Elective C-Sect and Public System

[achander]

Hi,
Has anyone had elective C-sect in the public system? I'm having second thoughts about going private...:( Just worried about costs...

Please share your experience... Thank you!

[miloand4]

Hi I had a cs with my fourth bub 5 months ago I went public. I had to have a cs as I now have a metal hip after a car accident so there was no getting around it and I was petrified (better the devil you know i think ) but there was no need I had a wonderfull experiance. I choose to have a spinal tap rather than an epidural. The medical team were great. and the whole thing went so well I cuddled bubs while the stictched me up was beautifull. My sister came in as well. Then the after care (something I was stressed about was sharing a room with three other people) But I got a private room for the whole 5 days I stayed .It must have been a slow time. The staff were all great I got great help and advice with breast feeding and they left me alone when I asked. I was up and about that day and have had no problems at all with healing Good luck to you and I hope you have such a positive birthing experiance:D

[SophOlivia]

Hi there,

I recently had an elective Caesar in a public hospital (had a previous emerg caesar and this time gestational diabetes so it wasn't really a choice I had) but it was a great experience. Didn't cost me anything and I can't tell you how brilliant and caring the staff and midwives were. Also, the prenatal support and OB advice on a 2nd caesar was excellent too.

Good luck with the journey,

Soph

[JATS]

Mine was elective (medically necessary) through the public system and it was fantastic! :D

[ceaser3]

hi,well i had 2 of mine in the public system the 1st was an emergency c/s and the 2nd was an elective it was great i had the best care and the nurses were so friendly and caring,i had my 3rd in a privat hospital because we had cover and it was also an elective c/s too and the nurses were so rude and didnt seem to help much yes the room was nice but it was the after care i was more interested in there wasnt any maybe because it was my third ,i dont know but still 3rd,4th,5th it shouldnt matter you still want a bit of care and attention,So i say yay public take care and hope all goes well


BEC:o

[cho]

Does anyone know actual costs of having an elective in a public hospital??

[achander]

Thanx Ladies...
I had two previous C-sects (the first was emergency, and the second was an elective). This will be my first in Australia.

I guess I'm worried about the stitching after the op. I was told that the doctors use staples (and that might leave scars). My previous obstetrician did a fabulous job, and there is little indication I had C-sections before.

I actually have an appointment scheduled with an obstetrician in abt a weeks' time. But I'm just really worried about costs now, what with the management fee and all. I do have private health insurance, but there will still be out-of pocket expenses as opposed to going through the public system, I suppose?

I'm wondering if it'll be too late if I change my mind after meeting with the obstetrician next week?

[Cordelia]

Does anyone know actual costs of having an elective in a public hospital??

NOTHING! ZILCH! NADA!!

To answer your question achander, I got private health insurance so I could get a elective caeser in the private system. (it's necessary) It depends on the reason for one in the public system - it has to be necessary. Obstetricians seem to be keen for caesers if you are.

the management fee was $1350 (our biggest expensive by far) and we got back $1100 as we were over the safety net!!! So we were saving up and freakign out but really we're not that out of pocket. So if you have privaaet health insurance, I would go private. And don't forget some obstetricians charge a lot more than others - so do your research.

PS regarding stitching - my obstetrician said he does about 50/50. But as far as I know most obstetricians do NOT use staples... but again - do you research!!