Specialist Doctor Charges Seem Ridiculous

nongming on 14/12/2015 - 15:52

My son was referred to an ear specialist and because me and my wife were both unable to take him due to the time of year (work), I had my parents take him instead.

They were charged $200.00 and the specialist just advised them that he could not speak to them about what he proposed to do, as he needed the parents to be there.

They've booked us in for a second appointment in Feb. for another charge of $105.00.

This first $200 seems ridiculous…is this right? Can a specialist really charge you $200 just to tell you, "nope, can't speak to you, I'll book you in for a second appointment"

Health & Beauty

Comments

  • Car-la-la on 14/12/2015 - 16:33

    Honestly $200 & $105 seem very reasonable to see a specialist doctor… think about it for a moment , 10+ years of study costs/time , ongoing registration/insurances etc.
    I know tradies who charge three times that amount

    • Question on 28/12/2015 - 18:36

      For a 15 minute appointment?

  • Bunnyburger on 14/12/2015 - 17:42

    I think they were just covering their asses for patient confidentiality purposes. Plus they knew they could take your money from you.

  • Mr BoMBAStiG on 14/12/2015 - 17:48

    Whilst those prices are reasonable for a specialist, it's not reasonable what is happening here.

    You might try to negotiate that if you had known you had to accompany your child you would have come, assuming you were not told.

    It should be the second charge you are upset about. The first charge is covering the doctor's time and diagnosis ability. The second is just his time. Try to have it reduced to just the Medicare covered amount.

  • Findo on 14/12/2015 - 23:41

    It's reasonable. I paid $450 for an initial consultation for a psychiatrist to refer me to rehab. When I was going through my ADF application I had to see an eye specialist and he charged me $300 to tell me my eyes were no good.

  • abm on 15/12/2015 - 11:57

    As others have already stated, the fee is not unusual, the problem is the issue of consent. If your son is under 16 and the specialist intends to perform a medical procedure, then he requires consent from the legal guardian.

    If the doctor or their receptionist had prior knowledge that you couldn't be there with your son they could have informed you that this problem might occur. It's not nice having to pay this money, but it's not entirely unreasonable either.

  • momov3 on 15/12/2015 - 20:10
    +1

    You mention the cost but not the medicare rebate. You would have received a rebate and not copped the entire amount. Still, to charge for the second time when no advice was given the first is a bit rough.

  • nongming on 17/12/2015 - 09:33
    +2

    just wanted to update that after speaking to reception and reception advising they would check with the specialist, the specialist has agreed to waive the next appointment cost in full.

    positive outcome. I guess you just have to ask.

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