DIEP on left and implant on right

Hi Julia,

I have found Dr Pennington very approachable. He is in Macquarie St Sydney. He does all sorts of plastic surgery, not just breast but has the reputation of being the best. I saw him for the first time in February and the next DIEP appointment time he had available was July (he is away for a month of leave and then I am away). He operates at Strathfield Private and Macquarie Uni hospital where I am going. 

I saw him last Friday and had a very disjointed appointment (due to lunch breaks, a scan I had scheduled next door, him being slightly late). These delays contributed to me feeling unsettled and rushed which was disappointing. He is good to speak to though. He understands and is happy to answer all my questions although it did get to the point where he had to tell me to trust him as he is the doctor and not me! (I do ask a lot of detailed questions!). 

Now to costs. We pay him, his assistant and the anesthetist. We pay all out of pocket costs before the surgery (as the deposit) and then by the time we reach the surgery, everything else is covered by medicare or Private health. For me the breakdowns are: Dr Pennington DIEP on L $5707, insertion of expander on R $3239; Assistant surgeon $1618, Anesthetist $4232. So thats a total of $14796. I will also have costs associated with the mastectomy on the R. 

I hope this gives you an idea. Let me know if you have any other questions,

Heather