Is private hospital worth the money? Anyone with Latrobe or Medibank?

[LuluHB]

My OB is Simon Turner. I have personal reasons for not wanting Dr Gubbay but have heard he is a good OB. Haven't heard of Dr Bruce.

I think you will find some OBs charge more than others. There is one I can think of that I won't name that charges waaaay more than other WA OBs and I'm sure that no matter what your health insurance, you end up with a gap to pay. Their fees are their personal choice and nothing to do with the hospital, so I would suggest you ask for fee details and gap details when you make enquiries for appointments.

Also, don't leave it too long before making your appointment - even if you have an initial appt with two or even three to decide who you like best. The better ones seem to get booked up very early.

[Queenluxury]

My OB is Simon Turner. I have personal reasons for not wanting Dr Gubbay but have heard he is a good OB. Haven't heard of Dr Bruce.

I think you will find some OBs charge more than others. There is one I can think of that I won't name that charges waaaay more than other WA OBs and I'm sure that no matter what your health insurance, you end up with a gap to pay. Their fees are their personal choice and nothing to do with the hospital, so I would suggest you ask for fee details and gap details when you make enquiries for appointments.

Also, don't leave it too long before making your appointment - even if you have an initial appt with two or even three to decide who you like best. The better ones seem to get booked up very early.

Thanks for that.
I was thinking to change my insurance from Medibank to Latrobe due to waiting period. I'm scared If my baby born premature 2 weeks i wont be cover and ended up pay lots of bills due.
Do you know If I can change to go public at the last minute If thats happen??

[LuluHB]

I'm pretty sure if you just front up in labour at KEMH then you'll be fine. Good thing about public hospitals is they have to take you, no matter what.

[Queenluxury]

I'm pretty sure if you just front up in labour at KEMH then you'll be fine. Good thing about public hospitals is they have to take you, no matter what.

Thank you LuluHB xoxo

[Cass72]

I went to SJOG Murdoch - didn't have to pay any extra (we are with Navy Health). My OB was Dr Molloy - loved him - but also saw Dr Mincham a couple of times (also great). Dr Molloy is one of those that charges a little more.

[Cranky Kitten]

Be aware though, while you won't normally pay anything depending on your PHI and which Dr for in hospital services, you do pay for both appts (check-ups with the Ob and u/sounds) and the majority of obs have a planning and management fee which is usually somewhere around $1500-2500 out of pocket. You get about $500 of this back from Medicare.

Some public hospitals like to send you home relatively early but arrange home-visits from a midwife for you, others will allow you to stay a bit longer. I had DD at Bentley and pretty well begged to go home on day 3 while they would've preferred I stay longer as I was outside the home visit catchment area - and this was a relatively uncomplicated delivery.

[Queenluxury]

Be aware though, while you won't normally pay anything depending on your PHI and which Dr for in hospital services, you do pay for both appts (check-ups with the Ob and u/sounds) and the majority of obs have a planning and management fee which is usually somewhere around $1500-2500 out of pocket. You get about $500 of this back from Medicare.

Some public hospitals like to send you home relatively early but arrange home-visits from a midwife for you, others will allow you to stay a bit longer. I had DD at Bentley and pretty well begged to go home on day 3 while they would've preferred I stay longer as I was outside the home visit catchment area - and this was a relatively uncomplicated delivery.

Dear Cranky Kitten,

I live around the corner from Bentley hospital. Do you got private room?
If I have to go public I prefer to go king edward but My friend told methey wouldn't accept anyone with low risk.

[Cranky Kitten]

When I had DD I was in a shared room that could accomodate 4 but had it all to myself - is really just the luck of the draw. Unless it's been renovated in the last nearly 10 years though, the rooms and facilities are quite old and I probably wouldn't recommend it if you like your creature comforts. The staff and everyone were lovely though.

Having a Baby in WA has a lot of info on both public and private hospital options, you will generally find it's difficult to guarantee a private room in a public hospital unless you're being treated as a private patient and even that could be hit and miss. But then, same goes for private hospitals if they're having an extremely busy period - it's just the chances are higher and they make every effort to get you one.

FWIW, I'm booked in at SJOG Murdoch with Dr Mincham for this one - so far he's been completely awesome.

[Bengal]

We have been paying top hospital cover for years in preparation of a delivery

You wouldnt believe it - I am actually not going private now ! When we did the sums and spoke to a friend this is what we come up with - mind you, this is all financially related, not hospital related. It is true, public patients can be sent home in 48 hours after a vaginal delivery

Excess to Health Fund $500
OB fee $4500 - I get around $500 back from Medicare
DH meals - if he stays and eats with me $80 per day !

If I need a ceaser .....

Cesarean - anaethetic fee $1200
Fee for a weekend cesarean by anaesthetist (unknown, but it is charged )
Peadiatrian Fee to see baby $ ??
Private Ultrasounds

If you can offord it, it would be great, however I just could not justify all that money, when I know a reputable hospital will look after me, I figure Im smart enough to take an active role in making sure I am getting properly looked after