Last night I went for my first "specialist referred" consult with the IVF specialist in town. My partner came with me because he's nice like that. It all went well and we left feeling positive and hopeful- a nice change from the last couple of weeks. We paid as we were leaving like good little no-private-health-insurance people, trying to pretend we weren't surprised at it costing more than they'd quoted us when we booked the appt. When we got home I realised the extra cost in the fees was due to my partner also being charged an $80 consult fee, on top of my $169 consult fee...which strikes me as being on the Goddamn ridiculous side of unfair. It cost me $80 to have my partner in the room?
I spoke to a friend who suggested that if he'd asked a question it would have counted as a consult. So now now my feelings of happy have turned to feelings of distrust and suspicion. Will I really need the treatment he recommends for me? Are there going to be other surprise fees? Are we going to be charged if my partner drops me off for surgery? Or is it expected that he will sit with me and not ask questions? If he writes a note and passes it to me and I ask, is that counted as a consult too?
My real question to you all is, is this normal? Am I just to accept this is the way it is and move on, cheque book in hand, or am I better going to Melb for further treatment? Are all IVF specialists like this?