Doctors in Australia

ciljon · October 20, 2008

Hi

I have just been recommended for Lap Band and have asked my insurance if they cover it and they said they will cover it all but it all depends on what your doctor charges

Has anyone been banded by Dr Bill Munro and if so how much does he charge

I will probably be able to find out when I go to the seminar but that isn't for another month and I am wondering if I am going to be able to afford this

Thanks in advance

Cilla

PDG777 · October 20, 2008

I don't know about Dr William Munro (who got rid of my gall bladder) but the Central Coast Obesity Centre seem to have a charge of AUD3000.00 Gap Fee for the surgeon... I was banded in August by Dr Caska at Woy Woy Private, Insurance paid for everything, except that Gap fee( which covers his insurance plus covers the gap payment for two years visits after surgery). I also had to pay the anaesthetist, but claimed approx half back from Medicare and HCF between them. The dietician I saw was really a waste of money.... but you can claim some of that back as well. Another lady I know on the coast is also getting banded and has a gap fee of $3000.00 but don't know which doctor is doing her surgery. It's been great for me and I can only wish you the very best.... it's lifechanging. Trish.

anniedub · October 20, 2008

Hi Ciljon,

Any gap fee can be claimed on your tax (as it is an out of pocket medical expense of more than $1500). I gather than you can get up to around 50% back, if you're lucky! Depending on your other tax details, obviously.

I'm just doing my tax at the moment, will let you know when I know more.

Annie.

PDG777 · October 20, 2008

Hi... it's me again... the Aussie tax situation is that once you have paid out $1500.00 in medical/dental/optometrist etc you are able to claim back 20% of anything over the $1500.00. So save all medical receipts of costs that were not covered by medicare and/or your health fund..and you should be able to claim 20% back of that total.

So it is a help.. if the gap fee is 3000.00, then you can claim 20% of the remaining 1500.00 which would be about $300.00. so it is important to include the gap for your anaesthetist and anything else you pay out for medical in the meantime. Again.. hope that helps..