A message from your anaesthetist:

Dr Hugh Bartram, MBBS BSc FANZCA

Anaesthetic fees are related to the particular surgical procedure and are determined by a number of factors including :

• the pre-anaesthetic consultation
• the surgical procedure
• the age and physical condition of the patient
• special monitoring or pain relief procedures if required
• the total anaesthetic time.

These factors are used to calculate the number of anaesthetic units and hence the anaesthetic fee.

I am a member of the Australian Society of Anaesthetists, I follow its fee guidelines and I do not charge the government recommended schedule fee (Medicare + Health fund).

There is therefore a gap or out of pocket expense incurred, it being the difference between my fee and the combined Medicare/Health fund rebate (insured patients) or my fee and the Medicare rebate (uninsured patients).

Because procedure time and therefore total anaesthetic times may vary, it is possible only to give an estimate of anaesthetic fees (and gap) in advance.

Should you wish to obtain an estimate of the total anaesthetic fee (and gap) prior to the time of surgery, please contact the Central Anaesthetic Group during office hours (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday) on telephone 9416 1584.

Dr John Harrison, MBBS FANZCA

Anaesthetic fees are related to the particular procedure and are determined by a number of factors including :

• the nature and complexity of the surgery
• the time taken to complete the procedure
• the health, age and condition of the patient
• special monitoring or pain relief procedures if required

These factors are used to calculate the number of units assigned to the anaesthetic and so the fee.

The rebate is paid according to the total number of units.  The current government schedule rebate is $17.50 per unit.  This is well below the maximum unit value suggested by the Australian Society of Anaesthetists.  The society calculates and adjusts its unit value according to the Consumer Price Index, medical indemnity insurance and other expenses required to run an anaesthetic practice.

The gap between the anaesthetic fee and the combined Medicare/fund rebate can only be quoted as an out of pocket expense.

As a guide for insured patients, below is an estimate of out of pocket fees according to the duration of the procedure :

• Less than 1 hour, up to $250
• Between 1-2 hours, up to $300
• Less than 3 hours, up to $600

Most operations will fall within these ranges.  Dr Dohrmann can provide an estimate of the duration of the surgery.

If your private health fund participates in the “known gap” system, this will reduce your out of pocket costs, depending on the rate offered by the fund.

Patients who are uninsured should contact my rooms.

Should you wish to discuss any enquiries relating to your medical condition, the anaesthetic procedure, the method of payment or the out of pocket expense, please contact the Melbourne Anaesthetic Group, telephone 9419 6255 during office hours.