Firstly I'd like to ask for no "lectures" on how serious a C Section is, I know all the pro's & con's for a C Section & for a Vaginal birth. All I ask is for some opinions on the question below.
Thanks.
What is the difference between going public or private when it comes to a C Section? What have your experiences been?
I have had 3 C-sects. The first was Public, second was Private in a Public Hospital, and the third was completely Private.
I was not really happy with the first - as I felt that I was told what I was going to do, and not given an option.
The other two were much better, not problem-free - but I felt that my wishes were a little more important. The other thing that was important to me, was I chose my OB and anaethestist.
In the private C-sects, I had DH stay with me as much and as long as he wanted (or I wanted). In the public, there were clear visiting hours, and he was forced to go!
I have had both but the benefit I feel with private over public, if you know you are definitiely having a c-section, is that you have the privacy of your own room for your recovery and have more of an opportunity to stay as long as you feel is necessary for your recovery. I was lucky enough to be able to have this in public though as well cause it was in a country town with small hospital. I have heard of numerous people being kicked out of public hospital after 3 days with a c-section and physically not being in the best position for going home. I have heard of the odd provate hospital trying to get you out after 4 days but most I have spoken with have generally indicated that you can stay as long as necessary.
My OB was a 'No Gap' Specialist - so we had no out of pocket expenses with him.
My Anaethestist was the BEST in the NT, and we paid accordingly. I think we were about $700 out of pocket with him.
There were no other theatre expenses.
Our level of Hospital cover has Co-payment, $50/night to a maximum of $250.
We were thrilled with the success of our private C-sect (especially for the hip-pocket).
If you can be a Private patient in a Public hospital, it is cheaper still.
My best advice is to do your research, and make lots of phone calls.
i just paid my GP bills for private in a public hospital cause that was shared care with a GP.
Private in a private was around $1600 out of pocket from memory (sydney but chepaish OB at the time) - and this was all OB bills - the actual hospital stay cost me nothing (we have top cover with no excess and chose hospital taking into consideration that it was on the health funds "priority" list).
They have since introduced anotheer medicare number for OBs so this time the price has gone up - again the hospital stay should cost nothing and all the fees will be in OBs and paedeatricians (which you have for a c/section in private) Can't think of the toal off the top of my head but am guessing it will be closer to $3000 this time ( I can get out the sheet and work it out if you want to know) - again this is in regional town not in Sydney where it would be much dearer. Most OBs will outline their fees up front (even before you make the first appointment) so you could get an idea of this by ringing round if this was a "stumbling" block
BellyBelly Member
C Section... Private or Public?
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