How much does it cost to see a medical specialist?

[Jo Jo]

Roughly?

Or is this a how long is a piece of string question?

I've got a suspected ulna nerve compression/ entrapment, and have been given the number of a neurologist to call, and wondered how much it was likely to cost.

(I'm really regretting not taking out medical insurance now...)

[Moorf]

Did you go to the doc? I was referred by my doc direct to a specialist and treatment was free (endocrinologist).

[Jo Jo]

Yes, I've seen the doc twice, and the last time he wrote me a letter of referral and told me to call the neurologist myself, which I thought was odd, but just assumed that was the way things were done over here. I assumed I'd have to pay, but am I wrong about that? Hope so!

I will call the neurologist tomorrow and see what he says.

I really don't know how the health system works here at all.

[Moorf]

If you've been referred, it's free in most cases. When you make the appt, let them know this. A couple of times I had letters of referral given to me, other times a phone number and just told to make appts myself. You'll have forms to fill in when you go for appt that will tell them how you came to be there.

I have had to pay fees when referred for a scan by the doc, I believe these are subsidized - it cost me $100. Was the condition caused by a fall or similar?

When is publicly funded healthcare free?
Public healthcare is free for:

* hospital treatment including 24-hour accident and emergency (A&E) clinics. There are some exceptions, such as for cosmetic surgery.
* children's immunisations.
* prescription medicine for children under six.
* people who need more than 20 prescriptions per year. Prescriptions are free starting from the 21st prescribed item.
* prescription medicines for all public hospital patients.
* most laboratory tests and x-rays, except at privately operated clinics.
* healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth. This covers everything from the diagnosis of pregnancy to pre- and post-natal care for mother and baby. There is no charge for hospital stays.
* general practitioner (GP) referrals to a public hospital for treatment.
* check-ups and basic dental treatment for schoolchildren.
* breast-screening for women aged 50 to 64.
* acute or chronic medical conditions. (In some circumstances a financial contribution may be needed.)

What healthcare is subsidised but not free?

* Prescription items.
* Visits to general practitioners.
* Visits to physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths when referred by a GP.
* Ambulance services.

http://www.enz.org/healthcare-migrants-newzealand.html

Of course, if you wish to go private (for instance, if there is a long waiting list) then it will cost you. Have no idea on what they may be.

[Tia Maria]

My son had to see a specialist recently and the initial consultation was $150 the follow up was $90. The scan was $230. Our medical insurance covered all this but we had to pay it, then claim it back as it was under $300.

I had to phone everyone myself to arrange appointments but it might be worth checking the doctor hasn't assumed you've got medical insurance.

I got the impression that if we hadn't had insurance we would have got it free but would have had to have waited. Of course it may be different for an adult.

HTH

Cheers

Tia

[Jo Jo]

That's great, thanks Moorf.

I'm not sure what caused it - the symptoms started about three months ago, not long after I was in a car accident, but I don't know if the car accident caused it or whether that's just coincidence. Both doctors I've seen have been quite vague about possible causes.

[Jo Jo]

Thanks, Tia.