Why are they sooo expensive?
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Topic: Why are they sooo expensive?
Posted By: July Mum to be
Subject: Why are they sooo expensive?
Date Posted: 30 November 2010 at 10:59am
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Hi Girls
I took my 16month old baby boy to see Dr Elizabeth Baird today at Remuera dermotologist as he has very bad eczema all over his tummy and back. It was a 15 minute consultation and cost me $270. I just couldn't believe it and a follow up fee is $170. We will be seeing her next week . We do have health insurance which will pay 80% but I can't seem to get over the cost. Do they normally cost this much? And also wanted to know if anyone had been to see her or have ever heard of her? And did your child get better after seeing her? Thanks a lot guys :) ------------- http://pregnancy.baby-gaga.com/"> 
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Replies:
Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 30 November 2010 at 11:23am
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Specialists are so expensive aren't they!! It's shocking sometimes! My granddad had to see a specialist and it cost him $300 for 20 minutes.
DP used to see a dermatologist down here in Wellington and that would cost him $2-300 dollars each time. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Lucky apple
Date Posted: 30 November 2010 at 12:53pm
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It is pricey - but, you pay for the expertise I guess.
I guess this is when we can be thankful that we pay taxes so that public health care is free.....If you end up at A&E, you won't be presented with a bill at the end like you are in some places. |
Posted By: blondy
Date Posted: 30 November 2010 at 1:01pm
unfortunately, that's very standard for specialist fees  We are lucky we only have a $200 annual excess on our health insurance, and then every specialist appointment in the next year is completely covered. Still easier than waiting on the public list in my mind though!-------------  
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Posted By: Marengo
Date Posted: 30 November 2010 at 1:03pm
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i work in health insurance and yep thats pretty standard, usually between 1-300 for an initial consult at most places,.. it is worth it though you know your getting the best care..
------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
 Our angel Ella Louise born 13.04.
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Posted By: cuppatea
Date Posted: 30 November 2010 at 1:31pm
| Yep that is pretty much exactly what we pay for the allergy paed. My son sees an eye doc private as well, and a specialist not just an optician and we only pay $60, maybe he does a special rate for kids, I'm not sure, but I'm pretty happy to pay it. |
Posted By: July Mum to be
Date Posted: 30 November 2010 at 7:40pm
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Yep definately better going to see a specialist than waiting for a public derm. I feel better knowing that it's a normal rate everywhere even though it is insanely expensive. I just hope that my little man gets better. Thank you all for your replies :) ------------- http://pregnancy.baby-gaga.com/">
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Posted By: HuntersMama
Date Posted: 30 November 2010 at 9:03pm
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I took DS to a allergy specialist on Monday and we paid $330 for 45 mins, half of which was spent in the waiting room waiting for his patch test results.
We have a follow up appt in 3 weeks, no idea how much that cost! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Emmi_
Date Posted: 01 December 2010 at 1:18pm
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We have gone public with my DDs eczema, and I must say things are done pretty timely! Ive been very impressed with our system so far.
We would have gone private if it was going to take months but once the refferal has been put through weve been seen in a couple of weeks and can make an appointment for that day if we need to. brilliant! ------------- 
+1 May 09 Angel
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Posted By: T_Rex
Date Posted: 01 December 2010 at 8:07pm
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That's awesome Emmi! We put a referral into both systems for DD's ears, and the receptionist at the private clinic received it at 3pm, read it, and rung me to offer us a 10am appointment for the next day. Was so nice to have someone give us a break, you know? So we paid $85 for the appointment, and the specialist we saw said the wait at the moment is about the same for both systems to have the grommets put in, so he'd put us on the public system (he operates in both). No word on the op yet, but i so hope it's soon. My poor baby needs a break, and I want her off these mammoth pain killers! ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Red
Date Posted: 02 December 2010 at 1:39pm
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My mum sees Dr Baird - she has a very good name. But yes very pricey! You would think a bubby would be a bit cheaper. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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