There is a huge range of pregnancy care and birthing options available to women today. Sadly, however, the decision around pregnancy care is often driven by cost. Even when families have private health cover, many are still opting for a public system care model. This is simply because the private gap fees can be so high.
Noticing this trend, Sunshine Obstetrics has created a modernised form of affordable private pregnancy care. It ditches those nasty gap fees and allows women to birth privately without any huge out-of-pocket expenses. We chatted to Sunshine Obstetrics Practice Manager Suzanne Wall to find out more about this innovative approach to antenatal care.
A new model of pregnancy care on the Sunshine Coast
What is group care, how does it work?
Our ‘group care’ model is where the three obstetricians at Sunshine Obstetrics—Dr. James Orford, Dr. Kirsten Morrow and George Bogiatzis—and the three midwives share the care between them.
All appointments are rotated between the care team throughout the pregnancy, so families get to know each of the three obstetricians during that time. Families seem to really like this model because it’s almost like getting a second opinion each time, it’s comforting to get another person’s input on any questions you may have because sometimes you might have something you want to run past someone else. But you also get to know and trust the three OBGYNs.
In particular, we are finding that a lot of second-time mums really like this care model. After trying the public or private system first time around, they realise that the group care approach fits them perfectly. It gives them the best of both worlds—private care, without the blow-out gap fees.
How much does this model of pregnancy care cost?
There are varying options and circumstances, but if you have private pregnancy health insurance and access to medicare rebates, you can have all of your obstetrics care for just $990. This includes all appointments with our private obstetricians and midwives.
This way, you can save a couple of thousand dollars, because the out-of-pocket costs for a traditional private care pregnancy could be three or four thousand dollars.
Do I need a referral to Sunshine Obstetrics?
Yes, you will need a referral from a GP before your pregnancy care appointments with our midwives or private obstetricians. However, if you would like to learn more about our private pregnancy care services, we offer a meet and greet with a midwife, and you do not need a referral for this appointment. All appointments are at our clinic in Buderim, Sunshine Coast.
Where can you birth?
Our only hospital for births is Buderim Private Hospital, as we find the level of care there is exceptional. But you can also come to us for your pregnancy care if you are birthing through SCUH (Sunshine Coast University Hospital).
We have created a range of care models to ensure we can cater for the many different situations families may face today. You can come to us if you don’t have a Medicare card, if you don’t have health insurance. There’s lots of different options. We know that having a baby is a very special experience, but it doesn’t have to be expensive!
I am already seeing another obstetrician. Can I still be a patient?
Yes, we will see all patients throughout their pregnancy. However, patients must have private health cover for pregnancy and be eligible for Medicare for the out-of-pocket costs to be $990.
If you transfer your care to Sunshine Obstetrics during your pregnancy, you will still be required to pay the costs associated with your care.
Do I get to choose my obstetrician?
Sunshine Obstetrics is a shared care model for private pregnancy care, and therefore, you may see different private obstetricians for each of your appointments and birth. However, you should feel confident in the care provided by all our specialists as they are very well respected and trusted on the Sunshine Coast.
Are there any additional costs I need to know about?
We are 100% transparent with our costs at Sunshine Obstetrics. The total out-of-pocket costs, after medicare rebates, is $990 for our private pregnancy care. This includes all appointments with our private obstetricians and midwives. However, patients must have access to Medicare and have current private pregnancy healthcare cover. There may be additional out-of-pocket costs, but these are generally services not provided by Sunshine Obstetrics.
sunshineobstetrics.com.au | 07 5391 4088
23 Elsa Wilson Drive, Buderim
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