Out of pocket expenses for Mastectomy

Public, never paid a cent

Hi there love I had one done publically so no cost and the other one done intermediately as a prophylaxis as a private patient in the public system and this might be an option for you too depending on your surgeon. It wasn’t that expensive at all I just had to pay the bed fee upfront $350 and then received a bill for the surgeon around 6 weeks later and I only had to pay the gap as the Medicare cheque part was already done. The anaesthetist bulk billed me too so was only out of pocket around $1000 from memory. Hope this helps. Margie. 

Of course, I should add that this comes at a hidden cost of over $5000 per year for our family.

I was lucky with a sympathetic surgeon who did both partial and mastectomy ops.  I can't remember all up what the consultations cost (I was in so much shock that I let my husband handle it) but I think the gap was under $100.  No gap for the anaesthetists and I think there was $150 excess for the hospital.  I should also say that we were about to cancel our health cover (not now, of course) as we had just applied for a health concession card.  It does help to talk to your doctor about your financial situation.

@desinha

Your specialists will give you paperwork so that you are aware prior of out of pocket expenses after medicare and private health insurance (if applicable).

You will be encouraged to check with your private health insurance prior to make sure you are aware of co-payment costs.

It is a little bit like how long is a piece of string. It varies as to who you see. I had an anaethetist tell me, oh btw I don't do pensioners to which I responded well luckily for me I'm not one. That was for a minor procedure. Mastectomy was different,  kind caring team and minimal cost to me outside of rebates. 

Good luck with it all

I had a gap of $2000 for the surgeon alone. 
X

Hi @desinha everyone is different but my experience through private healthcare was - lumpectomy $250 excess and $200 surgeon gap. Partial mastectomy no excess as I had already paid it this year, $300 surgeon gap and $300 anaesthetist gap. Full simple mastectomy with auxiliary lymph node removal no excess $500 surgeon gap and I am yet to receive a bill from the anaesthetist yet. Hope this helps. Good luck with everything.