Frequently Asked Questions

Insurance & Medicare

What about your fees?

Click here to know about the fees

What are your acceptable means of payment?

Fees will be reviewed with you at the consultation visit. Payment during the consultation is appreciated. Bank cheques, personal cheques, cash or credit cards (MasterCard, VISA) are acceptable means of payment.

Do I need to have private health insurance?

Dr Harbury treats patients both in the public system (Medicare) and also in the private system. Patients with private health insurance have additional choices with reference to the timing of their surgery and the location. There is a significant waiting time for treatment in the public hospital, of up to a year, with the limitation being the amount of surgical operating time being made available to myself by the public hospital system. The New South Wales Health Department has published very clear guidelines on what it regards as acceptable waiting times for elective procedures, with special dispensation required to move patients forward, therefore it is not generally possible for me to treat people in anything other than the order that they attended my practice and were booked for surgery."

Will my insurance cover all your treatments?

Insurance will only cover medical treatments. Cosmetic treatments are not covered.

What are the Medicare rules about referrals to specialists?

If you want Medicare to help to pay for specialist medical services at the referred rate, it is essential to discuss your condition and possible referral with your family doctor before you see the specialist. Please note that the backdating of referrals is illegal and can result in heavy fines and prison sentences. If you have any questions about seeing medical specialists or about the Medicare benefits system, please ask your family doctor or contact Medicare on 13 2011.