Your Appointment with Dr Sluis-Cremer
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
Referral letter from GP
Medicare Card
List of current medications
Private health insurance details
DVA, healthcare card or pension card, Workcover or CTP claim number
Relevant imaging
We have access to all local Radiology services online, please contact us beforehand to ensure we can access your images electronically
Relevant correspondence from other healthcare professionals.
Consultation Fees
Initial Consultation (MBS Item Number 104)
$260
($210 for Concession Card holders)
Your Medicare Rebate = $86.15
Follow Up Consultation (MBS Item Number 105)
$170
($140 for Concession Card holders)
Your Medicare Rebate = $43.35
*Workcover Consultation fees are directed to the insurer, there is no charge to the patient on the day.
Useful FAQs for Patients
Do I need a referral ?
Yes, in order to take advantage of the Medicare rebate you will need to be referred to us via your GP.
Do I need to pay for my consultation at the time of my appointment?
Yes. We accept all card payments and cash. Your Medicare rebate will be processed immediately provided you have a valid referral.
Are you a Bulk Billing practice?
No, unfortunately the Medicare rebates have not kept pace with the costs of delivering high-quality specialist medical treatment. We do however offer Discretionary Bulk Billing for patients under special circumstances. All such requests are treated with respect and are confidential.
Will my health insurance cover my surgery/procedure?
Out of pocket (Gap) fees will be discussed prior to any surgery to avoid any surprises in costs, including an MBS item number which you can check with your health insurer to confirm coverage.
Costs of surgery that may not be covered by your private health fund can include a part of the surgical fees, surgical assistant fees, anaesthetist fees, hospital admission co-payment, theatre and equipment costs, pathology (blood tests), radiology, and pharmacy costs.
Common item numbers are: total hip replacement (49318), total knee replacement (49518), knee arthroscopy and meniscal surgery (49572, 49580, 49582), ACL reconstruction (49542).
Please contact us if you have any questions about fees.
Do you charge a gap fee for surgery?
We are a known-gap provider for most private healthcare insurers. This means the Gap for surgical fees will never exceed $500.
What is informed financial consent?
Informed financial consent refers to the process where a patient or individual is given clear, comprehensive information about the financial aspects of a treatment or service before agreeing to it. This includes explaining the costs involved, potential out-of-pocket expenses, insurance coverage, payment options, and any financial obligations they may incur. The goal is to ensure that the individual fully understands their financial responsibilities and consents to the treatment or service with this knowledge.
https://www.ama.com.au/articles/AMA_Informed_Financial_Consent_Guide_2024
https://www.ama.com.au/sites/default/files/2024-10/Fees-Gap-Poster-2023.pdf
Do you see patients that do not have private health insurance?
Yes, We accept all direct referrals. Patients without private health insurance are also welcome and may choose to self fund private surgical care. We also offer follow up care for patients that have been seen at the Coffs Harbour Health Campus (The Base Hospital) via the Emergency Department or Fracture Clinic.
Do you see Workers Compensation/ CTP / Veteran Affairs (DVA) patients?
Yes.
Do you treat children?
Yes, we happy to treat children’s injuries/fractures. Dr Sluis-Cremer has completed sub-speciality fellowship training in Peadiatric (Children’s) Orthopaedics at Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.