Bariatric Surgery Cost
What are the costs of Bariatric (weight loss) surgery?
Bariatric Surgery Costs: Explained
Many patients having surgery need to contribute towards the cost of their treatment; in public hospitals these costs are covered by State Government (which seeks to limit its costs by limiting access to all but essential services).
The majority of specialist treatments (specialist appointments and elective surgery) occur in the private system where treatments are funded by private insurance, Medicare payments and patient payments. Private insurance covers the large majority of costs associated with treatment (hospital costs) but will usually contribute only a couple of hundred dollars per operation to the doctor/surgeon providing treatment. Medicare payments have not been indexed to CPI (Consumer Price Index) so contribute less every year.
In our practice we have three surgeons, a physician, 3 nurses, 4 admin staff, dietitian and psychologist, as well as the general expenses involved in running a busy office. The bulk of the fees associated with the services we provide is to cover these expenses and wages.
Covering the Costs of Bariatric Surgery and Aftercare
Regardless of whether a medical service is provided in the public or private system, the overall actual costs are reasonably similar. There are many treatments not offered in public hospitals which is why patients choose to use the private health system. Please see the various options for payment of treatment below:
How much will bariatric surgery cost me?
Private patient in a private hospital
Patients choosing this option have a choice regarding what treatment they receive, who treats them, and how long they have to wait until they are admitted to hospital for treatment. The health funds will pay for the costs of the hospital admission and all of the items used during the hospital stay, they will also ‘top up’ the Medicare fee paid to treating specialists (amount varying between 20 and 80% depending on the health fund and the treatment undertaken). As there is a difference between Medicare payments and medical charges there can be expenses in addition to what the health fund pays and what the patient will have to cover. This occurs because Medicare frequently pays the same amount for a simple procedure as it does for a complex one (for example an operation on a blocked prostate gland taking about an hour to perform receives the same fee as total removal of the stomach which takes 5 hours). ‘Gap Costs’ indicate the amount that patients have to pay to undergo treatment. We calculate gap costs depending on the complexity of the surgery performed and the time it takes. For weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) we are happy to offer ‘no-gap’ surgery, however patients are charged a ‘clinic fee’ (see FAQs); this contributes toward the expenses of our clinic and allows us to provide follow-up care without charging above the Medicare fee for up to three years after surgery. In addition, we offer patients the reassurance that should any related surgical diagnostic procedures or complication management be required, we provide this without charging above what health funds/Medicare will cover.
Your next step…
Self-funded surgery in a private hospital (patients without health insurance)
In this situation, patients will have to cover all of the costs associated with their admission. It is generally impossible to determine an exact figure for the total cost of surgery, for example, unforeseen events such as additional necessary treatment will incur further costs. To give you a rough idea of some of the costs involved in hospital admission:
- Bed costs approx $1,200 per day.
- Theatre costs approx $2,000 per hour, in addition to this the costs of theatre equipment, are approx $2,500- $5000 depending on the operation.
- Admission to Intensive Care Unit (ICU), if required, approx $3,000 per day.
Hospitals in Sydney, NSW will provide quotes to patients before admission and expect an up-front payment on or before the day of admission for the quoted amount. As well as the hospital quote, patients will need to get quotes from the Surgeon and Anaesthetist, and these fees will need to be paid before surgery.
Ways to Pay for Bariatric Surgery
Payment Plans
Layby Surgery
Your next step…
FAQs
How much is the first consultation?
Your first consultation can be with our Bariatric Care Specialist or with one of the Bariatric Surgeons, though each carries a different fee. Out of pocket fees for the first consultation for bariatric surgery are as follows:
- Dr Jennifer Matthei (Bariatric Care Specialist) – $135* after Medicare
- A/Prof Michael Talbot (Surgeon) – $270* after Medicare
- Dr Gary Yee (Surgeon) – $170* after Medicare
- Dr Jason Maani (Surgeon) – $170* after Medicare
* Please note these fees are subject to Medicare rebate. Patients are required to pay the full fee on the day of their first appointment, and Medicare will administer the rebate within 2 – 3 working days. Contact our practice for more information.
You can book your appointment using our online booking system, or call the practice (02)Â 9553Â 1120 to make an appointment with the specialist or one of the bariatric surgeons.
What private health funds do you accept?
What is the clinic fee?
- Bulk-billed follow-up appointments with specialist/surgeon
- Two Dietitian appointments
- Nutrition pack consisting of
- ‘Portion Perfection’ bariatric bowl and plate
- 1 month supply of bariatric multivitamins
- A copy of the book ‘Your Complete Guide to Nutrition for Weight Loss Surgery’ by Sally Johnston
- Enrolment to the Fresh Start online support, education and coaching program
Do you offer payment plans?
Payment Plans
Layby Surgery
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