Cost of private radiotherapy

I am having my radiation at a private facility but Medicare actually pays for it, not my health fund. The total cost is around $16000 and I will be out of pocket $3000 - Medicare pays the rest. The radiation clinic should go through a fee schedule with you and work out a payment plan. I was told that I would never be denied treatment if I was unable to pay - I don’t know how that would work and fortunately I am able to afford the cost. Talk to the clinic as well as your health fund because I don’t think you’ll need the fund. 

Morning. I hope you get the info you need to make decisions. I was private, and went public for radiotherapy, but it was very close and convenient. Sorry I can't help with private costs.  Tough if there's travel involved. The convenience was a real help. All the best. 

It varies from place to place but does cost thousands.  I believe that clinics are open to negotiation on price.  Don't disregard public hospitals though.  As far as I have been able to tell from what others have posted, there is no difference in treatment even down to how appointments are structured.  I went public at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and my treatment was first class.

I don't have any private health insurance, and went public for surgery and chemo, but the Radiation Oncologist arranged for me to go to a private Radiation clinic closer to home, and at no cost to me.  This may also be an option for you and perhaps worth asking.  I didn't even ask as never considered it would an option.  

Hi @Louise64. I had private surgery with fairly large gap fees but had public rads at no cost. Whereabouts are you?  City/town?  Members may have tips for you.  Do you know when your rads will be?  Is your school ‘back’ from lockdown?  I was able to stay at Port Macquarie Rotary Lodge for 4 weeks at very low cost.  Most states also have a rebate scheme to refund petrol costs too if you are rural or live away from medical services. 
Take care, hope it works out well for you xx

I’m in Brisbane on Northside. Our schools stayed open for essential workers supposedly- very busy time. I noted some ladies do private surgery then radiotherapy public. I have 30 sessions. Surgery not until 7th July as wanted Northside hospital ( I hate driving and public transport a worry at the moment). I’ll have to get quote and decide. I’m supply teacher so have to have day off -  ant just have hour off and exhausted my sick leave. Oh well.. it is what it is. 

I went private and was out of pocket $2000. My local public hospital was in the middle of a major renovation so a bit chaotic. Private suited me. It was convenient, easy parking and only a few others ever there at any time. Some days I was in and out of the carpark in less than 30 mins. Good luck with your decision 😊

Rads is usually Mon-Fri with weekends off ... can you organise it thru the next holidays As you have no sick leave? 

I understand that you wanted to go to the closer radiation clinic near your home.  I did that also, and it was private but I was not out of pocket at all.  I posted a comment a bit earlier for you.  Hoping your public hospital can arrange that for you also.  Take care, and best wishes for a good outcome for you with no out of pocket expenses also.

Hi - I started radiotherapy 2 weeks ago with 3 more weeks to go.

At Genesis Care, St Vincent's clinic, Sydney. Total cost is around $28K of which Medicare pays 80%. I really like and trust my radiotherapy oncologist and this is where she works. Also the entire team there are excellent.I have to travel a long distance and value that I can specify the appointment time.

In Covid times I also like to be in the private clinic.

Wishing you all the best,