--- title: "Anaesthetic Fees" slug: "fees" description: "Information about anaesthetic fees, gap payments, fee estimates, account types, and payment methods at Anaesthetic Services." eyebrow: "Anaesthetic fees" heroH1: "Understanding your anaesthetic fees." heroLede: "How anaesthetic fees are set, why a gap may exist between health-fund rebates and the anaesthetist's fee, and how to request an estimate before your procedure." --- The information below covers commonly asked questions about anaesthetic fees. If you have a question that is not covered here, please [contact us](/contact) and we will endeavour to clarify your situation. ## How are anaesthetic fees set? Anaesthetists practise independently and are not employed by the hospital or surgeon. Patients are responsible for their anaesthetist’s fees, usually with a contribution from their insurer. Each anaesthetist sets their own fees, so charges can differ between operations and between anaesthetists performing the same procedure. The Australian Medical Association (AMA) and Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA) publish a list of services and fees for private patient anaesthesia, indexed each year. Most anaesthetists use this list to guide their fees. Fees reflect the time and nature of the pre-anaesthetic assessment, as well as the operation’s complexity and duration. Extra charges may apply for patients with more complex needs or greater frailty, and for emergency or out-of-hours surgery. Your anaesthetist stays with you for the entire operation—not just at the start and finish—and continually makes decisions to keep you safe while you are anaesthetised. ## Why might there be a “gap” between rebates and the anaesthetist’s fee? Medicare and private health fund rebates often fall short of the full anaesthetic fee. Patients pay the difference, known as the “gap”, as an out-of-pocket cost. This gap has grown over recent decades for several reasons, mainly prolonged inadequate indexation of Medicare rebates and, consequently, health fund rebates. Where possible and applicable, anaesthetists aim to reduce your fees using your health fund’s “known gap” arrangements. Fund policies and rebates vary, so out-of-pocket costs may differ even when the operation and anaesthetic fee are the same. If you have an out-of-pocket cost, our office may advise you of the estimated anaesthetic fee by phone, email or SMS. ## Can I request a fee estimate? Yes. If you are considering surgery, we can provide an estimate of your anaesthetic fees. Until your operation is scheduled, this is a guide only. Once your surgery date is set, we can confirm the fee estimate. Surgeons often work with several independent anaesthetists, so anaesthetic fees may vary between operating lists. ## How do you prepare fee estimates? Anaesthetists at Anaesthetic Services each determine their own fees. ### Your anaesthetic fee Once your surgery is confirmed, we will advise you of your anaesthetic fee. To prepare the most accurate estimate possible, we need: - Your insurance status and health fund, if applicable - Your planned operation - The expected length of your operation Your surgeon will supply these details. ### If you do not have private hospital cover Without private hospital cover, you must pay your anaesthetic fee in full before your anaesthetic. You should receive your estimate by email or SMS. Please pay at least two working days before surgery. If you have not received your account, please [contact us](/contact) for an estimate. ### If you are having cosmetic surgery or a procedure not covered by Medicare For these procedures, you must pay your anaesthetic fee in full before your anaesthetic. You should receive your estimate by email or SMS. Please pay at least two working days before surgery. If you have not received your account, please [contact us](/contact) for an estimate. ## Which type of anaesthetic account will I receive? Anaesthetists at Anaesthetic Services each determine their own fees. The type of account you receive depends on: - Your private hospital cover status - Whether your health fund allows anaesthetists to charge “co-payments” - How long your operation takes - The procedure you are scheduled to have - Whether the procedure is classified as cosmetic - Whether your procedure is covered by Medicare (your surgeon will advise you if it is not) A co-payment is the out-of-pocket amount you pay on top of Medicare and health fund contributions. Most health funds allow co-payments; check with your fund to confirm. These factors determine which of the following account types applies: **Simplified billing.** If your anaesthetist bills your private health fund directly, including the Medicare rebate and without a co-payment, we will not send you an account. The relevant bodies will pay your anaesthetist directly and notify you once payment is made. For some patients, the following agencies or insurers cover the full account, with no out-of-pocket expense: - Department of Veterans’ Affairs - WorkCover (approved claims only) - Third-party insurance (approved claims only) **Co-payment account.** You must pay this out-of-pocket amount, which cannot be claimed. The balance of your account, including the Medicare rebate, is billed directly to your health insurer. **Full-fee account.** This account can be claimed through Medicare and, where applicable, your private health fund. We will usually lodge the final statement on your behalf. ## What payment methods are available? We accept EFT and credit card payments.