It sounds like there needs to be some sort of industry code of practice with respect to charges and refunds. I understand your frustration and it is annoying when you pay for a service that you don't recieve, particularly for circumstances beyond your control!
YES YES YES!!! great idea chez! BW i haven't been in your situation per se, but have been frustrated with clinics on several occasions for the way they charge, change their charges and the like. unexpected and unjustified increases, changes etc seem to be becoming the norm and we just expected to cop it - mostly because the Medicare Safety Net is expected to catch some of the extras but not always. i have rung the Dept of Health, Ombudsmen offices, Aust Competition and Consumer Commission with no luck. It seems the clinics decide for themselves on charges with little thought of the impact on us or even just plain old fashioned courtesy of consultation.

I hear where you are coming from BW it makes my blood boil sometimes.

*dusty gets down off her soapbox*

i hope you get a better outcome hun.
xx