Checking I'm covered

I'm sure that Iam covered for my surgery but feeling a little concerned. What are the numbers I have to quote for a sleeve to my private health I'm with Mbf. I have 14 weeks till my surgery and I'm have g a frak out that I'm not going to be covered I have basic hospital and silver extras. I'm new to private health sorry get a little confused with all any advice would be lovely.

I was too Lizzy I rang Bupa on Friday I had to ring and get them to help me fill out the hospital forms as I had changed providers half way through, the number to quote is 30511 anyway Im only on basic hospital and level 2 for extras or something anyway they said Im covered but Im still worried that I'll go to leave the hospital and they hand me a $15,000 Bill LOL :)

I was charged for 30518 - Partial Gastrectomy.
With GMHBA, only the top hospital cover will cover the costs for this surgery.
I have noticed that some surgeons use different numbers.

Sleeve gastrectomy 30511 or 30518

By-Pass all types 30512

Banding 30511

This is from the Medicare site.

30518 is what I was told from AHM that they covered. I told my surgeon that and he was happy to use that number. Have rang them several times to confirm this and yes all good, now bring on July!!

So do I need to ask my surgeon or my private health for the number I'm so confused. Thanks everybody for feedback. I'm with you Bex I'm freaking out that I'm going have surgery and be hit with a huge bill. I'm going with Dr Lockie in Brisbane if anybody has had any experience with him.

I got the medicare number from my surgeons quote it said to ring my PHI and confirm that Im covered ect Ive actually checked 3 times since I decided to go ahead since Im only on corporate basic and only pay $112 a fortnight for a family of 5 :) I don't even have to pay an admission fee :)

MBF and Bupa are now the same company.

I just was done a wk ago today and with basic hosptal with bupa are covered.

No big bill for me..:D

Thats fantastic Curvylana I was worried about the basic, you would think you would have to have the top cover :)

Bex wrote:

I got the medicare number from my surgeons quote it said to ring my PHI and confirm that Im covered ect Ive actually checked 3 times since I decided to go ahead since Im only on corporate basic and only pay $112 a fortnight for a family of 5 :) I don't even have to pay an admission fee :)

Medicare Item numbers where on my quote for sleeve surgery, and all my plastic surgery quotes. I just rang my PHI and asked was I covered for Item Number XXXXX. Never even said what the surgery was!

Hi, I feel exactly the same - I am worried that I will get handed a bill of $19000 at the end of it. I am with Medibank Private and have been paying $200 P/M for the last 12 months so crossing fingers all goes well without an issue. I am just nervously awaiting approval of release of some superannuation for out of pockets costs of $4500 before surgery date of 20 July.

Hi All,

I am a little dumbfounded as when I have asked my surgeon at all my visits how much I would be out of pocket he told me $1000. When I rang his rooms today they told me $2500. Needless to say, it put me on a downer. The receptionist told me to phone my PHI and quote item number 30581. Would it be possible that he is doing it under item 30511. He put my lap band in (back in August 2008) and took it out (September 2012) due to problems. All the rest I am covered completely for.

lynlilangel

Is it the Surgeons booking fee that has increased in price?
There is no rebate from PHI or Medicare for a Booking Fee.
I know that my Surgeon is now charging more for the booking fee than I paid 16 months ago.
Some surgeons use 30511 and others 30518 - ask Medicare or PHI what the Scheduled fee is for each - they may be charged differently.