Comparison of public versus private breast reconstruction surgery
It is your choice whether you have breast reconstruction in the public or private system. Your decision may affect the financial cost and timing of your surgery.
Having a breast reconstruction as a public patient means that Medicare will cover all or most costs. All claims for breast reconstructions are reviewed by the Medicare Claims Review Panel and decisions are made on an individual basis. The individual may be required to pay the cost of a permanent prosthesis.
Even if you have your breast reconstruction in the private system, Medicare will pay 75% of the scheduled fee for the procedure. However, keep in mind that many surgeons and anaesthetists charge more than the scheduled fee for their services.
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System |
Pros |
Cons |
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Public patient in a public hospital |
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Private patient in a public hospital |
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Private patient in a private hospital (with private health insurance) |
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Private patient in a private hospital (no private health insurance) |
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