OUR PHILOSOPHY
Our practice is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based neurosurgical care with a strong emphasis on communication, accessibility, and patient-centred decision-making.
We believe patients should understand both the clinical and financial aspects of their care before making important healthcare decisions. For this reason, we aim to provide clear and transparent information regarding fees and any expected out-of-pocket costs wherever possible.
While Medicare and private health insurance provide important support for medical care in Australia, rebates have not kept pace with the increasing costs of delivering specialist healthcare over many years. Maintaining a modern neurosurgical practice involves substantial costs, including highly specialised staff, facilities, technology, ongoing professional development, and medical indemnity requirements. As a result, some out-of-pocket costs may apply.
Our approach is to keep these costs fair, reasonable, and transparent. We do not believe that large gap fees are a measure of surgical expertise or quality. Rather, quality care is defined by clinical judgement, experience, technical skill, communication, professionalism, and, most importantly, patient outcomes.
Our focus remains on providing the highest standard of care while ensuring that treatment is as accessible and affordable as possible for our patients and their families.
Private vs Public Care
Patients may be seen through either the public or private system depending on their circumstances, urgency, insurance status, and preferences.
- Patients with private health insurance are seen at A/Prof Poonnoose's private rooms at Calvary Adelaide Hospital.
- Uninsured patients are seen through the Neurosurgical department at Flinders Medical Centre.
Consultation Fees
| Appointment Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation | Fees vary depending on complexity and duration |
| Review consultation | Reduced fee structure where appropriate |
| Pensioner / concession | Considered on an individual basis |
| WorkCover / DVA / CTP | Accepted where applicable |
Medicare rebates apply to eligible consultations. Our staff will provide fee estimates wherever possible prior to your appointment.
Surgical Fees
Surgical costs can include:
- Surgeon fees
- Assistant fees
- Anaesthetic fees
- Hospital fees
- Prostheses or implants if any
These costs vary significantly depending on the complexity of the surgery, hospital arrangements, insurance cover, and the duration of admission. Where possible, written estimates will be provided before surgery.
Our practice aims to avoid excessive out-of-pocket costs while maintaining high standards of care.
No Surprises
We believe unexpected medical costs create unnecessary stress for patients and families. Our team aims to discuss likely fees, rebates, and possible additional costs before treatment wherever feasible.
Financial Hardship
We recognise that neurosurgical conditions can place major emotional and financial strain on patients and families. If financial concerns may affect your access to care, we encourage you to discuss them confidentially with our team.
Why We Value Transparency
Medicine is built on trust. We believe patients deserve:
- Honest advice
- Clear communication
- Evidence-based treatment
- Transparency regarding costs
Large out-of-pocket expenses do not necessarily equate to better outcomes or better care.
