Medicare!

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Medicare!
Topic Started: May 3 2007, 07:51 PM (208 Views)
CHELSEAJAMIE	May 3 2007, 07:51 PM Post #1
Redback Posts: 31 Group: Members Member #27 Joined: November 19, 2006	Hi again, You all probably recognise that I float around on here from time to time, but on this occasion I could do with some reassuring, but let me first explain... Basically, we fly out on the 31st July to begin our new life on the Sun Coast, but I have been having pain with my right hip on and off for a while (im 34 yrs old). To cut a long story short, I was told the results of my MRI scan today and it turns out the problem is DYSPLASIA, which means my right hip isn't formed totally normally, meaning it WILL wear out quciker than the left, due to the increased pressure that comes with the lack of protection... basically, I need quite a big op to rectify this within the next few years...in Aus, or within 15-20 years I could have Osteo artharitis in the hip etc, due to the damage done...he even mentioned a wheelchair! So, I am aware/assume Medicare covers operations, are there any costs I may need to stand? In light of this I will take out some sort of additional medical insurance...and would many employers be prepared to stand by me during the approx. 3 months recovery period? Obviously I'm very concerned, as can we really committ to a mortgage, etc, before I get this done? Any comments greatly appreciated!



Paul	May 4 2007, 01:25 AM Post #2
Croc Posts: 270 Group: Members Member #110 Joined: March 27, 2007	I'm not qualified to give advice on this Jamie. In fact I don't think anyone would be on this or any other expat forum. However, I doubt very much you will get the kind of treatment you are after through the Australian medicare system. Privately you might, but of course you'll need to divulge so much information that it will have a knock on effect with your finances. I really don't have an answer for you. Perhaps, after you've found out some more yourself you could let us all know. Whilst I've got your attention, add yourself to the Arrivals category/forum at the top of the forum page list. Cheers Paul.



cathnpaul	May 4 2007, 06:41 AM Post #3
Moderator - Croc. the yellow ribbon is for Maddy.x Posts: 464 Group: Members Member #21 Joined: October 29, 2006	http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/corpor...ontact_us.shtml Give medicare a ring, they may be able to direct you to who to speak to about the cost of going private/private clinics.
	LATE JUNE 2007, IS THE START OF <span style='font-family:Arial'>A NEW LIFE DOWN UNDER</span>


CHELSEAJAMIE	May 6 2007, 07:32 PM Post #4
Redback Posts: 31 Group: Members Member #27 Joined: November 19, 2006	Paul May 4 2007, 11:25 AM I'm not qualified to give advice on this Jamie. In fact I don't think anyone would be on this or any other expat forum. However, I doubt very much you will get the kind of treatment you are after through the Australian medicare system. Privately you might, but of course you'll need to divulge so much information that it will have a knock on effect with your finances. I really don't have an answer for you. Perhaps, after you've found out some more yourself you could let us all know. Whilst I've got your attention, add yourself to the Arrivals category/forum at the top of the forum page list. Cheers Paul. Well, having put the same post on 2 other forums, the feedback has been quite good, if a bit contradictory! Basically, I am still awaiting confirmation replies from Medicare/Medibank in response to my "subtle" enquiry re what I would be covered for as a migrant with the 2 above institutions, but the jist is so far that I'm reasonibly sure that Medicare WOULD cover the op, BUT additional costs associated with my recovery, such as physio would have to be paid for by me/or claimed against a private scheme, which even IF I subscribed to as soon as we arrived in Aus, there would be a 12 month "waiting period" as a NEW MEMBER/ (WITH A) PRE-EXISTING CONDITION, so in other words, I pay premiums for the first 12 months, but cannot make a claim...which isn't a problem. As you already know, having read my original post and considering feedback, etc, I think I really have NO CHOICE (in an ideal world I would have it done before leaving) but to keep quiet for now and continue with our plans and start the process again/let them "discover" the condition once settled, as it CAN wait a few years and besides, i'm feeling fine at the mo, the alternative being opening a can of worms... I'm sure I will be fine...but I must admit it's lousy timing and it will be like a cloud hanging over us, for the time being, at least.



Paul	May 6 2007, 09:55 PM Post #5
Croc Posts: 270 Group: Members Member #110 Joined: March 27, 2007	Thanks for the info Jamie. I have reasonably close contacts with the medical grapevine because my wife's a pharmacist (speaks to doctors all the time) and my brother is a nurse working in a public hospital. One thing is for certain, even if Medicare were to pay for the operation it would be a long wait of two, three or may be more years. Perhaps consider the putting money aside for a private consultation? Paul.



airconkid	May 7 2007, 08:07 AM Post #6
MODERATOR- Great White Posts: 639 Group: Members Member #25 Joined: November 14, 2006	Some good advice coming from this thread....... Keep it coming Aircon
	Grab the cane toad by the legs and go for it, life is too short to wander "What if...." or "If only...." Now LOVING *"A New Life Down Under"*


CHELSEAJAMIE	May 8 2007, 04:58 PM Post #7
Redback Posts: 31 Group: Members Member #27 Joined: November 19, 2006	Paul May 7 2007, 07:55 AM Thanks for the info Jamie. I have reasonably close contacts with the medical grapevine because my wife's a pharmacist (speaks to doctors all the time) and my brother is a nurse working in a public hospital. One thing is for certain, even if Medicare were to pay for the operation it would be a long wait of two, three or may be more years. Perhaps consider the putting money aside for a private consultation? Paul. Ok Paul, I have already made enquires as to the various Medibank packages available, they have e-mailed me an attachment brochure and are also sending me hard copies, which we can read on the plane! Paul, in light of what you have just said, could I please ask a BIG favour, ie could either your wife or brother make "subtle" enquiries on my behalf re ALL the possible costs involved for a Aus Permanent Resident for a PERIACETABULAR OSTEOTOMY proceedure (including gp/consultant/scans/after care, ie physio) on on my right hip for DYSPLASIA or DDH, as at least then I will know EXACTLY what the situation is and can plan accordingly. I have emailed the MBS section of the Medicare websight, to try to find out the same, but i'm obviously trying not to say too much! 2-3 years isn't a problem,(as long as it isn't much more than that) as I have ALREADY had all the scans/diognosis and have been told there is no big emergency, as long as it is sorted within/close to that time scale. If you can do this for me, I would be very grateful, maybe pm/e-mail if/when you get any feedback? Fingers crossed!



Paul	May 9 2007, 12:47 AM Post #8
Croc Posts: 270 Group: Members Member #110 Joined: March 27, 2007	Yes, that would be a BIG favour! The thing is neither of them are in a position to talk specifics or indeed ask about costs. It's more or less information and general knowledge collected through their work or along the grapevine that I'm feeding back to you. Specifics is another thing entirely. The information you are in the throws of retrieving will be good enough to start making general enquiries. It's worth noting that, from what I understand, despite the fact that you have a medical condition, if you have already been accepted for migration purposes to Australia you cannot be removed from the list. I have migrated to Australia twice - once in the early nineties and once just a couple of years ago. Like you, and every other wanna be migrant, I had to undergo a blood test for, amongst other things AIDS. Now when the test was performed the first time I was given the impression that this was a test that should I "fail" my chances of migrating to Aus were zero. I don't know if that was truly the case but that's the impression I got. Now, if your blood test reveals you have it (not full blown AIDS obviously) you are not discriminated against. Interesting, particulary if you apply the reasoning to your own case. Australia just needs to be aware of your condition. Since you are able to work and your condition is treatable you have little to fear. In other words, it isn't really necessary to "cover up" the detail because no one can do much about it i.e. strike you off the list. Your skills, or those of your partner are in demand and you have both been accepted to migrate. Therefore, ask those question you ask of me directly to the health bodies that you approach, with confidence. And good luck! Paul.



Paul	May 9 2007, 01:13 AM Post #9
Croc Posts: 270 Group: Members Member #110 Joined: March 27, 2007	Jamie, check this out. Then click on "Private Health Improvements" with the brolly. http://www.health.gov.au :rolleyes:



CHELSEAJAMIE	May 10 2007, 06:04 PM Post #10
Redback Posts: 31 Group: Members Member #27 Joined: November 19, 2006	:angry: Paul May 9 2007, 10:47 AM Yes, that would be a BIG favour! The thing is neither of them are in a position to talk specifics or indeed ask about costs. It's more or less information and general knowledge collected through their work or along the grapevine that I'm feeding back to you. Specifics is another thing entirely. The information you are in the throws of retrieving will be good enough to start making general enquiries. It's worth noting that, from what I understand, despite the fact that you have a medical condition, if you have already been accepted for migration purposes to Australia you cannot be removed from the list. I have migrated to Australia twice - once in the early nineties and once just a couple of years ago. Like you, and every other wanna be migrant, I had to undergo a blood test for, amongst other things AIDS. Now when the test was performed the first time I was given the impression that this was a test that should I "fail" my chances of migrating to Aus were zero. I don't know if that was truly the case but that's the impression I got. Now, if your blood test reveals you have it (not full blown AIDS obviously) you are not discriminated against. Interesting, particulary if you apply the reasoning to your own case. Australia just needs to be aware of your condition. Since you are able to work and your condition is treatable you have little to fear. In other words, it isn't really necessary to "cover up" the detail because no one can do much about it i.e. strike you off the list. Your skills, or those of your partner are in demand and you have both been accepted to migrate. Therefore, ask those question you ask of me directly to the health bodies that you approach, with confidence. And good luck! Paul. Ok, fair enough. That is a relief what you have said re our visa not being in danger (I read caluse 109 of the Migrant's act yesterday after a suggestion from somebody on another forum and my imagination did start to run riot!). I have now made attempts to get answers through specific enquiries to Medicare re costs, etc, but as of yet no clarification....so i'm really no nearer, ie would Medicare indeed stand the cost of the op, or would I have to pay upfront, then claim back as for a GP visit, etc? AARRGH! The fustration!



airconkid	May 12 2007, 10:14 AM Post #11
MODERATOR- Great White Posts: 639 Group: Members Member #25 Joined: November 14, 2006	You'll be fine, I'm sure. If I could send you karma, I would. Aircon
	Grab the cane toad by the legs and go for it, life is too short to wander "What if...." or "If only...." Now LOVING *"A New Life Down Under"*


CHELSEAJAMIE	May 18 2007, 05:14 PM Post #12
Redback Posts: 31 Group: Members Member #27 Joined: November 19, 2006	airconkid May 12 2007, 08:14 PM You'll be fine, I'm sure. If I could send you karma, I would. Aircon Thankyou, Aircon. I have pasted below the e-mail I received from Medicare, which answers my questions and I must admit I do feel very relieved now I understand my 2 options as a Aus Perm Res... 1. choose your own doctor for the operation - in this case you will be billed by the hospital as well as everybody who provides any service to you (radiologists, pathologists, surgeon, specialist, etc). That being the case you will be able to claim 75% of the schedule fee for services as a Medicare payment. The rest will have to be paid by you. If you need a breakdown of costs involved you need to talk to your doctors and obtain their fees with the corresponding item numbers. Than we can give you an estimate how much you will be able to claim back from us. Please note pathology services will not be able to provide you with item numbers beforehand only after they carried out the tests. All services will be billed to you in form of an itemised account which you will need to bring/send to us for payment. Once you receive our cheque that will have to be forwarded to your doctor with any outstanding balance. 2. do not choose your own doctor - you can be treated in a public hospital as a Medicare patient which means all your bills will be covered by the hospital's budget. You will not have a say who treats you also, you may be put on a waiting list for the operation. Physiotherapy is not covered by Medicare at all even if you have Medicare entitlements. The cost of it will be yours entirely.



Paul	May 19 2007, 12:35 AM Post #13
Croc Posts: 270 Group: Members Member #110 Joined: March 27, 2007	And there you go! Mind you, now comes the question of private or national health. Waiting times can be years and years... Paul.



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