Bend orthopaedic surgeons set their own private fee which sit in between the Medicare Schedule fee and the AMA fee. Surgeons do take special circumstances into consideration depending on the surgery, so if it’s important to you, please ask to speak with us about your fees.

Also, our surgeons do see patients from Workcover, DVA and those who require medicolegal assessments. Separate fees schedules are used for these patients and are typically billed directly to the appropriate organisation.

Unfortunately, we don’t offer discounts for Health Care Card holders. Bend surgeons do, however, attend Princess Alexandra Hospital Public Out-patients for those in financial need.

First consultation: When you see us for the first time a comprehensive history and assessment including clinical examination will be performed. You’ll have an out of pocket cost for this appointment, however, you will receive a portion of this back through the Medicare rebate.

Subsequent consultation: Subsequent appointments are required to check on your progress. The cost of these consultations are lower due to the shorter appointment.

Post operative consultation: These consultations are covered by your surgical fee, with no out of pocket cost.

Once your surgeon has recommended surgery, our team will provide you with a cost estimate. Every surgery has a different item number and fee, and health funds vary in what they cover, so it’s a good idea to check your level of cover with your health fund before proceeding.

Your estimate will include your surgeon’s fee, the surgical assistant fee, your expected rebate, and any out-of-pocket costs. Most surgeries will have a gap you’ll need to pay, and this payment must be made prior to surgery.
You’ll also be given the name and contact details of your Anaesthetist. Their fees are separate, and you’ll need to contact them directly to discuss costs. You may be able to claim some of this back through Medicare and your private health fund.

In some cases, we may ask you to see a General Physician before surgery. We can arrange this for you, but you’ll be responsible for their fee.

Orthopaedic trauma surgery can be complex and often happens at inconvenient times. Dr Cooke has a strong interest in trauma care and has gained extra training in this area. Because trauma work often involves after-hours surgery and ongoing care, and Medicare fees don’t match the time and complexity involved, Dr Cooke charges AMA-recommended fees for trauma procedures.

If a procedure is performed at the time of the consultation (for example a joint injection) you will be charged for this.

Other possible costs could include hospital, radiology, pharmacy, physiotherapy, or rehabilitation devices like knee braces or crutches. These are billed separately and usually after surgery. Our staff can help you get quotes for these if needed.

Please remember the estimate is a guide only. Final costs may change depending on what’s required during surgery.

Our team will outline the exact costs to you when you call for an appointment. We ask for full payment at the time of the appointment, and accept cash, cheques, EFTPOS and most credit cards other than American Express and Diners Card. You’ll receive a receipt and we can submit your claim to Work Cover for you.

If you’re a Work Cover patient, please bring your claim number so we can make a claim on your behalf. If you don’t provide this, you will be responsible for payment. If you are a DVA patient, please bring appropriate cards for verification and claiming purposes.