We understand that navigating the financial aspects of specialist medical care can feel complicated, particularly at a time when you may already have a great deal on your mind.

This page explains how consultations and procedures at Breast & Surgical Oncology at The Poche Centre are billed, what rebates are available, and how you can make payment.

If you have specific questions about the costs associated with your care, please contact our practice managers directly — they are happy to provide a clear and honest estimate before your appointment or procedure.

Consultations

Our specialist consultations are privately billed. A Medicare rebate applies to all consultations with a valid referral from a GP or specialist, which means Medicare will reimburse a portion of the consultation fee directly to you. The gap between the total fee and the Medicare rebate is your out-of-pocket cost.

The consultation fee and Medicare rebate amount vary depending on the type and complexity of the consultation. Our practice managers can advise you of the fee and your expected out-of-pocket cost when you book your appointment, so there are no surprises on the day.

Procedures and Surgery

For procedures performed in our rooms (such as core biopsy and fine needle aspiration), fees are billed at the time of the procedure and Medicare rebates apply where eligible.

For surgical procedures performed in hospital, costs involve three separate fees: the surgeon's fee, the anaesthetist's fee, and the hospital facility fee. Medicare rebates apply to the surgeon's and anaesthetist's fees. Private health insurance (with appropriate surgical cover) will cover the hospital facility fee and contributes additional rebates toward the surgical and anaesthetic fees. Your out-of-pocket costs will depend on your level of cover and your fund.

We recommend contacting your private health insurer before any planned procedure to confirm your level of cover and obtain a pre-approval if required. Our practice managers can provide the relevant item numbers (MBS codes) to facilitate this process.

For patients without private health insurance who are Australian residents, surgery can be arranged through the public hospital system where clinically appropriate. Please speak with your surgeon about public hospital pathways if this is relevant to your situation.

Medicare Rebates for Aesthetic and Reconstructive Procedures

Several aesthetic and reconstructive procedures performed as part of breast cancer treatment attract Medicare rebates and are covered by private health insurance. These include breast symmetrisation surgery, breast reconstruction, therapeutic mammoplasty, breast reduction for symptomatic macromastia, and nipple reconstruction. Our surgeons will advise you at consultation whether your planned procedure attracts a rebate, and our practice managers can assist with pre-authorisation and documentation.

Accepted Payment Methods

Payment for consultations and in-rooms procedures can be made by cash, cheque, EFTPOS, Visa or Mastercard, AMEX (Prof Andrew Spillane's rooms), or direct deposit (A/Prof Kylie Snook and Dr Samriti Sood's rooms). Full payment is required at the time of your consultation. We will provide you with a receipt that includes all information required to lodge your Medicare claim.

Medicare Claims

Medicare claims can be lodged on your behalf at the time of payment in most cases, or you can lodge your claim directly through the Medicare app, online at my.gov.au, or at a Medicare service centre. Payment of your rebate is typically processed within a few business days.

Questions About Costs

We are committed to being transparent about the costs associated with your care. If you have any questions about fees, rebates, your out-of-pocket costs, or your health insurance cover, please contact the practice manager for your surgeon before your appointment. We will always do our best to give you a clear and accurate picture of what to expect financially.