Body Contouring with Dr Bernard Beldholm

Understanding how Medicare and private health insurance work together can help you better plan for the financial aspects of your surgery. Let’s take a closer look at how the system works:

Medicare Scheduled Fee: Every procedure listed under Medicare has a scheduled fee set by the government. For example, let’s say the scheduled fee for your surgery is $1,000. This fee is a standard amount that Medicare assigns to each type of operation or treatment.

Medicare Coverage (Without Private Health Insurance): If you only have Medicare (without private health insurance), Medicare will reimburse you 75% of the scheduled fee. In our example, you would receive $750 back from Medicare. However, this only covers the procedure itself—it does not include costs such as hospital stays, which can add up quickly.

Private Health Fund Coverage (With Insurance): If you have private health insurance, your health fund will typically cover 100% of the Medicare-scheduled fee. In our example, that means your insurer would cover the full $1,000. In some cases, private health funds might even pay more than the scheduled fee—sometimes up to 120% or 140%. This means you could get $1,200 to $1,400 back, depending on your policy.

Hospital Costs: Private health insurance becomes particularly important when it comes to hospital fees. Medicare does not cover private hospital costs, which can be quite substantial, especially for procedures that require an extended stay or specialized care. Your private health insurance will typically cover most of these costs, though you might have an excess or out-of-pocket payment depending on your plan.

Excess and Out-of-Pocket Costs: While private health insurance will generally cover a large portion of the expenses, there may still be some out-of-pocket costs, such as an excess (the amount you need to pay towards your hospital stay). This varies depending on your health fund and the specifics of your policy.

Why Private Health Insurance Matters: Having private health insurance is highly recommended for anyone undergoing a surgery covered by a Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item number. It helps significantly with both the procedure and hospital costs, making the entire process more affordable. Without it, the out-of-pocket expenses for private hospital stays can be quite high.

In summary, while Medicare helps cover some of the costs for medically necessary surgeries, private health insurance provides additional coverage that can make a big difference—especially when it comes to hospital fees. Make sure to check with your private health fund before surgery to understand exactly what they will cover.

QUESTIONS ONLY - NO TESTIMONIALS IN COMMENTS DUE TO AHPRA GUIDELINES

For more information about surgical risks go to:

beldholm.com.au/about/disclaimer/#Cosmetic_Surgery_Complication_Disclaimer

ADULT content. Dr Bernard Beldholm M.B.B.S B.Sc(Med) FRACS is a Specialist General Surgeon (AHPRA Medical Registration nr: MED0001186274). Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner. Results, recovery & potential complications will vary for each individual patient. Photos & videos featured are not a guarantee that your results will be the same & do not guarantee a particular surgical outcome. Content on our Instagram page & other social media pages is published with the consent of our patients. The content featured is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Immediate post-op results may differ from the final result.

In this episode, Dr. Beldholm guides you through the essential steps to take after your surgery. Once you have your item number, the next steps include understanding payment processes for your operation, anesthetist fees, and hospital charges. Dr. Beldholm explains the timeline for payments and emphasizes the importance of handling your finances correctly, especially if you don't have private health insurance. He details how to submit your surgery receipt to Medicare for reimbursement, highlighting that you can expect to receive 75% back of the scheduled fee. For those with private health funds, he clarifies how the hospital communicates with your fund, ensuring you understand the financial landscape after your procedure. Tune in for practical tips to make your post-surgery experience smoother and more manageable!

QUESTIONS ONLY - NO TESTIMONIALS IN COMMENTS DUE TO AHPRA GUIDELINES

For more information about surgical risks go to:

beldholm.com.au/about/disclaimer/#Cosmetic_Surgery_Complication_Disclaimer

ADULT content. Dr Bernard Beldholm M.B.B.S B.Sc(Med) FRACS is a Specialist General Surgeon (AHPRA Medical Registration nr: MED0001186274). Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner. Results, recovery & potential complications will vary for each individual patient. Photos & videos featured are not a guarantee that your results will be the same & do not guarantee a particular surgical outcome. Content on our Instagram page & other social media pages is published with the consent of our patients. The content featured is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Immediate post-op results may differ from the final result.

In the second part of Dr. Beldholm's series on the Medicare system, he dives deeper into the importance of item numbers for surgical procedures. He clarifies that qualifying for an item number indicates a medical necessity, distinguishing it from cosmetic surgery. Dr. Beldholm addresses common misconceptions, especially among post-weight loss patients considering procedures like abdominoplasty. He also offers guidance on checking your private health fund coverage, emphasizing the importance of being on a gold or top-level plan for full coverage of procedures related to weight loss and pregnancy. If you want to ensure you're navigating the Medicare system correctly and maximizing your benefits, this episode is essential listening!

QUESTIONS ONLY - NO TESTIMONIALS IN COMMENTS DUE TO AHPRA GUIDELINES

For more information about surgical risks go to:

beldholm.com.au/about/disclaimer/#Cosmetic_Surgery_Complication_Disclaimer

ADULT content. Dr Bernard Beldholm M.B.B.S B.Sc(Med) FRACS is a Specialist General Surgeon (AHPRA Medical Registration nr: MED0001186274). Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner. Results, recovery & potential complications will vary for each individual patient. Photos & videos featured are not a guarantee that your results will be the same & do not guarantee a particular surgical outcome. Content on our Instagram page & other social media pages is published with the consent of our patients. The content featured is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Immediate post-op results may differ from the final result.

In this episode of the Body Contouring Surgery podcast, Dr. Beldholm simplifies the complexities of the Medicare system in Australia, focusing on the significance of the Medicare item number. He explains how this number is essential for specific surgeries, particularly in the context of weight loss procedures like abdominoplasty. Dr. Beldholm discusses the requirements for obtaining an item number and the benefits it provides, including access to private health funds and Medicare rebates. If you're considering surgery and want to understand how Medicare can impact your treatment options, this episode is a must-listen!

QUESTIONS ONLY - NO TESTIMONIALS IN COMMENTS DUE TO AHPRA GUIDELINES

For more information about surgical risks go to:

beldholm.com.au/about/disclaimer/#Cosmetic_Surgery_Complication_Disclaimer

ADULT content. Dr Bernard Beldholm M.B.B.S B.Sc(Med) FRACS is a Specialist General Surgeon (AHPRA Medical Registration nr: MED0001186274). Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner. Results, recovery & potential complications will vary for each individual patient. Photos & videos featured are not a guarantee that your results will be the same & do not guarantee a particular surgical outcome. Content on our Instagram page & other social media pages is published with the consent of our patients. The content featured is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Immediate post-op results may differ from the final result.

In this episode of the Body Contouring Surgery podcast, Dr. Beldholm discusses the crucial role of GP referrals for patients seeking surgical consultations. He explains the process, including the validity of referrals lasting 12 months and how patients can use existing referrals from other doctors. Dr. Beldholm emphasizes that having a GP referral is essential for accessing Medicare benefits and health fund rebates for surgeries. He also touches on the recent changes in regulations requiring referrals for cosmetic procedures. Tune in to understand why securing a GP referral is an important step in your surgical journey.

QUESTIONS ONLY - NO TESTIMONIALS IN COMMENTS DUE TO AHPRA GUIDELINES

For more information about surgical risks go to:

beldholm.com.au/about/disclaimer/#Cosmetic_Surgery_Complication_Disclaimer

ADULT content. Dr Bernard Beldholm M.B.B.S B.Sc(Med) FRACS is a Specialist General Surgeon (AHPRA Medical Registration nr: MED0001186274). Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner. Results, recovery & potential complications will vary for each individual patient. Photos & videos featured are not a guarantee that your results will be the same & do not guarantee a particular surgical outcome. Content on our Instagram page & other social media pages is published with the consent of our patients. The content featured is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Immediate post-op results may differ from the final result.

In this episode of the Body Contouring Surgery podcast, Dr. Beldholm addresses a significant challenge faced by many patients after substantial weight loss: skin elasticity. He explains how drastic weight loss can lead to stretched skin that loses its ability to snap back, affecting surgical results. Dr. Beldholm compares the elasticity of skin to that of a rubber band and discusses the implications for surgeries like thigh lifts and other body contouring procedures. Tune in to learn more about how skin elasticity can influence your recovery and final results after weight loss surgery.

QUESTIONS ONLY - NO TESTIMONIALS IN COMMENTS DUE TO AHPRA GUIDELINES

For more information about surgical risks go to:

beldholm.com.au/about/disclaimer/#Cosmetic_Surgery_Complication_Disclaimer

ADULT content. Dr Bernard Beldholm M.B.B.S B.Sc(Med) FRACS is a Specialist General Surgeon (AHPRA Medical Registration nr: MED0001186274). Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner. Results, recovery & potential complications will vary for each individual patient. Photos & videos featured are not a guarantee that your results will be the same & do not guarantee a particular surgical outcome. Content on our Instagram page & other social media pages is published with the consent of our patients. The content featured is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Immediate post-op results may differ from the final result.

In this episode of the Body Contouring Surgery podcast, Dr. Beldholm discusses the ideal timing for your body contouring procedure. Many patients prefer scheduling their surgeries during the cooler months—from April to September—in order to comfortably wear the necessary compression garments. He explains why the summer heat can make recovery more challenging and provides insights on planning your surgery for optimal comfort. Tune in for valuable advice on timing your body contouring surgery to achieve the best results!

QUESTIONS ONLY - NO TESTIMONIALS IN COMMENTS DUE TO AHPRA GUIDELINES

For more information about surgical risks go to:

beldholm.com.au/about/disclaimer/#Cosmetic_Surgery_Complication_Disclaimer

ADULT content. Dr Bernard Beldholm M.B.B.S B.Sc(Med) FRACS is a Specialist General Surgeon (AHPRA Medical Registration nr: MED0001186274). Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner. Results, recovery & potential complications will vary for each individual patient. Photos & videos featured are not a guarantee that your results will be the same & do not guarantee a particular surgical outcome. Content on our Instagram page & other social media pages is published with the consent of our patients. The content featured is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Immediate post-op results may differ from the final result.

In this episode of the Body Contouring Surgery podcast, Dr. Beldholm explains the different types of anaesthesia available for your procedure, from mild local anaesthesia to full general anaesthesia. He covers the variety of options, including intravenous anaesthesia, gas, and laryngeal masks, and what each method means for your experience during surgery. Learn how your anaesthetic will be chosen based on your needs and the type of surgery you're having. Tune in to understand the process and feel more confident before your procedure!

QUESTIONS ONLY - NO TESTIMONIALS IN COMMENTS DUE TO AHPRA GUIDELINES

For more information about surgical risks go to:

beldholm.com.au/about/disclaimer/#Cosmetic_Surgery_Complication_Disclaimer

ADULT content. Dr Bernard Beldholm M.B.B.S B.Sc(Med) FRACS is a Specialist General Surgeon (AHPRA Medical Registration nr: MED0001186274). Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner. Results, recovery & potential complications will vary for each individual patient. Photos & videos featured are not a guarantee that your results will be the same & do not guarantee a particular surgical outcome. Content on our Instagram page & other social media pages is published with the consent of our patients. The content featured is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Immediate post-op results may differ from the final result.

In this episode of the Body Contouring Surgery podcast, Dr. Beldholm discusses why staying fit and exercising matters for more than just looking good—it plays a crucial role in surgery recovery. Learn how cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and lung capacity can help you recover faster and cope better with post-surgery challenges. Dr. Beldholm shares insights from his experience on how patients in good shape tend to have smoother recoveries. Tune in to find out how exercise can be your ally in preparing for surgery!

QUESTIONS ONLY - NO TESTIMONIALS IN COMMENTS DUE TO AHPRA GUIDELINES

For more information about surgical risks go to:

beldholm.com.au/about/disclaimer/#Cosmetic_Surgery_Complication_Disclaimer

ADULT content. Dr Bernard Beldholm M.B.B.S B.Sc(Med) FRACS is a Specialist General Surgeon (AHPRA Medical Registration nr: MED0001186274). Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner. Results, recovery & potential complications will vary for each individual patient. Photos & videos featured are not a guarantee that your results will be the same & do not guarantee a particular surgical outcome. Content on our Instagram page & other social media pages is published with the consent of our patients. The content featured is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Immediate post-op results may differ from the final result.

In this episode, Dr. Beldholm explains the importance of MBS Item Number 30175 for post-pregnancy abdominoplasty. Learn how this Medicare classification can help you save money on your surgery and even avoid GST. Dr. Beldholm breaks down the specific eligibility criteria, including having at least 3 cm of diastasis recti, back pain, or incontinence that has persisted despite physiotherapy. He’ll also cover the role of imaging in confirming muscle separation and why this item number is key for accessing rebates.

QUESTIONS ONLY - NO TESTIMONIALS IN COMMENTS DUE TO AHPRA GUIDELINES

For more information about surgical risks go to:

beldholm.com.au/about/disclaimer/#Cosmetic_Surgery_Complication_Disclaimer

ADULT content. Dr Bernard Beldholm M.B.B.S B.Sc(Med) FRACS is a Specialist General Surgeon (AHPRA Medical Registration nr: MED0001186274). Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner. Results, recovery & potential complications will vary for each individual patient. Photos & videos featured are not a guarantee that your results will be the same & do not guarantee a particular surgical outcome. Content on our Instagram page & other social media pages is published with the consent of our patients. The content featured is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Immediate post-op results may differ from the final result.