Forum Discussion
Just been diagnosed
how do we decide what to do.Is going public really going to be longer than going private.Read some info that out of pocket could be up to $12000 ,worried that I won’t be able to afford that amount.
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.
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
take care xx