Cost of Cataracts Surgery in Australia

Cost of Cataracts Surgery in Australia

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In Australia, thousands of Australians will undergo Cataracts surgery. In the Australian health care system, patients have two options of where they could have their Cataracts surgery. This is the public hospital or private hospital.








The Cost In Public Hospitals For Cataracts Surgery

Public hospitals reduce the cost under the Medicare health care system. The cost is usually bulk billed. This means that patients who cannot afford the surgery but are in need of the treatment still have an option. Patients who select this option will be placed on a waiting list that may take several weeks before the surgery takes place. This is dependent on the amount of other Australians who are still waiting for their surgery and the availability at each public hospital.

The Cost In Private Hospitals For Cataracts Surgery

All private hospitals have their own fee structure, however they are normally broken down into three costs. The first is the theatre fee, which is the fee charged to hire out the theatre where the operation or surgery will take place. The second is the anaesthetist fee and thirdly the surgeon’s fee, which is the health professional who conducts the surgery. Keep in mind that the costs are generally charged per eye. Therefore if you require surgery on both eyes, it is important to understand that it will be double the cost.

Seniors on the pension may be able to receive a discount on the surgery if they would like to complete the surgery in a private hospital. This is dependent on contacting the hospital of choice to find out whether there is a discounted option. Generally, this will cost under $2000 per eye.

Uninsured patients, that is individuals who do not have insurance but would like private health care, will be looking at paying approximately $2500 for the surgery per eye.

Australians who have private health care may be covered in full for the surgery. This is dependent on the insurer’s policy, in which case you are advised to contact your insurance company for further details. In most cases, excess would only be charged.