Fees & Billing

No prescribed regulatory fee structure is advocated in Australia for consultations. The fees set out in this section are based on competitive market-related fees, as seen in similar practices. Surgical fees are based on the Australian Medical Association fee structure as the suggested minimum wage for the expertise provided. Dr. Schoeman is not unreasonable with his fee structure and does have a sympathetic ear.

Initial Consultation

$220 Partly refundable from Medicare

Review Consultation

$150* Partly refundable from Medicare

*Pensioner discounts apply to holders of a Pensioner Concession Card.

Post-Operative Review

Free of charge within the 6-8 week limit after the procedure. Subsequent visits will be charged as a review consultation.

Period of Absence

If you have been discharged from the practice to be reviewed by your GP for continued care, or if you have not been seen for over 12 months in the practice, you will be charged an initial consultation fee at your next appointment. Check with the rooms when making your appointment.

Surgeries

All procedures are charged according to the Australian Medical Association prescribed minimum rates. This does involve an out-of-pocket expense for both the privately funded and uninsured patients. Check with the rooms prior to your procedure what the expense would be if you have not already received a quote on the day of booking your procedure.

Please note that you will be invoiced full fees for your surgery and it is your responsibility to apply to Medicare and your health fund for any rebate due to you thereafter.

Your final bill from different sources will possibly consist of:

• Urologist ( Dr. J Schoeman) fees as quoted.
• Anaesthetist: It is your responsibility to consult your named anaethetist to obtain a quote.
• Surgical Assistant: Usually charges AMA rates, but a quote should be requested prior to the procedure. Robotic procedures have a fixed $1000 assistant fee for the assistant as he /she is an extremely vital part to a successful outcome
• Pathologist: Aquesta Uro-pathologists are used. Whilst a request is usually made for fund rates, the final decision lies with Aquesta and there could be an out-of-pocket expense.
• Hospital: Most of the hospitals are covered by your fund: check with your fund whether the whole procedure is covered as set out by your Health Plan.
• Robotic Fees: Check that your health fund pays this as many funds don’t. The fee varies between hospitals and includes the disposable of the robot.
• Prosthetics should be included in the hospital fee: check with hospital administration.
• Physiotherapy may incur a separate bill.

Official letters or insurance reports will be charged according to AMA guidelines.

Payment Methods

• Electronic payment: Banking details are provided on your invoice.
• EFTPOS
• Cash or Cheque.

Failure to pay in a timely manner will lead to legal action of which the legal and administrative fees will be your liability.