Ultrasound and medicare-need advice please

[Nimra]

Hello to everyone on this forum.

I am new to medicare.I am not a permanent resident yet but has applied already for residency and recently got medicare card.
I am eight weeks pregnant.for some reasons my doctors asked for pregnancy viability ultrasound.Its really ripping off expensive costing me 200$ and medicare rebate is just 51$.
Is there any way I can get ultra sound from Public hospital? I am already booked for 12th week ultra sound which is again costing me 210$.
Your advices are very welcome.
Thanks
Nim

[Rommy'sMummy]

If you are going through a public hospital to have your baby (booked there) you will have all your scans done there and they are then free - in SA anyway but I know it is different in different States.

If you are going private with your own OB you will pay a fair bit (around $2000ish) for their fees, plus tests and ultrasounds. This will get added up towards your "Medicare Safety Net". Call Medicare or ask your Dr's receptionist about it. Basically you need to pay a certain amount (around $1000 from memory) and then costs above this are refunded at around 70%. It is calculated on the calendar year though so might not work out well for you - you could ask about paying some of the Dr fees early if you are going private to make sure they are in this calendar year. For us it has meant that we payed $250 per scan for the first four and then the next ones were only around $35, also got quite a few hundred back on OB's fees.

SO it depends on if you are going public or private and what state you live in. Ask Medicare and your Dr for help with sorting it out.

[julie_ann_jules]

Just wondering what state you are in??? In victoria you can have scan's done in your local public hospital which is free. We also have some ultrasound places that are free, eg. gribbles. If u are in victoria you can use your referal at any ultrasound place, u do not have to go to the one on the referal. So maybe try calling a few ultrasound places and getting costs at them. Or you could go and see your GP and explain your situation. Your GP should be able to organise a scan for you free.
Good luck

[Nimra]

Hello to Rommy'sMummy and julie_ann_jules

Thanks for your very precious advice. I just saw my doctor she gave me new referral of Balaclava Radiology .they are bulk billed for first ultrasound (pregnancy viability).
later they charge 150 each for rest of the appointments .

julie_ann_jules,
I am in Vic and my doc referred me Sandringham hospital. I am thinking to give them a call and book my self as a public patient might be this way I don't have to worry for future ultrasounds charges.

Rommy'sMummy,
It seems wonderful SA has more nice system then VIC. In Victoria not all hosptals ultrasounds freely.

Well guys wish me good luck. tomorrow I am going for my ultrasound to check my bub is doing well.Iam little concern because of past history and today my HCG level was little bit decreased then the previous test


Thanks
Nim

[joey123]

You should be able to ring around and get a cheaper scan than that. Mine was $100 with $50 back.