Epidural Pain Relief – Patient Information and Fees
Congratulations on the news of your expecting baby!
Choosing to have an epidural for pain relief during labour is a personal decision made between you and your obstetrician. If you decide an epidural is right for you, a Specialist Anaesthetist will be called in to administer it and care for you throughout the process.
Fees for Epidural Services – There are fees associated with having an epidural. These fees are based on the recommendations of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and the Australian Society of Anaesthetists.
Epidural fees can vary depending on:
- The time of day
- Whether it is a weekday, weekend, or public holiday
- The individual anaesthetist’s billing structure
However, most anaesthetists offer a discounted fee that is lower than the AMA recommended rate.
If You Have Private Health Insurance – If you are privately insured, your epidural is eligible for both a Medicare rebate and a Health Fund rebate. Most anaesthetists participate in the known gap scheme, which means you only pay the gap amount rather than the full fee. We encourage you to contact Mackay Anaesthetic Group to check whether your anaesthetist offers this option.
If You Are Uninsured or Self‑Funded – If you do not have private health insurance, you will still receive a Medicare rebate, but you will need to pay the full account upfront before claiming your rebate.
If You Do Not Have a Valid Medicare Card – If you do not hold a valid Medicare card, you will be required to pay the full account. If you hold private health insurance or other relevant insurance, please confirm your level of cover directly with your insurer. After paying your account in full, you may then submit a claim for reimbursement where applicable.
Exact fees cannot be quoted in advance, as each anaesthetist sets their own discounted rate. However, our team is happy to guide you through what to expect.
If you have any questions about epidurals, fees, or rebates, please contact Mackay Anaesthetic Group. Our staff are always happy to assist and provide further information.
