Consultation fees

Mr Patten’s consultation fees are as follows.

• Initial consultation (standard): $280.00

• Initial consultation (second opinion or complex condition): $350.00

• Review consultation: $165.00

Payment is required on the day of your appointment. With a valid referral from your doctor, these fees attract a Medicare rebate, which we can process electronically on your behalf at the time of payment.

If you are an existing patient and have not seen Mr Patten for two years or more, your next appointment will be charged as an initial consultation. This allows sufficient time for a comprehensive reassessment.

The higher fee for second opinions and complex conditions reflects the additional time required to review detailed medical history, documentation, and imaging.

The cost of surgery

If surgery is recommended, you will be provided with a detailed written estimate of costs prior to your procedure. This will outline all anticipated fees associated with your hospital admission and surgery, which may include the following.

• Mr Patten’s fee – This will include the relevant Medicare item number(s) for your procedure.

• Anaesthetist’s fee – Quoted separately by your anaesthetist. This varies depending on the duration and complexity of the procedure and your insurance status.

• Surgical assistant’s fee – Typically up to 20% of Mr Patten’s surgical fee.

• Hospital fees (bed, theatre and equipment) – These are usually covered by private health insurance. However, you should confirm your level of cover with your health fund. An excess payment may apply on admission.

• Additional services – Including pathology, radiology, and pharmacy costs, which may incur out-of-pocket expenses depending on your insurance cover.

Understanding surgery fees

Surgical procedures are assigned Medicare item numbers under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). Medicare provides a rebate for each item, and private health funds typically contribute an additional 25% of the schedule fee.

As Mr Patten’s fees exceed these rebates, there will be an out-of-pocket cost (gap).

A full written estimate—including item numbers and expected costs—will be provided to you before proceeding with surgery.

Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) patients

If your condition is covered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), there will be no out-of-pocket costs for consultations or surgery with Mr Patten.

WorkCover and TAC patients

Consultations

Consultation fees are payable at the time of attendance. A portion of this fee can be claimed back from the insurer by the patient.

Mr Patten’s consultation fees exceed WorkCover and TAC reimbursement rates, which means there is an out-of-pocket cost.

For current WorkCover and TAC reimbursement rates, please contact our rooms.

Surgery

For surgery, approval will be sought from WorkCover and TAC. Once approved, Mr Patten will bill WorkCover and TAC directly for his surgical fee, with no out-of-pocket cost for the procedure to the patient.

Uninsured patients

If you do not have private health insurance and wish to proceed with surgery in the private system, we will provide comprehensive quotes covering all expected costs.

Mr Patten does not operate in the public hospital system. If you would prefer surgery in a public hospital, your GP can refer you to an orthopaedic outpatient clinic at your nearest public hospital.

If you have any questions regarding fees or costs, please contact our rooms on 03 9516 2390.