Anne's Story
Anne is a mother of two teenagers and has arthritis. Anne lives in regional NSW.
Anne goes to see her GP complaining of hip pain. The cost to Medicare of visiting the GP is $33.55. The GP orders an X-Ray at a cost to Medicare of $35.40.
Anne goes back to her GP (at a cost to Medicare of $33.55) and he refers her to a specialist (an Orthopaedic Surgeon) at the local public hospital.
Anne sees the Orthopaedic Surgeon (at a cost to the hospital of $140). She reviews Anne's X-rays and determines that Anne will need a hip replacement due to the extent of her arthritis. This is not viewed as life-threatening and 2 months after her visit to the Orthopaedic Surgeon, Anne receives a call from the hospital advising her of a date for surgery in 1 month's time.
The total cost of Anne's hip replacement is $24,817 (this includes the artificial hip and in-hospital rehabilitation).
Anne is discharged and sees her specialist for review at a cost to the hospital of $140.
Anne continues her physiotherapy for 6 more visits to the hospital's rehabilitation department at a cost of $367 to the hospital.
TOTAL COST: $25,566