ultrasounds

[forshelby]

Since when do standard pregnancy related scans cost $140?! After the medicare rebate it's still $90.

I don't qualify for a health care card, is there any other way? This sure was less expensive last time around, lol. Can anyone shed some light?

[Ca Plane Pour Moi]

Ouch! Do you need a scan? Can you just have a 20w scan, or none at all?

Or can you shop around with sonographers?

[forshelby]

It's a dating scan. I could probably go without it..... but having had no bloods, and very mild symptoms I'd really like to see a hb. I could go without the 12wk scan too I suppose, but the morph scan is kinda important given DS's talipes. I'd like to know beforehand if I'm having another clubfoot baby so I can be prepared for the treatments. Of course this time I know what it's all about, but I'd like to keep the physio well informed so we can get treatment over and done with early on. Apparently the risk is higher if you've already had one? I'm not sure on that one though.

I just like looking inside my uterus..... lol!

I don't know about shopping around. My GP bulk bills and only goes through a certain company for ultrasounds. Last time the scans were free..... I'm wondering what's changed.

[TeniBear]

Woah. I think I only ever paid for one in both pregnancies That's insane.

[LionsandBears]

I've always paid for scans and they are usually about $250 before the rebate.

could you get a couple of blood tests if you're worried? An early scan doesn't necessarily mean much, except to see if there's a HB. I've had a 6 week scan with a HB that still ended in mc, so I don't put much store in them.

[AliBaby]

Mine was $150 this time as well. The morph scan is even more expensive at $185!

[nothing2lose]

I would say it's due to changes in Medicare caps for pregnancy ultrasounds.

[Olive]

Sounds normal to me too, I paid around that much

[Kazzo]

I have only ever paid for 1 scan in all 5 pregnancies and that was my choice to go to a private place for a scan. Not sure if it is different here in NSW. Can you ask your GP to do a open referral so you can find your own place to do a scan. Or ring around, some places take referrals that are not for them. Also one referral I got was from the midwives clinic at the hospital and it could be used anywhere.
Just some options that may or may not work for you.

[HotI]

I got the 20 week scan done at a tertiary facility with a more experienced sonographer (at no cost) due to my history of talipes (and other things).

There is usually costs on the earlier scans though, unless there is a medical need for them.

[Eenee]

the place I go you pay for the first one then the subsequent ones are free. Although havent had one for awhile no obviously so could have well changed in that time

[Amy_jellybean]

That sounds about normal to me. My 12w scan was $180 and my 18w scan was $240!!!!

[Reet]

Does it make a difference if you say you have no idea what date you are due and when your last period was?! I dont think I paid for any scans except for my 20 week one.. I was a scan-aholic!! I loved them!! Even if you do end up having to spend the money definitely get them, they're great for piece of mind!! xx

[nothing2lose]

The other thing to remember is they aren't free. Whatever you don't pay, Medicare does.

[jellybean88]

I rang every scan place and found one that fully bulk bills it's a UNi one mayby try a UNi or learning place.

[ladybirdflies]

My Dr said only one scan per pregnancy had full bulk billing?

However, we have two radiology places where we are that both bulk bill all the time.

[MLR1901]

Check around for other ultra sound places in your area. My very first one was where the Dr's surgery had 'links' to and I had to pay. Every other scan so far has been bulk billed as I found another place (much better service too) and my GP now uses them.
That's for dating scans. I will still be paying for 12 week scan, around $160 rebate gives back $70ish.
It does pay to look around.

[feeb]

I know near me no where bulk bills scans. Even when I had a blighted ovum 6 years ago I paid for scan.
Morph scans are more expensive again.
Most hospitals eve charge unless admitted.