Cost

Your first visit at Adelaide Bariatric Centre is where you will meet with your chosen surgeon to discuss all your options. This visit will cost $195.00 and you will receive a Medicare rebate of $84.15. To access the Medicare rebate, you will need a current referral from your GP. Each year your referral needs to be updated if you wish to continue accessing a Medicare rebate for your visits.

Below are the possible funding options if you wish to pursue surgery after your discussion with your surgeon.

Private Insurance

At Adelaide Bariatric Centre, we believe that funding any surgical procedure through your private health insurance offers you (the patient) the most financial protection. For bariatric procedures, top level hospital cover is required and new policies will generally have a 12 month waiting period. Should you proceed as an insured patient, your out of pocket costs will range from $4,500 – $5,500. We recommend you check with your health insurer to confirm you are covered for the item numbers below:

• 31575
• 31572

Out of pocket costs explained

• Hospital gap – referred to as your excess. This is payable to the hospital at your first admission for the year and only payable once a year, no matter how many times you are admitted to hospital. Generally this amount is between $250 – $750, depending on what you selected when you took your policy out.
• Anaesthetist gap – this is usually between $400 – $600, depending on who your anaesthetist is. We will give you the name and number you need to call to obtain a quote. These costs are payable directly to the Anaesthetist group.
• After care Programme – this is payable 2 weeks prior to your surgery directly to Adelaide Bariatric Centre. For the majority of procedures this amount is $3,800 and will cover you for 2 years of aftercare with the Adelaide Bariatric Centre.

Additionally it is possible to utilise your superannuation to cover the out of pocket cost when Private Hospital Cover is in place. For more information on your expected out of pocket costs, give our reception a call and the staff will be more than happy to go through this with you.

Self Funded

The cost to self fund (uninsured) bariatric procedures is approx. $23,000 – $26,000 dependant on the procedure, chosen hospital, theatre time and length of stay in hospital. Once you have decided on a procedure you will be provided with quotes from your chosen hospital, anaesthetist, surgeon and surgical assistant.

If for any reason your hospital stay needs to be extended, you need to be readmitted or need to undergo additional surgery, these costs will be your responsibility in addition to the quotes provided.

If you are planning to self fund, please speak with your surgeon who will discuss the risks with you to make an informed decision.

Early Release Superannuation

If you are considering accessing your superannuation on compassionate grounds, we encourage you to seek independent financial advice, explore the ATO requirements and to make contact with your superannuation fund to ensure you have adequate funds. We will assist you with the application process should you meet the requirements set by the ATO.

Payment Plan

Sometimes having the option to make a weekly payment for a larger purchase is easier to manage than an upfront payment. For this reason we have looked into having this option available through a company called TLC. Should you wish to explore this option, your surgeon will discuss with your at your first appointment.

As always, for more information please give reception a call who are more than happy to help guide you through your different options.

After Surgery

As part of the aftercare programme, you will be bulk billed by your surgeon and our GP, for 2 years post surgery. After the 2 year period has passed, fees will apply. If all is going well, generally we like to follow up with your once a year. Fees are as follows:

GP Consultation

$95.00 with a Medicare rebate of $42.85

Surgeon Consultation

$100 with a Medicare rebate of $42.30

As always, you require a current GP referral to access Medicare rebates when you see your surgeon.