How fees are paid?

[nikki_w 0]

Hi im wondering if anyone can clarify a question about how the fees are paid? I know that with private insurance it can be around $3000. Is that a figure that is to be paid in a lump sum prior to the surgery or is it a total after numerous appts etc that over time add up to $3000? Its prob a silly question but I need to know if I have to swipe my card and pay $3000 in one go so I can have it there. Thanks =)

Edited May 29, 2010 by nikki_w

[nikki_w 0]

This is really weird but Im gonna post the answer to my own question!

My Fund: HBF - My Dr: Kevin Dolan - My Hospital: Joondalup Health Campus

Consultations ($160) are not covered by HBF but you may be able to claim back some with Medicare. Also Dr Kevin Dolan requires $1000 paid 10 days prior to surgery that is not eligible for any type of rebate. All other fees are outlined below:

When you have a hospital stay, you could receive a few

different types of accounts. These are:

• Hospital

• Medical

Hospital accounts

The hospital will invoice HBF directly and we’ll pay the benefit

straight to the hospital. We’ll then send you confirmation in

writing of what benefit was paid relating to your hospital stay.

If the HBF benefit covers the entire hospital account you will

not receive any further accounts.

If there is a gap between the hospital account and HBF benefit,

the hospital will send you an account for the balance owing.

In paying this account, you will need to forward your payment

together with the account for the outstanding amount to the

hospital.

Medical accounts

(eg. surgeons, anaesthetist, pathology, radiology etc.)

Depending on your medical practitioner, your medical accounts

will be handled differently. For example, some HBF Fully

Covered and Known Gap Covered medical practitioners utilise

HBF Express Pay – where members

DO NOT receive a medical

account at all, as your accounts are handled directly between

your medical practitioners and HBF. Prior to your hospital

stay, we suggest that you contact HBF, and discuss the billing

arrangements your medical practitioner has with HBF. This

way, you can be informed in advance of how your medical and

hospital accounts will be handled.

Talk to an HBF Member Service Advisor by calling 133 423 or

visiting an HBF Service Centre.

Paying medical accounts in advance

Some medical practitioners actually provide a discount to

patients who choose to fully pay for medical services up front

prior to surgery, and then make their Medicare/HBF benefit

claims later. For details of this option, you need to speak

directly to your medical practitioner.

Nik

Edited May 29, 2010 by nikki_w