I don't think the Medicare Safety Net applies to obstetrics anymore... but I could be wrong...
For me I ended up having to have an emergency CS and I did get a bill from the anaethsist (sp?), from memory it was about $400 - $500 and that was after medicare and PHI.
The first OB I saw was very expensive, I was going to be out of pocket about $6,000 for his fees alone (and that was with the Safety Net). I spoke to a few people and rang around to find someone else who could fit me in, then got another referral from my doctor for a different OB (who I ended up loving) and we ended only being out of pocket about $3,500 (with the safety net) for his fees, then there were scans, blood tests and the PHI gap, so all up were out about $5,000. His offices were in Clayton and weren't nearly as fancy as the first one whose offices were at the Freemasons, but I found him much more personable, very passionate about childbirth and very supportive and encouraging of my wish to have a natural birth. Happy to PM you his details if you're interested. I guess what I'm saying is OB's pricing is very different, but I think like any business a lot of it has to do with where they're located and the costs they have of having their offices, rather than just their experience iykwim?
yep i would agree w what Miss E said re the diff obs, go with someone who you gel with and who has good references... (assuming you have chosen someone you are comf with). the fees do vary a lot and some of them are kind of 'trendy'... but may not be the person you want... (or may be and thats why they are popular).
i wasnt sure if the medicare safety net thing changed (it was all changing aruond when DS2 was born)
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks