No one likes out-of-pocket medical expenses – particularly when they’re unexpected. The good news is there are some simple money-saving steps you can take to manage and minimise these hip-pocket costs.
1. Ask about fees before your first doctor’s visit
Most of us squirm at the prospect of talking about money, especially to a healthcare provider. But it’s important to have a clear understanding of expected fees in advance of your procedure. It also helps to have the conversation about your specialist’s fees before your first appointment. If left until afterwards, most people find it too late to canvass other options.
2. Get your procedure’s item number
All medical procedures, either in or out of hospital, have what’s known as a Medicare item number. When you ring your specialist’s rooms in advance of your first visit, make sure to ask them for your procedure’s item number. You’ll need this when you contact other providers to compare fees.
Once you have the item number for your procedure (plus a list of anything else you’ll need, like x-rays or blood tests), you’ll be able to look up the Medicare rebate. You can then subtract the rebate figure from the specialist’s fee to work out the gap you’ll need to pay for their service.
3. Compare costs with other providers
If your GP has referred you to one specialist, ask for the names of two other specialists so you can contact their rooms and compare fees. It should only take a few minutes on the phone to confirm the cost of your forthcoming procedure with each provider, including any additional admin charges. Compare their fees for an idea of any significant variations in out-of-pocket expenses before booking your first consultation with your specialist.
4. Call your health fund to check what will be covered under your policy
Before you consent to any medical procedure, it’s always a good idea to speak to your health fund first to understand what you’ll be covered for. If you go to hospital as a public patient, your costs will be covered by Medicare. But if you’re admitted to hospital as a private patient – which means more freedom to choose where you go and who you see, often with a reduced waiting time – then you’ll be responsible for any gap between what the doctor charges and what’s covered by Medicare. Your health fund may contribute towards this cost, depending on your level of cover. It’s important to understand the difference between medical vs hospital costs.
You’ll also be responsible for your hospital costs as a private patient including accommodation, theatre fees, pathology and radiology, pharmaceuticals, and dressings and bandages. You may be reimbursed for some or all of these by your health fund, depending on your level of cover.
5. Contact Medicare to see what costs will be reimbursed
A proportion of your costs will also be covered by Medicare, irrespective if you are a public or private patient. If you are a private patient, your expenses are likely to be reimbursed by both your health fund and Medicare. You can check potential rebates directly with Medicare. This is easy if you have the MBS item number. You can contact Medicare by visiting a service centre.
6. Call the hospital to get an idea of additional or incidental costs
Incidental costs tend to slip the mind of many patients, but they can also add up over the course of a hospital stay. It’s a good idea to phone the hospital before your admission to ask about any additional incidental costs not covered by your private health insurance – such as parking, meals and accommodation for your partner, room upgrades, WIFI and pay television.
7. Keep good records
Finally,keep track of your notes in a file or diary, because paperwork can accumulate when you’re going into hospital or having a medical procedure. You’re likely to collect a raft of paperwork in the weeks before a hospital stay – so keep it organised. This should include the quotes, item numbers and details gathered during your research stage.
It’s important to plan for the costs associated with your medical procedure, so you can focus on your recovery and not be concerned about unexpected charges.
