No Upfront Fees
IVF TREATMENT COSTS
Whether you have seen other fertility specialists or this is your initial appointment, you will receive a personalised comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment. The first step is to obtain a referral, from your GP, to one of our accredited fertility specialists. City Fertility is pleased to offer a specialist appointment within ten working days, just contact our friendly reception staff for more information about this service.
OBTAINING A REFERRAL TO A CITY FERTILITY CENTRE SPECIALIST
Your initial consultation with a City Fertility specialist will allow them to gather the relevant information regarding your circumstances and medical condition, and previous care to determine your future treatment. Both partners are encouraged to attend this appointment.
Referrals from a GP last for 12 months, while a referral from a specialist is current for only three months. A current referral is required in order to claim the cost of specialist treatment back through Medicare. The average out-of-pocket cost of an initial consultation with a CFC clinician is $110.00. It is important that the referral lists both you and your partner’s name so that you are able to claim the full rebate for the initial consultation.
POSSIBLE EARLY TREATMENT OPTIONS
You may not need to proceed to treatment such as IVF. Your specialist may recommend that you begin with treatment such as Ovulation Induction or Artificial Insemination cycles. These range in price from $100 to $700 in out-of-pocket fees.
FERTILITY TREATMENT COSTS
CFC does not charge an initial registration fee to access our IVF services. Following your consultation with a CFC specialist, you will be given a booking for a complementary pre-treatment information session with one of our experienced fertility nurses. All aspects of your fertility treatment will be discussed with you at this time. Your treatment costs will vary depending on the level of treatment you require. If you have any questions regarding the costs prior to this interview, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly Patient Services team for further information on Medicare and Private Health rebates.
NO UP-FRONT FEES PAYMENT PLAN
CFC is pleased to offer a “no up-front fees” payment plan to assist patients with the financial obligations of IVF treatment. The flexible payment plan allows patients to commence their IVF cycle, with payment delayed until the day that egg collection takes place. On the day of egg collection, the Medicare claim is submitted online, resulting in rebates being paid within 2-3 working days. Please note, to access this payment option, a credit card authority form must be completed prior to the commencement of the IVF cycle.
The primary outcome of the “no up-front fees” initiative is that patients are only out-of-pocket for 2-3 working days before the Medicare rebates are returned to their nominated bank account. Previously, the waiting time could be up to 21 days before any rebates could be claimed.
Medicare Online is available at all City Fertility Centre clinics. This is a secure and convenient way for patients to claim their rebate without having to visit a Medicare office. The claim for your treatment cycle is submitted to Medicare online on the day that egg collection takes place. Please contact your nearest Medicare office, or go online www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/online to register your bank account details.
The following step-by-step process will guide you through this convenient payment option.
1. Register your bank account details with Medicare for online claiming through the Medicare website – www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/online
2. Prior to collecting medication, complete an authority to debit your credit card for the CFC IVF cycle fees. This document will be given to you at your initial financial quote with CFC or can be obtained from the CFC reception staff.
3. On the day of egg collection we will charge your credit card.
4. On the same day we will transmit the claim for your IVF cycle to Medicare using a secure internet connection.
5. Medicare rebates will be paid directly into your nominated savings or cheque account within two to three working days.
OUR FEES
The following is a summary of the current City Fertility Centre payment schedule guide.
Fees current as of January 1st, 2013
| TYPE OF TREATMENT |
PATIENT OUT OF POCKET COSTS AFTER MEDICARE BENEFITS |
| Initial Registration Fee |
$0.00 |
| Initial Consultation Fee for CFC Specialist |
Average - $110.00 |
IVF CYCLE (First Cycle in a Calendar Year)
Medicare Item Number 13200
|
$2188.25 |
IVF CYCLE (Second or Subsequent Cycle in a Calendar Year)
Medicare Item Number 13201
|
$1,632.62 |
This fee also excludes the fees charged by the treating fertility specialist, anaesthestist and private hospital.
SPECIALIST FEES
These include initial consultations, investigations, and tests performed by your specialist prior to you commencing your IVF cycle. Additional fees for the IVF treatment cycle are charged by your specialist and include the management of the treatment cycle (Item No 13209) and the fee for performing both egg collection (Item No *13212) and embryo transfer (Item No 13215). These fees are set at your specialist’s own discretion (not CFC) and are claimable through Medicare, Private Health Funds (*13212 only) and the Medicare Safety Net. Please contact your specialist’s office for further information regarding their consultation and cycle fees and the relevant rebates.
ANAESTHETIST FEES
Procedures which are performed under general anaesthetic include egg collection and Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA). Your anaesthetist will bill these fees directly and the account will be eligible for a rebate from both Medicare and Private Health.
HOSPITAL FEES
The theatre and bed fees for both egg collection and TESA are payable directly to the private hospital. Medicare will not pay anything towards private hospital charges; however if you have private health insurance with hospital cover you may be either partially or fully covered for these costs. City Fertility recommends that you contact your Private Health Fund for an estimate of any excess or co-payments that may be required. For those who are uninsured, the full admission fees are payable upon admission to hospital.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Please be assured that all services are provided in a completely discreet and confidential environment.
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