Once you pick a specialist, ask them for a written cost estimate before you go ahead. This is called Informed Financial Consent. 

It should clearly show: 

  • The expected total cost of your treatment 
  • What Medicare and your insurer may cover 
  • How much you’ll likely have to pay yourself (the outofpocket cost) 

The idea is simple: you should know what you’ll be paying before you agree to treatment. 

Specialists are expected to give you these costs in writing, so you can compare options. You’re allowed to shop around and check prices with different specialists before making a decision. 

It’s also a good idea to ask: 

  • How often they perform the procedure 
  • Their complication rates (for example, how many patients get infections afterward) 

This helps you weigh both cost and quality before choosing your specialist.

 

Going to hospital with Frank

Get clear on your cover, understand hospital costs and claiming, and know what to expect. So you can feel confident on your hospital journey.
 

Going to hospital guide