Is $200 consultation for a dermatologist appointment normal? Receptionist said I'd get about $73 back from medicare, but paying $127 (note, that in reality it is $200 total, thanks to medicare subsidy) just to talk to some guy about a skin condition seems a bit expensive.
Does anyone know if there are cheaper dermatologist around the north shore area?
The one I just booked is in Rhodes shopping center.
let alone a dermatologist who bulk-bills you you would be very very lucky
Why would that be?
Wouldn't they try to bulk-bill since that would attract more clients?
More volume = more money?
there's only so many patients you can see a day if you want to be thorough. most specialists are booked out meaning there's no shortage of demand, especially in a niche field like dermatology
You could try Dr Arun Shankar (Westmead) who I believe does bulk billing. In any case bulk billing is not commonly done at specialist clinics but if you speak with the receptionists they may grant you an exception.
Another good derma I recommend is Dr Joseph Konya (Epping).
Another good derma I recommend is Dr Joseph Konya (Epping).
Is he a bulk-biller, do you know?
Epping is actually closer to me than Rhodes, but I think I would have to request a specific derma for the reference letter by one of the doctors at the local medical center.
$73 (bulk bill rate) barely covers the cost of running a private specialist clinic after taking into account insurance, staff and equipment. Unless you are on a pension or have a health care card or there are extraordinary circumstances, the chance of a specialist bulk billing you in Sydney is almost zero. $200 is average to cheap for a consultation.
If it's just a matter of "taking a look" at your skin why not just have the GP do it?
If it's just a matter of "taking a look" at your skin why not just have the GP do it?
Already did, you have to go through a GP to get a referral letter for a derma.
GP didn't really know what was on my face (it's these small white lumps everywhere, not your usual pimples, when you squeeze them a solid white discharge comes out). They look like they're similar to "milia" but milia is much more pronounced and they're different to what I have (I have milia too, but around the eyes, maybe 4 spots?)
They're not blackheads (for sure) or whiteheads (different to google images examples)
Probably will do allergy testing though.
(Apparently GPs were able to do this a while back but can no longer do them due to very strong allergic reactions)
Did you end up making an appointment with Dr Joseph? I'm also thinking to see a dermatologist in the same area probably. Also, did you just ask GP to write a referral to the derm you prefer? Do they actually let youself pick? Thanks.
Not with Dr Joseph, my dermatologist appointment is tomorrow at the rhodes one.
Will let you know how it goes
if you don't want to wait more than 6 months for a public hospital outpatient appointment, $200 for a first-time specialist appointment is the norm. you could ring each practice up and inquire, but if you find a private specialist, let alone a dermatologist who bulk-bills you you would be very very lucky