Moving from private to public for follow up care?

Hi all
I was diagnosed with Stage 1 ILC (E+ P+ HER -) in August 2024 after a diagnostic lumpectomy. I completed active treatment in October last year - second lumpectomy and sentinnel node biopsy and radiation.

I did all my treatment privately at the time as I was unaware I could have private surgery then public rads/oncology which was a costly mistake.

I’m unhappy with my surgeon and will be seeking someone new for ongoing follow ups and am wondering if this is the time to switch to the public system? I’ve been advised out of pocket costs will be about $1500 between required consults and 3D mammogram with contrast and ultrasound if I stay in the private system which feels like a lot when treatment last year pretty much wiped out our savings.

I’ll still stay with my private oncologist who I really trust.

Keen to hear any experiences or thoughts.

Thanks in advance.