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Surgery Fees

What are the costs?

There are a number of fees and charges. They include:

• The surgeon

  The surgeon’s fee depends on the type of operation you are having. Each operation has one or more item numbers which are used to work out the cost.

• The assistant

  The surgeon uses an assistant surgeon. Their fee is about 20% of the surgeon’s fee.

• The anaesthetist

  The anaesthetist’s fee is based on the time taken for the operation and the complexity of the patient’s medical problems.

• The hospital bed

  This is charged according to the number of days you are in hospital. It is calculated from midnight to midnight. A private hospital bed at Holy Spirit Northside Hospital costs in the vicinity of $860 - $920 per day, depending on the type of room (single or shared).

• The operating theatre

  The theatre fees vary according to the complexity of your operation and how long it takes.

• Prostheses and implants

  Many spinal operations require the use of prostheses and implants. These include cages, plates, screws and rods.

• Other costs

  These may include medications, blood tests, x-rays and physiotherapy. Your doctor may ask another specialist to see you, especially if there are complications or health concerns. If you need to go to Intensive Care, there will be extra costs.

• Assistant fee

  Dr Licina’s rooms will collect the gap fee at the pre-op appointment. Depending on the type of operation the balance of the account will either be forwarded to you for payment or directly sent to your health fund.

• Anaesthetist fee

  This will also be issued soon after the operation. This can be paid in full and then claimed from Medicare and your health fund. Alternatively, submit the claim to Medicare & health fund and forward the cheques and your gap payment to the doctor.

• Hospital fee

  If you have an excess on your private health insurance policy, you will be required to pay this on admission. If you do not have private health insurance, you will be required to pay part or all of the anticipated hospital costs on admission. The remainder will have to be paid when you are discharged.

• Other costs

  Bills for tests, medications, physiotherapy and other fees may be mailed to you after you have been discharged.

Can I get a quote?

The surgeon will provide you with an estimate of the proposed fee. In most cases it will be accurate but it may vary if something different or extra needs to be done at the time of surgery. The anaesthetist can also give you an estimate if you contact them and give them the item number or numbers. The surgeon can inform you about the cost of implants and prostheses. The hospital will be able to provide estimates of bed costs and extra costs.