Welcome to the forum, @Kcteds .... You've come to the right place for great advice .... the $12000 price, I assume is including reconstruction?
Great that you don't need chemo or radiation - less hoops to jump thru!
When you see your surgeon - ask him if he works in the public system & if so, what is the wait? Generally speaking, if it is a matter of weeks, it would be worth waiting for it if it means it is no cost to you in the public system. If it is a matter of months ..... you may like to reconsider going public, as a long wait can 'do your head in'.
IF you go private - the surgeon SHOULD give you a quote - and advise how much you will get back from both medicare & your health fund. I went private for my Breast Conserving/Lumpectomy Surgery (which involved a small amount of reconstruction) and was out of pocket about $3000. My surgeon worked out of a hospital that wasn't 'in' my healthcare 'umbrella' - so was charged another $500. There was $450 'excess' ...... so that basically took the gap up to $4000.
Just make sure you ask for a written quote.
Do you have anyone to go to the meeting with you? An extra set of ears can be invaluable!
All the best for your meeting with the surgeon - I hope you are happy with the outcome.
@Afraser has given some wonderful advice about reconstruction options! Most of my buddies haven't bothered with the reconstruction ..... but - that is an individual choice that only you can make.
take care xx