Information for patients
Your anaesthetic account, explained
If you have received an account or an estimate for an anaesthetic and you are not sure what it means, this page explains it in plain terms.
Understanding your anaesthetic account
Your anaesthetic account is separate from the hospital's account and from your surgeon's account. It covers the anaesthetist's care before, during and after your procedure.
You may receive several accounts for one operation. This is normal, and it is because each doctor involved bills separately for their own part of your care.
Understanding your estimate
An estimate sets out what your anaesthetic is likely to cost and how much of it your health fund or Medicare is expected to cover. The remainder is your out-of-pocket cost.
The estimate is prepared from the information available before your procedure — your cover, and the procedure your surgeon has planned.
Why the final amount may differ
An anaesthetic fee depends partly on how long your procedure takes and on what is needed clinically on the day. Neither is known exactly in advance.
If your procedure takes longer than expected, or if something additional is required for your safety, the final account can differ from the estimate. Your estimate explains this at the time it is issued.
If you have received an account that differs from your estimate and you would like it explained, contact the practice — this is a reasonable question to ask.
Paying your invoice
You can pay by bank transfer, which is free, or by credit card. Card payments carry an additional fee, which is charged to you by the payments provider rather than by the practice.
Payment details are included on the account you received. If you cannot locate it, contact the practice and it can be reissued.
Health funds and Medicare
Where you have private cover, part of the anaesthetic fee is usually met by Medicare and part by your health fund. The gap between what they pay and the fee charged is your out-of-pocket cost.
Your fund can confirm what it covers for anaesthetic services under your policy. If your cover changed shortly before your procedure, it is worth checking with them directly.
Refunds
If your procedure was cancelled or you have been charged in error, contact the practice and a refund can be arranged.
Please note that where you paid by credit card, the card transaction fee is not recoverable from the payments provider, so a refund may be net of that fee.
Your privacy
Your health and payment information is handled under the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles.
You can request access to the personal information held about you, and ask for it to be corrected if it is wrong.
Common questions
Questions patients ask
Why might a final anaesthetic account differ from the estimate?
An anaesthetic fee depends in part on how long the procedure takes and on what is clinically required on the day. An estimate is prepared on the information available beforehand, so the final account can differ if the procedure is longer or more complex than expected. The estimate explains this at the time it is issued.
Getting help
If you need to speak to someone
If you are having difficulty paying, or something about your account does not look right, contact the practice. Payment arrangements can often be discussed.
- Patient enquiries