Private Hospital Advice

[whatwasithinking]

Deciding whether to go Private.

Which private hospital does people recomend and why.

How much will we be out of pocket approx.

Anyone care to refer an OB from Northside (pref either in City,Belconnen or Gungahlin areas).

Please can someone help me.
TIA.

[lovingmotheract]

Dr John Hehir
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
Suite 11
6253 5588
6253 0316

you have to book now a i called up and he was on hoiladay i go and see him on the 9thfeb good luck he is the best ob good luck

[Roxy]

Stay away from the Hehir!!! Not known for his warm and fuzzy bedside manner....

I'd recommend Dr Jakob Dreher - he works out of the Calvary Clinic and attends Calvary Private. He delivered DD, and was amazing!! For a man who had never given birth, he was wonderfully supportive, gentle and non-invasive.

My Ob was Dr Andrew Foote, and I thought he was fantastic as well - although not everyone has the same thing to say about him. He works in the same offices as Dr Dreher.

I'm not sure what thier out of pocket costs are now, but if you ring and speak to one of the beautiful receptionists there, they will help you out (I loved the receptionists - they actually remember your name!)

[lovingmotheract]

i don't know what your talking about Dr John Hehir is very nice and helpful to

[pixietrix]

I'll be going to John James Memorial in Deakin. It all seems lovely so far but I'll update my reply after I have given birth to let you know how it went (only just over 2 weeks to go now).
My OB is on the southside so no help to you there sorry but I can give you an idea of our out of pocket costs.
I pay $80 per visit for my OB (it was $120 for the 1st visit because it includes his ultrasound item number). He does an ultrasound every visit but only charged for the 1st one.
The OB overall fee was $2150 which covers the delivery. When included with the visits this means you hit the medicare safety net pretty damn quick and get back 80% of all you pay for that calender year, so its much less pricey than it sounds. Your hospital visit costs will depend on your private health insurance levels. I have a $200 excess so that is what I will pay for hospital regardless of how long I stay (so I intend to make the most of it). Average stay at John James is around 5 days VB and 6-7 days CS.
There will be extra charges for the paediatrician (sp?) and anethetist if they are needed and they will bill separately.
While every OB and hospital will differ a bit- it seems that these costs are about average for a private birth in Canberra.
Good luck with it all :)

[Roxy]

i don't know what your talking about Dr John Hehir is very nice and helpful to

I have had too many friends who have been patients of his that have told me to steer clear, because of his cool as a cucumber and rude bedside manner. He also botched a gynae procedure on another friend of mine.

If you are happy with him, that's great....but from the things that I have heard frist hand, I can't recommend him.

[Rhys'Mum]

I'd be guessing that there is very little difference between JJ and Calvary now as the Little Church of Mary (or whatever they are called) own them both.

FYI One out of pocket that staggered me was the anaesthatists (sp?) fee. I knew if I needed an epidural or a c-section I'd end up paying but I was pretty stunned at how much and of course you have no control over who so you can't shop around on price. Can't remember what it was (clearly blocked it out) so maybe check with your OB but its worth budgeting in.

I do actually understand both comments about Dr Hehir, I guess it really comes down to you and what makes you comfortable. He is quite reserved, pretty direct to the point and not overly communicative. I felt very secure in his medical knowledge and I have heard him very highly spoken of. He was on leave when I gave birth to the little man, and things didn't go so well. I actually saw the very human side of Dr Hehir when I discussed it with him at my checkup, so I can see how he can work really well for some people.

That said, the fill in OB I had, Dr Robson, was my kind of person. He made me feel really relaxed, special, excited and when things started going pear shaped I felt he was really the only one in my corner. But then I'm a pretty loud, gregarious and like to take the mickey and that doesn't work for everyone...

[Lil Mamma]

I havent been to her, but there is a female obstetrician in belconnen medical centre called dr. houda who bulk bills

[draught]

I would also recommend Dr Hehir - he was wonderful at the birth of DD1. And I definitely rate Calvary as a great hospital. Dr Hehir has a great reputation amongst the nursing staff at Calvary as the one they would want to take care of them if anything went wrong - and that was my reason for seeing him in the first place. I liked that he was no-nonsense and sensible.