Patient Information

Townsville Cardiovascular Group is a private cardiology practice and is not a bulk billing practice. When booking your appointments staff will advise of the costs associated with your appointments. If you have a current referral you will receive a rebate from Medicare. We can submit your claim to Medicare for you.

During your consultation if your cardiologist recommends a procedure he will discuss your diagnosis, risks and complications. You will be asked to sign a consent form, TCG staff will prepare a quotation for your procedure which you will be asked to read and sign. Your quotation will include your known gap, which is the amount billed directly to your health fund and your health fund is responsible for paying the invoice. Your quotation may also include a gap fee (out-of-pocket costs) which is payable to Townsville Cardiovascular Group by you. Each private health fund has their own fee schedule, so it is essential that you have your private health insurance membership when you come for your appointment. Private Health funds are continuously changing their fee schedules, so it is advisable to contact your health fund before your appointment to know precisely what you are covered for.

If you require an Anaesthetist for your procedure Townsville Cardiovascular Group uses anaesthetists from Northern Anaesthesia and Perioperative Support Services (NAPSS), Townsville Independent Anaesthetists (TIA) and Townsville Critical Care (TCC). When we know who the anaesthetist is we will advise you and it will be your responsibility to contact them and to pay their anaesthetic fee prior to the procedure.

FAQ’s

Yes, in the event you would like to receive a rebate of your consultation fee from Medicare. Your referral from a GP expires after 12-months, Specialist referrals expire after 3 months, please ensure you have a valid referral at the time of your appointment or follow-up appointment.

Our cardiologists triage every referral and advise when they would like our staff to book the appointments. If the matter is urgent your GP can call and speak with the cardiologist to discuss your care. We have a cancellation list, please advise our staff if you wish to be placed on this list in the event an earlier appointment becomes available.

Your referral, please bring all of your current medications (not a list), allergies, Medicare card, DVA card number, pension card.

We accept cash, EFTPOS or cheque.

Yes. Our cardiologists see uninsured patients. Private Health Insurance does not cover your initial consultation or follow-up consultations. Private Health Insurance applies to when you are admitted to hospital. If you require admission to the Mater, this will need to be at your own cost. We can provide this information after your appointment with the cardiologist.

Private health insurance does not cover your initial consultation or follow-up consultation with our cardiologists in the private consultation room. TCG staff will prepare a quotation for your procedure which you will be asked to read and sign. Your quotation will include your known gap, which is the amount billed directly to your health fund and your health fund is responsible for paying the invoice. Your quotation may also include a gap fee (out-of-pocket costs) which is payable to TCG by you. Each private health fund has their own fee schedule, so it is essential that you have your private health insurance membership when you come for your appointment. Private Health funds are continuously changing their fee schedules, so it is advisable to contact your health fund before your appointment to know precisely what you are covered for.

Your private health insurance provider sets a maximum limit for how much they will pay over the Medical Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee prescribed by Medicare. Your quotation from TCG will outline if the cardiologist charges above the MBS. This will need to be paid prior to your procedure at the Mater.