- St Andrew's War Memorial Hospital - Spring Hill
- St Vincent's Private Hospital Northside - Chermside
- North Lakes Consulting Suites - North Lakes
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FAQs
- Your Medicare card
- Your private health insurance details
- A referral letter from your GP or specialist (unless already sent)
- A copy of any scans (e.g. x-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, etc)
- An up-to-date list of your medications
We aim to provide high quality medical care without compromise. The costs associated with provision of such care are substantial. Fees are charged based on the true cost of a given surgical procedure. The fee is fair and reasonable, based on the complexity of the surgical procedure and the expertise required.
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) provides a list of recommended fees for all operations. In most instances Dr Harris charges less than the AMA fee. There is however usually a gap. This is due to both Medicare and the health funds placing a lower value on the actual cost of the surgical procedure.
The rebates offered by Medicare and health funds have not kept pace with general inflation (CPI) over the years. As such the difference between the true cost of your surgery and what is rebated is constantly increasing.
The medical fee rebate system in Australia is complex. The Federal Government and Medicare run the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). The MBS determines a specific fee for a particular service or procedure. This is coded with an item number.
The fee we charge is usually less than the AMA recommended fee. There is however a gap (co-payment) which arises because Medicare and the health fund pay less than the true cost of the procedure. Medicare will pay 75% of the MBS fee. Your health fund will pay 25% of the MBS fee. The remaining discrepancy is what forms the 'gap' and the patient is personally responsible for this payment.
For example, say the cost of an operation is $1200. The Medicare (MBS) fee may be only $800.
- Medicare will pay 75% of the MBS fee, i.e. $600.
- The health fund pays 25% of the MBS fee, i.e. $200.
So $800 is paid for by both Medicare and the health fund.
The gap is the remaining difference $1200 - $800 = $400.
You will be advised of both the cost of the procedure and the calculated expected rebate you will get from Medicare and your health fund prior to surgery.