Fees & insurance policy
We believe in absolute transparency regarding clinical costs. Understanding financial commitments prior to any consultation or surgical procedure is essential for peace of mind.
Consultation fees
Full payment is required on the day of your consultation. To enable us to process your Medicare rebate directly to your bank account, please ensure you bring a valid referral letter and have registered your bank details with Medicare.
| Consultation Type | Medicare Item | Practice Fee | Medicare Rebate | Out-of-Pocket Net Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | Medicare Item 104 | $350.00 | $81.30 | $268.70 |
| Review Consultation | Medicare Item 105 | $180.00 | $40.85 | $139.15 |
Please note: A GP referral letter is generally valid for 12 months, whereas a specialist-to-specialist referral is valid for only 3 months. It is the patient\'s responsibility to ensure a valid referral is on file to receive the Medicare rebate.
Insurance and clinical pathways
Private Health Insurance
For surgical procedures, private health funds usually cover the cost of the hospital stay, theatre fees, and prosthetic devices. However, there is typically a gap between the surgeon's fee and what the insurance fund rebates. We will provide a comprehensive, transparent Written Informed Financial Consent prior to any scheduled procedure.
Medicare Australia
Medicare rebates are available for both consulting fees and surgical fees, provided you have a valid GP or specialist referral letter. Our administrative team will submit your consultation claim directly to Medicare on your behalf to expedite your rebate process.
WorkCover & TAC Claims
If your condition is related to a workplace accident or a motor vehicle accident, consulting fees and surgical fees may be fully covered by WorkSafe Victoria or the Transport Accident Commission (TAC). Prior approval and a valid claim number are required before your first appointment can be billed directly to these bodies.
Uninsured / Self-Funded Patients
Patients without private health insurance can still undergo surgery under Dr Aliashkevich's care in a private hospital. In these cases, the patient is responsible for all costs, including hospital stay fees, theatre fees, prosthetics, and specialist fees. Alternatively, we can assist in facilitating referrals to public hospital lists.
Informed financial consent
If surgery is recommended, you will be provided with a detailed, itemised cost estimate, known as Informed Financial Consent. This document outlines:
- The specific Medicare item numbers for your surgical procedure
- Dr Aliashkevich\'s surgical fee
- The expected rebate from Medicare and your private health fund
- The out-of-pocket gap fee, including due dates and payment terms
Please note that separate fees are billed by the assistant surgeon, the anaesthetist, the hospital (theatre and accommodation), and pathology or medical imaging providers.
Accepted payment methods
Consultation fees can be settled using any of the following convenient options.
- Credit and Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
- Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT / Direct Deposit)
- Cash payments at selected consulting rooms
- Direct billing for pre-approved WorkCover, TAC, and DVA cases
Common billing questions
Why is there a gap fee for private surgery?
Private health funds and Medicare set scheduled fees that often do not reflect the complexity, high technical demands, and professional overheads of specialist neurosurgical care. The gap fee allows us to maintain a world-class standard of surgical care and administration.
Can I pay my gap fee using my superannuation?
Under the Australian Government\'s Early Release of Superannuation scheme on compassionate grounds, some patients may access their superannuation to cover surgical gap fees, hospital costs, or anaesthetic fees. Our staff can provide required supporting letters once a surgery date is scheduled.
Any questions about fees?
Our administrative team is here to assist with any questions regarding consulting fees, surgical quotes, or Medicare requirements.
Contact Administrative Team