Understanding fees and billing with Dr George Awwad
Before your appointment or surgery, it’s important to feel confident about the costs involved in your care. This page outlines the surgical fees associated with treatment by Dr George Awwad, along with options for both privately insured and self-funding patients. If you have any questions, our team is here to help you understand your options and prepare for the financial aspects of your treatment.
Rebates & Billing Information
Payment Information
Payment is required at the time of your consultation. We accept:
-
EFTPOS -
Visa and MasterCard -
Cash
Our reception team can process your Medicare rebate on the spot, with the rebate deposited directly into your nominated bank account.
Referrals and Medicare Claims
To claim a Medicare rebate, you must have a current referral from a GP or treating specialist.
Please note: referrals from physiotherapists are not eligible for Medicare claiming.
If you do not have a valid referral on the day, you will need to pay the full consultation fee without a rebate, and we will not be able to claim on your behalf.
Third-Party Claims (WorkCover, DVA, etc.)
Patients with claims through:
-
WorkCover -
Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) -
Other third-party insurers
…should provide claim numbers and documentation before their appointment.
In most cases, standard consultation fees still apply and are payable on the day. Reimbursement can then be arranged directly between you and the insurer.
Payment Information
Payment is required at the time of your consultation. We accept:
-
EFTPOS -
Visa and MasterCard -
Cash
Our reception team can process your Medicare rebate on the spot, with the rebate deposited directly into your nominated bank account.
Referrals and Medicare Claims
To claim a Medicare rebate, you must have a current referral from a GP or treating specialist.
Please note: referrals from physiotherapists are not eligible for Medicare claiming.
If you do not have a valid referral on the day, you will need to pay the full consultation fee without a rebate, and we will not be able to claim on your behalf.
Third-Party Claims (WorkCover, DVA, etc.)
Patients with claims through:
-
WorkCover -
Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) -
Other third-party insurers
…should provide claim numbers and documentation before their appointment.
In most cases, standard consultation fees still apply and are payable on the day. Reimbursement can then be arranged directly between you and the insurer.
Private health insurance and surgery costs: what you need to know
If you hold private hospital cover, your out-of-pocket expenses for surgery will depend on several factors including your insurer, your policy tier, and the type of procedure being performed. In Australia, private health insurers now offer four standardised hospital cover tiers: Basic, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. These tiers help determine what types of care are covered under your policy.
Hospital policy tiers explained
-
Basic cover: Generally excludes most orthopaedic procedures, including joint replacement. -
Bronze cover: May cover some hospital services, but orthopaedic and joint surgeries are typically excluded. -
Silver cover: Some silver-tier policies include selected joint procedures, but coverage can vary by fund and policy. -
Gold cover: Typically provides the most comprehensive coverage, including hip and knee replacement and other orthopaedic surgeries.
What to check with your insurer before surgery
Before booking surgery, we recommend confirming the following with your private health insurer:
-
Does your current policy cover the planned procedure? (Ask using the Medicare item number provided during consultation.) -
Are there any waiting periods still in effect? -
What is your hospital excess or co-payment? -
Will there be any additional out-of-pocket costs not covered by the fund?
Understanding out-of-pocket costs (gap payments)
Even with private health insurance, you may still need to contribute toward your surgery through a gap payment. This is the difference between the total fee charged by your healthcare providers and the amount reimbursed by Medicare and your health fund.
Factors that influence your gap payment may include:
-
Dr Awwad’s surgical fee -
Fees from your anaesthetist -
Assistant surgeon fees (if applicable) -
Hospital admission costs not fully covered by your insurer -
Imaging, pathology, or implant items outside policy limits
Your written quote (Informed Financial Consent)
To help you feel fully informed and financially prepared, we will provide a detailed written quote before confirming surgery. This includes:
-
Dr Awwad’s surgical fee -
Estimated anaesthetist and assistant surgeon fees -
Hospital charges and any known excess -
Any expected out-of-pocket costs -
Contact details for further support
Our team is here to answer any questions and help you navigate your private health insurance and Medicare rebates, so you can proceed with confidence.
-
Basic cover: Generally excludes most orthopaedic procedures, including joint replacement. -
Bronze cover: May cover some hospital services, but orthopaedic and joint surgeries are typically excluded. -
Silver cover: Some silver-tier policies include selected joint procedures, but coverage can vary by fund and policy. -
Gold cover: Typically provides the most comprehensive coverage, including hip and knee replacement and other orthopaedic surgeries.
Before booking surgery, we recommend confirming the following with your private health insurer:
-
Does your current policy cover the planned procedure? (Ask using the Medicare item number provided during consultation.) -
Are there any waiting periods still in effect? -
What is your hospital excess or co-payment? -
Will there be any additional out-of-pocket costs not covered by the fund?
Even with private health insurance, you may still need to contribute toward your surgery through a gap payment. This is the difference between the total fee charged by your healthcare providers and the amount reimbursed by Medicare and your health fund.
Factors that influence your gap payment may include:
-
Dr Awwad’s surgical fee -
Fees from your anaesthetist -
Assistant surgeon fees (if applicable) -
Hospital admission costs not fully covered by your insurer -
Imaging, pathology, or implant items outside policy limits
To help you feel fully informed and financially prepared, we will provide a detailed written quote before confirming surgery. This includes:
-
Dr Awwad’s surgical fee -
Estimated anaesthetist and assistant surgeon fees -
Hospital charges and any known excess -
Any expected out-of-pocket costs -
Contact details for further support
Our team is here to answer any questions and help you navigate your private health insurance and Medicare rebates, so you can proceed with confidence.
Self-funded surgery: options for patients without private health insurance
Not having private health insurance doesn’t mean you can’t access timely, high-quality orthopaedic care. Dr George Awwad offers self-funded surgery options for patients who choose to pay for their procedure directly. This approach allows you to access treatment at a private hospital without the extended wait times often associated with the public system.
Whether you require a hip or knee replacement, ligament reconstruction, or other orthopaedic procedures, our team can provide transparent pricing and guide you through the self-funding process.
What your self-funded surgery costs may include
Your total surgery cost will depend on the procedure, hospital, and your specific clinical needs. Common fees may include:
-
Surgeon’s fee – including Dr Awwad and the surgical assistant (if required) -
Anaesthetist’s fee – a separate charge for the specialist administering your anaesthetic -
Private hospital fees – covering accommodation, nursing care, operating theatre, and other services -
Implants or prosthetic devices – if undergoing joint replacement or similar procedures -
Medications – used during your stay -
Imaging and pathology – including X-rays, CT scans, or blood tests performed during admission
A detailed Informed Financial Consent will be provided before proceeding.
How to proceed with self-funded surgery
If you do not hold private health insurance, you may still access timely and high-quality care by choosing to self-fund your procedure. Dr George Awwad offers:
Obtain a referral
Visit your GP and request a referral to Dr Awwad. This is required to access Medicare rebates for your initial consultation.
Book your consultation
Contact Dr Awwad’s rooms to arrange your appointment. We also offer telehealth consultations where appropriate.
Receive your quote
During your consultation, you will be given a detailed breakdown of estimated costs for surgery, anaesthesia, hospital admission, and any additional items.
Schedule your procedure
Once you decide to proceed, surgery can be scheduled at one of the private hospitals where Dr Awwad operates.
Arrange payment
Payment is required in full prior to surgery. Our team will guide you through this process and answer any questions.
Obtain a referral
Visit your GP and request a referral to Dr Awwad. This is required to access Medicare rebates for your initial consultation.
Book your consultation
Contact Dr Awwad’s rooms to arrange your appointment. We also offer telehealth consultations where appropriate.
Receive your quote
During your consultation, you will be given a detailed breakdown of estimated costs for surgery, anaesthesia, hospital admission, and any additional items.
Schedule your procedure
Once you decide to proceed, surgery can be scheduled at one of the private hospitals where Dr Awwad operates.
Arrange payment
Payment is required in full prior to surgery. Our team will guide you through this process and answer any questions.
Changes to your initial estimate
Every effort is made to provide an accurate quote based on the planned procedure. However, costs may change if:
-
Your surgery becomes more complex than expected -
Your hospital stay is longer or shorter than estimated -
Additional imaging, implants, or services are required
If any changes arise, we will discuss them with you and ensure you are fully informed.
Self-funding gives you more control over your care, allowing you to access surgery without unnecessary delay and begin your recovery sooner. Our team is here to support you through each step of the process.
If you’re living with pain or stiffness that’s affecting your quality of life, a thorough assessment can help determine the cause and guide the right treatment path.
Book An Appointment