Dr Bernard Chin works closely with a team of professionals, including an Anaesthetist, Dietitians, Psychologists and exercise physiologists to help support and guide you through your weight loss journey both before and after your procedure.

Please use the following Out Of Pocket fees as a guide:

1. INITIAL WEIGHT LOSS CONSULTATION FEES 
our initial consultation with Dr Bernard Chin will cost $240. You should already have been screened by our Multi Disciplinary Team (MDT) and deemed to be suitable for ESG by this stage. Your initial consultation is a very detailed discussion with Dr Chin, specifically tailored to you, and covers your medical and dietary history, and a comprehensive discussion around the weight loss procedure you have decided upon. He will discuss in detail all of the advantages and disadvantages of your chosen procedure and the various risks involved, as well as answer any questions you may have. You will be eligible for a Medicare rebate of $132.30 provided you have an up to date referral from your GP.

We can offer Townsville patients a Telehealth initial consultation for increased convenience.

You will also require an acceptable quality diagnostic gastroscopy within the last 12 months to exclude large hiatus hernias and other pathology which could complicate ESG.

2. PROFESSIONAL WEIGHT LOSS MANAGEMENT FEE
When you have a Weight Loss Procedure performed by Dr. Bernard Chin you will be charged a Weight Loss Management fee. As of 11/12/2017, ESG can only be performed by a fully self funded model. Medicare and private health funds WILL NOT fund it at this stage, although things may change in the future. Your fee covers:

• The initial ESG procedure
• All follow up appointments with Dr Chin – Follow up appointments include a 4 week post procedure appointment, followed by appointments every 3 months. After the first 12 months, appointments are then annually. You will have free unlimited access to Dr Chin either by teleconferencing or face to face consultations in the first 12 months post procedure.
• All administration fees
• The Out-Of-Pocket for the Weight Loss Management Fee is around $5500, although this is only an estimate. Our rooms will provide you with a more accurate quote.

You may apply to the Department of Human Services (DHS) for early release of superannuation funds to help cover the cost of weight loss procedures. Details of this may be found on the following DHS website:
www.humanservices.gov.au/earlysuper
www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/enablers/applying-early-superannuation-release

Please check your eligibility under Compassionate Grounds – Medical Treatment or Medical Transport. You may be eligible for an early release of superannuation to pay for necessary medical treatment or medical transport expenses for yourself or your dependant if either of you have:

1. A life threatening illness or injury
2. The medical treatment isn’t readily available through the public health system
3. You can’t afford to pay for the expense without accessing your superannuation benefits

What you will need before you apply
To apply for an Early Release of Superannuation, you will need the following documentation:

1. A letter addressed to Department of Human Services from Dr Bernard Chin
2. A Quote for medical expenses from Dr Bernard Chin
3. A letter from your GP which must include the following information:
   • You are applying for early release of superannuation on compassionate grounds for medical treatment
   • The condition is a life threatening illness
   • The treatment is not readily available in the Public Health system
4. A letter from your Health Fund stating your level of cover, including any hospital excess payable

Pay for Your Weight Loss Procedure with SuperCare – the first program of its kind to help you access your superannuation to fund your weight loss procedure.

SuperCare is an Australian company providing unique and innovative assistance in applying for the Early Release of Super (ERS) Programme, a government initiative managed by the Department of Human Services (DHS). They offer their services to individuals and family members as a means to relieve the financial burden of surgery and medical costs, guiding and supporting your application to ensure an easy and efficient release of your super.

Depending on individual circumstances, payment options can be obtained through providers who specialise in medical loans. Applications can be made either online or via phone:

Mac Credit

• Payment plans from $4,000
• MacCredit consultants manage the whole process
• Up to 7 year terms; based on your individual requirements and objectives
• Flexible options; any additional repayments can be added back at no extra charge
• Fast efficient approvals, simply apply online or call 1300 884 355
• Available to Australian citizens or permanent residents only
• Credit assessment, lending criteria, terms and conditions apply

For more information, visit www.maccredit.com.au