My own OB??? So confused!

[bornentertainer84]

Hi! I would appreciate any advice :)

I am not currently pregnant but need to consider changing my health cover obviously because of the waiting period so I need some info!

So basically I want to have a public hospital birth but I like the idea of being able to see the same doctor (I don't care who, just the same one) throughout the pregnancy. Is this possible through the public system? I have been in touch with my health fund who want to charge me in excess of $150 a month for the option of seeing the same OB, however they pay NIL benefits towards any of the pre-birth visits! So basically I have to pay for the OB myself and get the Medicare rebate back. Obviously I am thinking "why on earth am I paying my health fund then?"

The lady explained that the benefit is that they pay towards having the OB at the birth and for the anaesthetist (which I thought was covered by Medicare anyway in the public system?)

Can anyone explain this? It seems really odd!

[cindye]

I've gone private with both my pregnancies because of the continuity of care and the private hospital facilities. I believe you can get continuity of care in the public system if you are in a midwife-led care program, but unless you are high risk, I don't believe you would see the same Obstetrician for all your ante-natal appointments in the public system.

The out-of-pocket costs when going private can be astronomical, since not only do you have to pay for all your ante-natal appointment, but also the OB management fee, and then you can have out of pocket expenses for ultrasounds and blood test, and your private health cover excess. You can also have out of pocket expenses for anaesthetist and paediatrician.

Having said that, for me, personally, the cost is worth it.

Private health insurance covers the costs you incur while in hospital. It's the same, regardless of whether you're going into hospital to have a baby, or have a knee reconstruction - there are no rebates for any expenses you incur prior to being admitted to hospital.

Any medical expenses over $1500 can be claimed on your tax return and you get a 20% rebate. So if you are out of pocket $4500, you can claim back $600 (20% of $3000) as a rebate.

I would find out about the different models of care available in your local hospitals and take it from there. You might find that there is a great program that would suit you perfectly.

Anyway, I hope that helped you!

[bellalika]

My private ob cost + 2 ultrasounds cost me $480 after rebates and Medicare. I then had the $500 hospital admission.

A friend of mine had a private ob at a public hospital. It was $50 per appointment (I think) before rebates. He did all her pre-natal care and her post natal checkup. He wasn't at the birth but she was happy to have whatever ob was on duty at the time. The same person following her and her baby's progress throughout the pregnancy was a priority to her. At our local hospital you make an appointment to see a member of the midwifery team, not the same carer at each appointment.

(NB we both used the same ob and both loved him and have recommended him to others)

[trishalishous]

My private ob cost + 2 ultrasounds cost me $480 after rebates and Medicare. I then had the $500 hospital admission.

A friend of mine had a private ob at a public hospital. It was $50 per appointment (I think) before rebates. He did all her pre-natal care and her post natal checkup. He wasn't at the birth but she was happy to have whatever ob was on duty at the time. The same person following her and her baby's progress throughout the pregnancy was a priority to her. At our local hospital you make an appointment to see a member of the midwifery team, not the same carer at each appointment.

(NB we both used the same ob and both loved him and have recommended him to others)

I did the same, but was lucky enough that my ob was on duty for DD.

[One of THOSE mums!]

I'm going through the public system. I see the one midwife and one ob the whole time.
The ob will be at the birth (unfortunately a planned cs) but I may not get the midwife if she isn't on duty. (although she has told me she works in the theatre that day! :) )

My Df will be there if course, but I have a student midwife who I found on bh who will be there for me. So I guess I get the same medical treatment as a private patient, just don't get a private room.
Check out the different programs that hospitals in your area provide. Also have a look into shared care. And I HIGHLY recommend a student or private midwife. They will advocate for you 100% and will know you.

[A mothers love]

I went public at rpa and to the midwives clinic. Non of the mw I saw (3 all up) were on but the ob dr was the one I had seen throughout so that was nice.

[MotherToB]

Hi,

I am first time mum to be and looking for a good OB that deliveries in St John of God Subi and who also can do Bulk Billing?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.
:)