How can I avoid out-of-pocket costs?

You can avoid unexpected out-of-pocket medical costs by asking your doctor about fees in advance.

Do this when consulting with them before a hospital admission or as soon as possible if you need to be admitted to hospital urgently.

Here is a checklist of questions to ask your doctor and/or health insurer before agreeing to be admitted to hospital for treatment:

• What are the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item numbers for their services and what will they charge for each service?
• Does the doctor participate in your health insurer’s Medical Gap scheme and will they treat you under this arrangement?
• Will you incur any out-of-pocket costs and how much will they be? Ask:
  • your doctor
  • other healthcare provider involved in your treatment
  • the hospital
  • your health insurer. 
• Will any other doctors treat you and how can you get a written estimate of their fees?
• How will the doctor bill you?
• Which hospital will you be admitted to and does it have an agreement with your insurer?
• When do you have to pay for your treatment?