So here's the breakdown of the total amount I spent after Medicare refunds.
1st Consultation: A$185 - A$72.75 = A$112.25
PAP Smear: A$35 (not covered by Medicare cos it's a more thorough check called Thinprep)
Ultrasound: A$250 - A$83.30 = A$166.70
Follow up Consultation: A$85 - A$36.55 = A$48.45
Blood test: Bulk Billed (FREE)
Sperm test: Bulk Billed (FREE)
Total Paid for checks & consultation = A$362.40
So considering that in Singapore, the sperm test cost S$60 and each ultrasound at S$150 with normal follow up consultation costing S$60, it doesn't really seem like the Aussie system is any cheaper!!
However, I do think that the doctors I went to for the consultation as well as the ultrasound were very professional and thorough. They really tried to explain what is going on and what they are looking for in each check.
Praise God that all my tests came back normal with the exception of my iron levels being a little low. I've been taking iron pills for about 3 weeks now so I'm feeling more energized. I'd probably stop once my supply runs out in a week and then go for another test to see if my iron levels have come up to normal since. I've also been trying to increase my intake of beef & spinach!
At the follow up consultation, my gynae advised that I go through a laparoscopy to check for endometrosis or scar tissue, if any. I was really hesitant to undergo a surgery to check for something which may not even be there. So I went back to my GP to ask for a referral to another gynae for a 2nd opinion but his advice to me was that it is a common procedure and it is likely that the next doctor would also recommend the same procedure as the next step. And I would have unnecessarily paid for another consultation!
The out of pocket expense (after Medicare refunds) will be around A$1100. So I'm pending my private health insurance company to get back to me as to whether they will be covering the A$1100 since it is a day surgery. But even if it's not covered, I've sort of decided to go ahead with it. Especially since my private health insurance only covers IVF procedures from November onwards so I still have a good 8 months to go before I go on to the next step.
Of course I still believe that Jesus will come through and my babies are on their way!! I was meditating on this verse this morning:
Be strong and of good courage;
do not fear nor be afraid of them,
for the Lord your God,
He is the One who goes with you,
and He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
