneth / paed if needed) is your excess, if you have one.
So when we finally fall pg, we will be out of pocket
$120-150 for 12wk scan
$120-150 for 20wk scan
aprx $2000 for 20wk ob fee
aprx $1500 for 32wk ob fee
$500 excess for hospital
extras could be:
anesth (out of pocket could be between $200-900)
Paed (put of pockets would vary in this too - we had one come twice while in with dd & we were out about $250)

[samar81]

Hello ladies. I only have medicare cover and have booked in with a public hospital. I just wanted to know whether (under medicare and public system) do you have to pay for delivery costs,etc ??

[garfield13]

Hello ladies. I only have medicare cover and have booked in with a public hospital. I just wanted to know whether (under medicare and public system) do you have to pay for delivery costs,etc ??

Nope - nothing, call free:)

[garfield13]

Thanks girls . Garfield did u get any back from ur private health fund
sorry for the late reply, i didnt get a message email

Nope, well about $20 for the second paed visit

insurance covers the birth & post birth cospital stay costs

[MayBaby2012]

Hi everyone,

We are pregnant for the first time and had our very first visit to the OB today.We were given a schedule of fees below, and though we have NIB Family Plus cover, we are confused and worried about how much it will cost us out-of-pocket? Can anyone help us? We'd be grateful for any advice or reassurance as we are a little worried about the final out of pocket expense to expect...

We hope the below will help if someone could explain it to us?


Item / Billed Amount / Rebate / Out of Pocket Cost

First Visit / billed $200.00 / $70.00 Medicare rebate / $130.00 out of pocket
Ultrasound / billed $100.00 / $29.75 Medicare rebate / $70.35 out of pocket

Gap payable by 34 weeks / bill of $4500.00 (!!!)
which was broken down into:

a) Antenatal care component / bill of $3000.00 / $470.00 'Medicare Safety Net' / does this mean we pay $2530.00 out of pocket?!!

b) Delivery/Confinement component/ bill of $1500.00 / been told of $200-$400 Health Fund rebate here / $1100.00 out of pocket?

Normal/Caesar Confinement / bill of $435.40 / $400? Part Medicare OR
Complicated Confinement / bill of $1115.45 / $400? Part Medicare rebate

Antenatal visits / bill of $38.55 / $38.55 Medicare rebate / $0 out of pocket
Postnatal visits / bill of $100.00 / $35.15 Medicare rebate / $64.85 out of pocket

Thank you for any light you could shine on this. Does this seem reasonable?

The 'gap payable' ($4,500) seems awfully expensive and we are not sure how much our private NIB family plan will cover of this! Will our NIB cover any of this?

Has the OB included in this schedule the hospital charges in this amount, that would eventually be covered by our NIB plan? We hope so!

Sorry for the long email. We would really appreciate anyone's advise on this!

With every thanks, first time parents (Castle Hill, NSW)

[garfield13]

Yes that all sounds right - your health fund wont cover any of those big bills though. Health insurance covers the birth / post birth but not pre birth costs. All up we are going to be out of pocket $4500 (my ob is a bit cheaper than yours) then another $500 excess. The health fund covers all the hospital charges except if an anthestic or paed are needed and then there is gaps for them

[nib Health]

Hello,

You may find the below link helpful, it is nib's Cost of Having a baby guide, which takes you through each week of your pregnancy and an overview of what costs you may incure:
http://www.nib.com.au/home/Pages/The_costs_of_having_a_baby.aspx

Hope you find this helpful and good luck with your pregnancy :)

[SunshineMelody]

I went public since DD was a surprise and private health has the 12 month waiting period. Didn't cost me a cent. I plan to go public with my next bubba too

[MayBaby2012]

Many thanks for your advice!

[skydreamer]

I posted a new thread in a different section of the forum and realise now I should have posted here. I will summarise my question here in the hope someone can help me.

I'm so confused about possible costs. My last two babies I was a private patient in a public hospital. My doctor cost me $3,000 and I got some back from medicare (not much) and nothing from my health fund. I had the other bills as well ultrasounds, blood tests etc along the way.

After being in hospital I didn't get any additional bills so it was only about $4,500 - $5,000 I was out of pocket.

I have just found out yesterday that my health insurance changed about 18 months ago and now it doesn't include obstetrics at all. So I don't know what that means for me. My baby is due in about 2 weeks and I want to have my doctor attend the delivery. But will I be out of pocket for all sorts of things now? I don't know what to do or who to ask about this. Do I have to pay theatre fees and the like if I enter the hospital as a private patient without insurance cover?

It's my own fault as they did tell me at the time that my health cover was changing but I hadn't planned on having any more children so I didn't worry about upgradng the cover. Then when I got pregnant I just went through the same process as I had with the other two pregnancies without giving it a second thought. Can anyone tell me what happens in this situation?

[Izy]

I replied in your other thread but didn't know it was a public hospital.

You may be responsible for labour ward/accomodation depending on how you are invoiced.

I suggest you call and speak with the patient liason officer

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