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Payment


 


Gastric Banding and Sleeve Gastrectomy

The total cost of our program is $4950. This upfront out-of-pocket cost covers everything. If you are covered by private health insurance, your in-hospital costs for the procedure (including your surgeon and anaesthetist, hospital stay and prosthesis costs) will be covered by your health fund. (apart from any excess payable between you and your health fund). (click here if you do not have private health insurance)

Your lifelong aftercare support program which is all conducted in-house by our experienced multi-disciplinary team is covered by your once off payment of $4950. (please note that this program fee represents an out-of-pocket expense and is not rebatable by private health insurance) Our aftercare program is comprehensive and multidisciplinary, and has been designed to provide you with the support needed to achieve success after your weightloss procedure. There are no limits, expiry dates on things like band adjustments or ongoing check-up's by your surgeon, or any hidden additional charges levied by us at any stage. You can feel safe that you're completely covered. At OClinic we insist on transparency. Clear and simple.
 

Whats included:

  • all medical reviews for check-ups (every month for gastric band, every 3 months for sleeve gastrectomy) until you reach your goal weight, then annually for life
  • all band adjustments including Huber needles and consumables
  • open access for additional medical consultations at any time if problems arise.
  • 2 x psychologist consultations (before surgery and again at 6 months)
  • 8 x dietitian and nutritionist consultations
  • fortnightly psychologist-moderated support group access
  • full colour dietary handouts and brochures explaining everything you need to know including recipe tips

 

Is there anything else to pay?


There may be some other small costs to consider. You will normally be required to go onto a meal replacement called Optifast liver preparation treatment prior to surgery (available from all leading pharmacies and costs around $50 per week supply). Health funds usually charge an excess the first time you claim on your health insurance policy each year. (please check the amount with your health insurer). And depending on your individual health circumstances and medical history, you might occasionally need to undergo some additional tests such as an Xray, ECG or even see a medical physician (eg a cardiologist) prior to having surgery to ensure that your procedure is as safe as possible. Sometimes, down the track, patients occasionally may need to have a Barium swallow to investigate any symptoms if they emerge- this would normally be performed by your nearest Xray practice and incur a charge by them. However this is not routinely required, and all the major costs have generally been covered in our fee structure.


click here for further details about the OCare total care program


Private Health Insurance- check that you’re covered

The hospital costs associated with gastric banding surgery are usually covered by most levels of private health insurance. Some of the more basic levels of cover such as extras-only cover may not include weightloss surgery. (NIB Health fund only covers gastric banding in its top-level cover). A 12-month waiting period usually applies if you have recently joined a health fund. Gastric banding is NOT considered cosmetic surgery. It has a Medicare item number and is recognised by all the major health funds. To find out if you are covered, contact your health fund and quote the following Medicare item number:

Gastric Banding:
 item no. 30511
Sleeve Gastrectomy: item no. 30518

 

AHSA- Alliance Funds
(Teachers, Defence, Police, etc)		 http://www.ahsa.com.au (02) 9411 9100
HCF http://www.hcf.com.au 13 13 34
MBF http://www.mbf.com.au 13 11 37
Medibank Private http://www.medibank.com.au 13 23 31
NIB http://www.nib.com.au 13 14 63

 


The Gastric balloon


The total cost of our gastric balloon program is currently $7836. This includes:

  • the cost of the balloon prosthesis
  • surgeon and anaesthetist fees for balloon insertion
  • surgeon and anaesthetist fees for balloon removal at 6 months
  • 6 medical reviews
  • 6 dietitian reviews
  • 2 psychology consultations.
  • admission charges by the Mater hospital for endoscopy and day-stay for both the insertion and subsequent removal of your balloon (amount subject to change please phone us to confirm)
(Please note that the gastric balloon is not covered by private health insurance)



Not privately insured?

No health insurance? We may have an affordable solution for you.

At OClinic we share your frustration that weight loss surgery is not readily accessible in the public hospital system under Medicare. In partnership with our hospital, health professionals, and suppliers, we have put together one of the most affordable options in Australia for patients without private health insurance whilst maintaining the same high quality aftercare and team support. Call us for a quotation on 8197 9595.- you may be surprised at just how affordable our program is.

 


Patient Finance

If you would like to discuss possible finance options, call Don Greenamyer on 0419 664 186 who has been able to help many patients achieve commercial funding for medical expenses.
(note- Don Greenamyer is an independent financial broker and has no affiliation or financial relationship with OClinic)

 


Other Payment Options

Early Release of Super

Patients may apply to APRA, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, for an early release of superannuation funds to cover part or all of the cost of undergoing gastric banding surgery. Check with your financial advisor to see if this is right for you. More details can be found on the APRA website.

If you chose to apply for this, three documents need to be lodged:

1. completed application form- click here to download.
2. A letter of support from your General Practitioner
3. A letter of support from OClinic (we will provide this following your initial consultation)
Note that processing time by APRA generally takes around 6 weeks.
 

Tax Rebate Scheme

A significant rebate may be able to be claimed through your end of year tax return. You can claim a tax offset of 20% of your net medical expenses over $1,500. There is no upper limit on the amount you can claim, and it is not means or assets tested.

For example:

  • $4950 Out-of-pocket expense: tax rebate = ($4950 - $1500) x 20% = $690

As always, check with your accountant or financial advisor if this may apply to you. Further details can be found on the Australian Taxation Office website.

Click here to go back to the homepage and check your Body Mass Index to see if you are suitable for our weight loss program.