Forum Discussion
Public vs private cost info
Hi everyone :) I was diagnosed with breast cancer on Dec 7 and had a lumpectomy through a private hospital on the 15th. It all happened very fast and I am new to Australia so was trying to get my head...
Hi @mellymell
I am in a large regional area and had a mastectomy in the public system. I haven’t needed radio or chemotherapy but am booked on the waiting list for DIEP reconstruction in the public system.
I am in a large regional area and had a mastectomy in the public system. I haven’t needed radio or chemotherapy but am booked on the waiting list for DIEP reconstruction in the public system.
I have been most happy with my treatment through the public system. My surgery was done well within the recommended time frame. My surgeon was the one of my choice, even though I don’t have private insurance. My GP asked me who I’d like to be referred to. (I had some knowledge of the local surgeons through my previous work).
My Oncolologist is one who takes on most of the breast cancer patients in our area and is well regarded. I was seen quickly and given great care and advice.
My Oncolologist is one who takes on most of the breast cancer patients in our area and is well regarded. I was seen quickly and given great care and advice.
My case was looked at in a multidisciplinary meeting so I feel I have had the best medical oversight, all in the public system.
I will have a wait for reconstruction but that doesn’t really bother me.
I have had very few out of pocket expenses.
I will have a wait for reconstruction but that doesn’t really bother me.
I have had very few out of pocket expenses.
I don’t have a comparison with the private system to give you but I don’t believe I would have received better care. I will probably just have a longer wait for reconstruction.
I hope this helps a little. All the best
I hope this helps a little. All the best