Fees
Standard Consultations
Medicare rebates are applicable for Medicare cardholders if they have a valid referral from a doctor.
Our practice has a philosophy that patients are fully informed about charges, and we will provide you with an estimate of our consultation fees when booking an outpatient appointment. Payment in full is required at the time of attendance. We can submit your claim to Medicare for you online.
The charge for subsequent appointments varies depending on the complexity of the problem, duration of the consult etc. Please call to discuss any questions you have in relation to fees prior to your child’s appointment.
Overseas Visitor Patients
If you are a resident of a country that has a health care agreement with Australia (known as a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement) you may be entitled to limited subsidized health services for medically necessary treatment. Patients visiting Australia will need to arrange payment with their Insurance Company. Most cases require individuals to pay upfront themselves and then reimbursed by their insurance upon receipt of services.
Referrals and Rebates
A valid referral is required for all appointments to receive Medicare rebates. GP referrals are generally valid for 12 months unless GP specifies longer duration in the referral. Specialist to Specialist referral is valid for 3 months.
For appointments at Ashford Specialist Centre with Dr Sanjay Sinhal, referrals can be faxed to 08 8371 1041 or emailed to reception.sinhal@gmail.com prior to your Child’s appointment.
For appointments with specialists at SAPAN North Adelaide, referrals can be faxed to 08 7093 0404 or emailed to reception@sapan.health.
Alternatively, please bring referral with you on the day of appointment.
Medicare Safety Net
Visiting a GP and specialist doctor or having pathology and imaging tests may cost you less once you reach a Medicare Safety Net threshold. Once you reach the relevant threshold, you still pay the same amount upfront to your doctor, however you may receive a higher Medicare benefit, making your out-of-pocket expenses much less for the rest of the calendar year. To register for Medicare Safety Net and for further details, click on the links below: Medicare Safety Net and thresholds https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/
Medicare does not automatically add each family member to your safety net.
Once your baby has been assigned a Medicare number, please call Medicare on 132011 to add your baby to your family safety net if you are eligible. This will ensure you receive the rebate entitlements after paying your invoice and also ensure all of your family members listed on your card have full access to the safety net rebates until December 31st.
Accounts for Newborn Care
Most accounts are given to you around 6 weeks after the birth of your baby. We request you pay the whole invoice amount and we can lodge an online claim with Medicare on your behalf for Medicare rebates.
Rebates are usually paid to your bank account within 24 hours to greatly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Health fund cover applies only for care provided whilst a baby is admitted to hospital’s Special Care Nursery. Most babies do not need admission.
Account for Pediatric care during this admission is usually sent directly to your health fund through our electronic claim’s software. All families are advised to update their health fund of their newborn’s inclusion on their hospital policy (from birth). Where we are not able to invoice your fund for admitted care, we will invoice you directly.
SA Paediatrics and Newborns (SAPAN) is a health practice dedicated to providing exemplary care to babies, children, and adolescents with a wide variety of health and behavioural issues.