(03) 8408 6000

Common Questions

FAQs

Northern Blood & Cancer Care is a private specialist practice and does not routinely bulk bill. Consultation fees usually involve an out-of-pocket cost after the Medicare rebate. In individual circumstances a specialist may choose a different billing arrangement at their discretion. Please contact reception for current fees.
You can attend a private specialist without a GP referral, but an eligible Medicare rebate for a specialist service generally requires a valid referral. A referral also provides useful clinical information and helps your specialist understand the reason for consultation, relevant history and investigations.
If you are eligible for Medicare and have a valid referral from an appropriate referring practitioner, you can generally claim the applicable Medicare rebate for the specialist consultation. Your out-of-pocket cost is the consultation fee less the Medicare benefit. Reception can explain the clinic fee, but Medicare eligibility depends on the service and your referral.
Patients without Medicare, including many international visitors, can still attend the clinic as self-funded private patients. Full payment is generally required and you can use the receipt to make a claim with an insurer if your policy provides cover. Please check directly with your insurer because benefits vary.
A standard GP referral to a specialist generally provides a 12-month referral period, while a referral from another specialist is generally for three months. A GP can specify a different period, including an indefinite referral when clinically appropriate. The rules around referral periods and Medicare claiming can change, so contact reception if you are unsure whether your referral remains valid.
Medicare referral rules do not always require a referral to name a particular specialist, and a valid referral may sometimes be accepted by another specialist in the same specialty. Because the circumstances can vary, please send the referral to our rooms before your appointment so reception can confirm that it is suitable.
No. Private health insurance is not required to attend a consultation at Northern Blood & Cancer Care. If you later require treatment as an admitted patient or through a private hospital day unit, private health insurance may contribute to hospital costs depending on your policy and level of cover. Self-funded private treatment may also be possible in some circumstances. Your specialist and hospital will discuss the relevant options before treatment.
Yes, telehealth may be available for selected appointments, but availability and suitability vary between specialists. Follow-up care is often more suitable for telehealth than an initial assessment. Please contact reception to ask whether your appointment can be conducted by telehealth and whether a Medicare rebate applies.
Yes. You are welcome to bring a partner, family member, friend or support person. Many patients find this useful when a new diagnosis, treatment options or complex results are being discussed.
Follow the urgent-care instructions given by your treating oncology or haematology team. Fever, severe shortness of breath, uncontrolled vomiting, significant bleeding, new confusion, severe pain or rapidly worsening symptoms may require urgent assessment. If you are seriously unwell, call 000 or attend an emergency department. Do not rely on website information or routine email for an emergency.
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Northern Blood & Cancer Care

Specialist Blood & Cancer Care in Melbourne

Northern Blood & Cancer Care brings together a highly experienced team of haematologists, medical oncologists and specialist physicians, with consultations available at Northern Private Hospital in Epping.

Contact our team to arrange an appointment or discuss a referral.

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