FAQ's
When will my first appointment be?
Some patients prefer to see Jules our midwife early in their pregnancy and then see Dr Harris later at 9- 10 weeks.
Most patients prefer to see both Jules our midwife and Dr Harris at the same appointment at 9-10 weeks.
In this case you need to allow at least 1 hour.
You will spend 30 – 40 minutes with Jules our midwife and 10-20 minutes with Dr Harris.
If you have a problem and would like your Dr appointment earlier than 9- 10 weeks please let us know.
Can i bring my other children to my visits?
Other sibblings are welcome at all visits, we enjoy having them and have toys available.
Medicare safety net
Individuals are automatically registered for the Medicare Safety Net. If you want to register for the Safety Net as a couple or family you will need to contact Medicare. Being registered as a couple or family means that if your spouse or children also have out of pocket medical expenses then these will contribute to the one safely net.
The 22 week pregnancy management fee (pmf)
This fee is charged by all Obstetricians but if you would prefer the fee to be spread across your visits please let us know.
The Medicare item number for this is 16590 and is defined as "Planning and management of a pregnancy that has progressed beyond 20 weeks provided the fee does not include any amount for the management of the labour and/or delivery, payable once only for any pregnancy that has progressed beyond 20 weeks where the practitioner intends to undertake the delivery for a privately admitted patient, not being a service to which item 16591 applies".
It reimburses the Obstetrician for providing 24/7 cover and the disruption to their own lives and the lives of their family that this causes.
Some overseas private health funds will reimburse you a percentage or all of the PMF. It may be worthwhile checking with your fund.
If you have not reached the Medicare safety net when paying the PMF, you are eligible for a rebate of approximately $275.50. If you have reached the safely net you will receive more. It is therefore best to ask Medicare what are eligible to receive as every patient is different.
Fees and insurance
Our fees are structured so that your pregnancy care with us is both affordable and predictable.
We strive to keep your personal out-of-pocket payments to a minimum. If you shop around and compare, we are sure that you will be delighted with our fees.
Please call or e-mail our office for current fees.
If you have seen Dr Harris for a pregnancy before and you have any special personal financial considerations please let us know so we can work out a special fee consideration.
You will be e-mailed written financial information prior to your first visit so you can financially plan for your pregnancy care. We are open to making an individual payment plan for you so you can spread out of pocket costs throughout the course of your pregnancy.
We offer Medicare electronic claiming facilities, so you do not have to stand in a queue at a Medicare office for accounts.
We also have gap cover arrangements with health funds so we bill your fund directly for your delivery and postnatal care in hospital. Any hospital visits that are required while you are pregnant will also be billed directly to your fund with no expense to yourself. This saves you time and money.