Gap for 3D mammograms and ultrasounds

BrendaZ

I live on the Gold Coast and was diagnosed with breast cancer 2016,  following surgery and radiotherapy all ok (I think) for follow up now with mammograms and ultrasounds for 5 years (I think), I have dense breasts so 3D mammograms or MRI preferably are best. My surgeon refers me to Womens Imaging SCR, Southport and it is $220 out of pocket, I have found the same thing (3D) at Gold Coast Private Hospital, Queensland X-ray no gap at all for pension or HCC. The costs certainly build up with a breast cancer diagnosis.  MRI $500 no rebate, what is this?? why no rebate. People shown to have dense breasts should have MRI rebated. My daughter aged 40 was recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer in the form of Paget's disease of the nipple, she had a normal mammogram, normal ultrasound to investigate flaking of the nipple 9 months later punch biopsy showed Paget's. Paget's disease of the breast almost always has an underlying tumour somewhere in the breast which she had and was only picked up on an MRI, both her cancer and my cancer (which are apparently unrelated) showed up on MRI but because we don't fit the Medicare criteria for a rebate we were $500 each out of pocket. Check out the criteria for rebatable MRI on the Medicare website, strange to say the least.  Anyway good news is I found a no gap 3D mammogram and ultrasound. After watching the ABC last night I thought I would share this good news!!!

nonkyboy

I’m glad you have found somewhere that will bulk bill you @BrendaZ . The out of pocket expenses really do add up. I find that even though I’m on a disability pension I am out of pocket for so many things, mainly specialists. They all charge $90 and upwards. Some in the mid to high $200’s and Medicare only rebates $38. I am so thankful that my sister covers all Drs bills for me as no way I could afford to pay them and eat or pay other bills as well. 

jewel-ee

@BrendaZ - could you share the no gap ultrasound provider on the Gold Coast? Sick of paying $100+ gap for ultrasounds - needed to have several extra
thanks Jules 

arpie

I've been out of pocket for a heap of things since my January diagnosis - including $500 not covered for some reason with my surgery pathology!  $1000 was covered but not the remaining $500.  I had gaps with Ultrasound & Core Biopsy & all sorts of other things (including surgeon) so currently up to about $6000 &  mounting (and still haven't received the anaesthetist's bill yet either (6 months later!)  

Absolutely - we should have a separate post for NO GAP PROVIDERS in each state, for EVERYTHING, I reckon!!

What do you reckon, @Giovanna_BCNA?   

Giovanna_BCNA

Hello @arpie
Great idea, I noticed that you have started a thread which could be really useful for other members of our online community.

arpie

Many Thanks, @Giovanna_BCNA - maybe eventually it could be 'stickied'?

  ...... It may help others not get a bill shock, tho I must admit that I WAS advised of the surgeon's gap fee on my first appointment (and didn't like the idea of waiting a month to go 'public' particularly as I was diagnosed on Jan 5 & any 'public surgeons' may have had a 'waiting list' already) ..... but in hindsight - I could have made smarter decisions - tho I am in awe of my surgeon's work (as is everyone else who's seen my results.)

Here is the link to the 'Gap Free Health Providers' ...... add YOUR info if you'd like to help others in their quest .....

http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/comment/137401#Comment_137401

jewel-ee

thanks @BrendaZ - I googled gold coast radiologists that bulk billed and found several. Very happy to be finally to have 1 ultrasound bulk billed!
Jules

steplightly

thanks @BrendaZ I have pm'd you.