PAYMENT FOR ENDOSCOPIC WEIGHT LOSS PROCEDURE (ESG)

WEIGHT LOSS PROCEDURE OUT-OF-POCKET FEES

Dr Bernard Chin works closely with a team of professionals, including an Anaesthetist, Dietitians, Psychologists and exercise physiologists to help support and guide you through your weight loss journey both before and after your procedure.

Please use the following Out Of Pocket fees as a guide:

1. INITIAL WEIGHT LOSS CONSULTATION FEES 
our initial consultation with Dr Bernard Chin will cost $240. You should already have been screened by our Multi Disciplinary Team (MDT) and deemed to be suitable for ESG by this stage. Your initial consultation is a very detailed discussion with Dr Chin, specifically tailored to you, and covers your medical and dietary history, and a comprehensive discussion around the weight loss procedure you have decided upon. He will discuss in detail all of the advantages and disadvantages of your chosen procedure and the various risks involved, as well as answer any questions you may have. You will be eligible for a Medicare rebate of $132.30 provided you have an up to date referral from your GP.

We can offer Townsville patients a Telehealth initial consultation for increased convenience.

You will also require an acceptable quality diagnostic gastroscopy within the last 12 months to exclude large hiatus hernias and other pathology which could complicate ESG.

2. PROFESSIONAL WEIGHT LOSS MANAGEMENT FEE
When you have a Weight Loss Procedure performed by Dr. Bernard Chin you will be charged a Weight Loss Management fee. As of 11/12/2017, ESG can only be performed by a fully self funded model. Medicare and private health funds WILL NOT fund it at this stage, although things may change in the future. Your fee covers:

  • The initial ESG procedure
  • All follow up appointments with Dr Chin – Follow up appointments include a 4 week post procedure appointment, followed by appointments every 3 months. After the first 12 months, appointments are then annually. You will have free unlimited access to Dr Chin either by teleconferencing or face to face consultations in the first 12 months post procedure.
  • All administration fees
  • The Out-Of-Pocket for the Weight Loss Management Fee is around $5500, although this is only an estimate. Our rooms will provide you with a more accurate quote.

3. ANAESTHETISTS’ FEE
This fee may vary, depending on the Anaesthetist and the time taken. You will need to contact the Cairns Anaesthetic Group on (07) 4044 6900 prior to your procedure to confirm their fees.

4. HOSPITAL EXCESS FEE
The Private Hospital fee can vary from $10,000 to $15,000 depending on the amount of consumables used and the number of nights in hospital. Our rooms can give you a more accurate quote.

5. MULTI DISCIPLINARY TEAM (MDT) FEE 
We work closely with Health Management Dietitians to provide the essential MDT services such as dietetics, psychologists and exercise physiologists. Their estimated fee for an Initial Overview/Eligibility Assessment is $130.00. Enrolment into a MDT program is mandatory should you wish to proceed with ESG, with a 2-year package that will cost around $1,500.

ADDITIONAL COSTS

Prior to your weight loss procedure you may be required to commence a low calorie meal replacement diet. You will need to purchase these meal replacements.

Pharmacy expenses (medications, vitamins), Blood tests, and other investigations (such as X-rays), may incur an additional cost depending on your health fund.

If you need to see any other specialists prior to your surgery, such as Cardiologists, Respiratory physicians, or Endocrinologists, you will be charged for these visits.

OTHER PAYMENT OPTIONS

EARLY RELEASE OF SUPERANNUATION FUNDS

You may apply to the Department of Human Services (DHS) for early release of superannuation funds to help cover the cost of weight loss procedures. Details of this may be found on the following DHS website:
www.humanservices.gov.au/earlysuper
www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/enablers/applying-early-superannuation-release

Please check your eligibility under Compassionate Grounds – Medical Treatment or Medical Transport. You may be eligible for an early release of superannuation to pay for necessary medical treatment or medical transport expenses for yourself or your dependant if either of you have:

  1. A life threatening illness or injury
  2. The medical treatment isn’t readily available through the public health system
  3. You can’t afford to pay for the expense without accessing your superannuation benefits

What you will need before you apply
To apply for an Early Release of Superannuation, you will need the following documentation:

  1. A letter addressed to Department of Human Services from Dr Bernard Chin
  2. A Quote for medical expenses from Dr Bernard Chin
  3. A letter from your GP which must include the following information:
    • You are applying for early release of superannuation on compassionate grounds for medical treatment
    • The condition is a life threatening illness
    • The treatment is not readily available in the Public Health system
  4. A letter from your Health Fund stating your level of cover, including any hospital excess payable

How to apply
You will need the Adobe Reader to view and print these documents

  1. To access your superannuation you will need to apply online to The Department of Human Services by clicking on the link below:
    www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/enablers/applying-early-superannuation-release
  2. Begin your application in the personal details section of your Centrelink online account through myGov. You will need to set up a myGov account
  3. After completing your application online, you can submit your application and most supporting documents electronically at the end of the process.
  4. If you are mailing the supporting documents, post to:
    DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
    EARLY RELEASE OF SUPERANNUATION BENEFITS
    PO BOX 7832
    CANBERRA BC ACT 2610
  5. If you are not applying online, it is advisable to photocopy your documentation before mailing your application. Please post your documents by ‘Registered Post’ to ensure they are signed for on delivery.
  6. If you have any queries, relating to your claim, please phone The Department of Human Services on 1300 131 060

SUPERCARE

Pay for Your Weight Loss Procedure with SuperCare – the first program of its kind to help you access your superannuation to fund your weight loss procedure.

SuperCare is an Australian company providing unique and innovative assistance in applying for the Early Release of Super (ERS) Programme, a government initiative managed by the Department of Human Services (DHS). They offer their services to individuals and family members as a means to relieve the financial burden of surgery and medical costs, guiding and supporting your application to ensure an easy and efficient release of your super.

They can help you access funding through Super for ESG and Aftercare Treatment and Programs

Please visit the SuperCare website to find out more and to speak to a consultant.

MEDILOANS

Depending on individual circumstances, payment options can be obtained through providers who specialise in medical loans. Applications can be made either online or via phone:

Mac Credit

  • Payment plans from $4,000
  • MacCredit consultants manage the whole process
  • Up to 7 year terms; based on your individual requirements and objectives
  • Flexible options; any additional repayments can be added back at no extra charge
  • Fast efficient approvals, simply apply online or call 1300 884 355
  • Available to Australian citizens or permanent residents only
  • Credit assessment, lending criteria, terms and conditions apply

For more information, visit www.maccredit.com.au

MediPay

  • Payment Plans up to $30,000
  • Easy online application
  • Decision in 60 minutes or less
  • Funds available same day

For further information, ask our reception team at your initial consultation, OR visit www.medipay.com.au