My OB's management fee is $2600. This is broken down into 2 parts - $1600 at 20 weeks and the other $800 at 30 weeks. The $1600 portion i will get 80% back from Medicare as i have reached the threshold, the $800 portion i dont get anything back on this component.

I had my first ultrasound which was also my CVS at 12 weeks and my OB did not want to do anything earlier. He seemed to be happy with my dates based on my last period and unless i was anxious to have an ultrasound he did not see the need for it. If i had prior issues ie miscarriage etc or bleeding then im sure he would not have hesitated in ordering an ultrasound.

My CVS was done in a private ultrasound clinic and was expensive, all up about $900 for the procedure and lab work, i got about $500 of that back from Medicare.

My 18 week scan was also done at a private clinic and it cost $180 of which i got $80 back from Medicare.

Also blood tests/lab work i have not been bulk billed and have been entitled to the scheduled medicare rebate for these.

Not sure what i will be up for as far as hospital costs, but i have private health insurance which should cover most of my stay

So yes, going via an OB and via private ultrasound clinics is not a cheap excercise. For me, it gave me the peace of mind i needed and am happy to pay these costs. Every persons circunstances are different and only you and your partner can make this decsion.