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Research a specialist
You need to feel confident about the specialist you see before your hospital stay.
When you do your research and become more informed, you’ll be ready to get the most out of each visit to your specialist.
How to find the right specialist
There are many things you can do to find the right specialist, including;
- Ask your GP why they’ve medically recommended this particular specialist
- Find a specialist who is a Emergency Services Health Access Gap Cover Doctor
- Use online review tools or chat with family and friends
- If you have a preferred specialist, ask about;
- Appointment availability
- Waiting lists
- Consultation fees and bulk billing
- Which hospitals they practice at
- Any other fees
Second opinions
Getting a second opinion can provide valuable insights and give you more confidence in your treatment plan.
It allows you to confirm a diagnosis, explore alternative treatment options, or simply get a clearer explanation from a different perspective.
Sometimes, a second specialist can offer a fresh approach or have expertise in a specific area relevant to your condition.
This can be especially helpful for complex health issues or when considering major procedures like surgery.
Remember, this might incur additional costs that may not be covered by either Medicare or your private health insurance.
Get an itemised quote
Before your procedure it’s important you’re aware of any out-of-pocket costs you may have to pay.
Knowing how much your treatment will cost, and agreeing to it, is called informed financial consent.
A quote for your specialist fees will tell you exactly what your out-of-pocket expenses will be.
It also tells Emergency Services Health which Medicare Benefit Schedule items are being billed as part of your procedure, helping us confirm if you’re covered.
Important questions to ask
Once you have your itemsed quote, there are still questions you can ask such as;
- What will be covered by Medicare and/or Emergency Services Health?
- Whether they're covered by Emergency Services Health's Access Gap Cover if not, how much you're likely to have to pay
- Who else will be involved in your treatment (for example, the anaesthetist)?
- What are their fees and will you be covered by Emergency Services Health?
- Are there any surgically implanted devices or prosthesis used in your treatment and if so are they covered by Medicare and/or Emergency Services Health?
This all should be provided in your quote, and please note that most specialists, including the anaesthetist may request payment to be made prior to your surgery.
You need to understand and consent to these charges before your procedure can go ahead.