Informed financial consent
Before going ahead with treatment, your specialist should provide you with an informed financial consent document. This document outlines the expected costs for their services, including any medical gaps or out-of-pocket expenses you may need to pay.
Informed financial consent helps you understand the cost of your treatment before you make a decision to go ahead with it. Your specialist should explain all expected fees in writing so you can make an informed choice and avoid unexpected costs where possible.
You can contact more than one specialist to compare costs before choosing a provider. You may also wish to ask about their experience performing the procedure, including how often they perform it and any potential risks or complications.
What happens in emergency situations?
Sometimes, such as in an emergency, your doctor or healthcare provider may not be able to discuss the costs of your treatment before it takes place.
If this happens, they should provide information about any costs as soon as reasonably possible after your treatment. If it's not practical to provide this information directly to you, it may be given to someone authorised to act on your behalf.
What if my bill is higher than I expected?
If you receive a bill that's higher than expected, we recommend contacting your doctor or healthcare provider first. They can explain the charges and confirm whether the costs were discussed with you before treatment.
If you have questions about your health insurance and hospital benefits, we're here to help. Contact GMHBA and we'll help you understand your cover and potential out-of-pocket costs that may apply for your treatment.