GP referral needed
Do I need a referral?
Let’s get that easy one of the way first. As with many specialist doctors, you need a GP referral before you see the specialist. As a teenager, looking into weight loss treatment through our obesity clinic, you need a GP referral.
The GP will have a clear view on your general health condition, any other health problems you may have, and the treatment or medication you have received in the past. Once you have a referral, you can book an appointment to come and see us at Teen Time Bariatrics in Perth (at St John of God Mount Lawley Hospital).
Cost of bariatric surgery for teens
What is the cost of weight loss surgery?
Our preparation and assessment fee for 13-16 yr olds is $2500 as it requires an additional review by the independent Bariatric specialist at completion of program.
Our preparation and assessment fee for 16-18r olds is $2000.
The surgical fees for Adelaide Bariatric Centre are roughly $3000 out of pocket.
Your parents will require Top or Gold cover private insurance and been a member for more than 12 months.
-
Initial consultation $75
Item No: 104
Medicare Rebate: $75 -
Follow-up consultations fee $150
Item No: 105
Medicare Rebate: $37.70 -
Teen Time preparation program $2,000
Includes 1-3 visits with the dietitian, exercise physiologist and bariatrician / paediatrician and "Success habits" post-op training module.
Medicare Rebate: $108.50 -
Adolescent psychologist $220
Item No: 80010
With mental health care plan
Medicare Rebate: $124.50 -
Paediatric surgeon final review and report $450
Item No: 104
Required for all teens (14-16)
Medicare Rebate: $75 -
Anaesthetic fee Approx $1,000
Depending on complexity and practitioner and health fund
Medicare Rebate: Depends on health fund
Uninsured bariatric surgery for teens
What if we don’t have ‘Gold Standard’ health insurance?
It is always good to get familiar with the mechanics of your health insurance. If you don’t have private insurance, total fees will be closer to $ 25,000-30,000.
From experience, we know that certain parents of a teenager between 16 and 18 can access superannuation funds through early release for the full cost of their surgery and program. At any time when you are doing your research and have additional questions, please call our friendly team here at Teen Time Bariatrics and Mercy Bariatrics.
3 steps: bariatric surgery for teens
So in summary, where do I start?
- The first step is to speak to your GP.
- The next step is to get a referral to Mr Leon Cohen at Teen Time Bariatrics / Mercy Bariatrics Perth.
- Then you are all ready to call us, get more information or book your initial consultation which will be refunded by Medicare.