Decision to go public or private for mastectomy

@Skinnylatte I've never heard of anyone having a registrar do surgery. I didn't like my surgeon, but she was a highly qualified surgeon (I've asked to change for changeover implant and that's been approved). The registrars do introductory clinic consultations, then the surgeon comes into the room. In public, every possible scan and test is scheduled, all free. Followups with physio etc. and periodic checks.

All the best.

Hi @Skinnylatte I went private for my surgery , a day patient for a lumpectomy,  as at the time it was very important to me to have my surgeon of choice.  From then on I went public for chemo and radiation. Looking back I was very happy with my decisions . 
Best wishes with your decision. Xxxxx

Can you ask your preferred surgeon if he would do you public for you?  It may entail a 3-4 week delay in operation - but if you have faith in your surgeon - it would be well worth the wait, if it doesn't cripple you financially.  Usually all costs are covered with Public.  My private health insurance let me down big time as well   :(    Made me wonder why I am paying it, to be honest!

However, if the gap isn't 'too bad' ....  go with what you are happy with.   

I had gaps all over the place (even $500 in my surgery pathology that really surprised me!) & they ended up costing a bit, ($6000) cos I wanted it all done 'then & there' and i went private with the surgery!!    I DID go public with radiation tho & it cost me nothing.  My continued Oncology cost is also on the public purse.

All the best for your decision tomorrow  xxx

I have to make the decision tomorrow whether to go public or private for surgery (mastectomy). I would really like you have the surgeon I have been seeing,  rather than a registrar, but otherwise would happily go public.  Even just the treats so far to diagnose I am out of pocket close to$1k, as MRI wad not covered at all.  So disappointed in my health insurance. Surgeon gave me a quote, gap is doable,  but cannot tell me about all the other expenses,  tests, etc!