If you've spoken to your General Practitioner (GP) about a health concern, they'll assess your condition and refer you to a specialist for further treatment if necessary. In most cases you'll have an initial consultation with the specialist. During this time you can ask your specialist some questions to make sure you feel comfortable with the proposed treatment plan. It will also give you an opportunity to know what costs you can expect from your procedure.
Ways to reduce your out of pocket expenses
You can discuss with your specialist ways to reduce your out of pocket expenses, such as:
participating in nib's MediGap to eliminate your out of pocket costs relating to their fees
using treatments and/or a prosthesis that is covered by Medicare and your health insurance
reconsidering the quoted fee or, if necessary, arrangements for a payment plan
Useful questions to ask your specialist
Before the procedure
Do I really need the procedure and are there any alternative treatments to surgery?
What’s your experience in treating this type of condition?
What happens if I don’t do anything?
Can this procedure be done as day surgery?
What are the risks and potential complications if I have the procedure?
What must I do in the lead up to my admission to hospital?
Costs
Do you participate in any of nib’s gap programs such as MediGap or Clinical Partners?
Will any other healthcare professionals (e.g. anaesthetist, assistant surgeon) be involved in my procedure? What are their costs?
Do you work with GapSure Anaesthetists?
After the procedure
What side-effects should I expect after my procedure?
What should I do if things don’t seem right after I’m discharged?
What medication do I need to take and for how long?
Health management programs
Do I have the option of being discharged early with nib’s Rehabilitation in the Home program?
What health management programs are available to me for post hospital support?
Don’t forget, you can seek treatment from a different specialist with lower fees, or one who participates in our MediGap scheme to ensure you won’t have any out of pocket costs - your GP may have some suggestions, but we may be able to provide you with more options. Your GP referral can be transferred to any specialist you choose, as long as they’re in the same speciality field.
