Private hospital care

July 1, 2008
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Pregnancy and birth

If you are a member of a private health fund (or if you want to pay for private care), you will be able to make your own choices about who will be your care giver and the private hospital in which you will deliver your baby. (Check with your healthfund to determine whether or not they cover Private Midwife Care).

When you select your caregiver (obstetrician, general practitioner or independent midwife), they will be able to tell you which hospitals they have admitting rights to. Hospitals will also be able to provide you with information about admitting rights for your chosen obstetrician, doctor or midwife. If you choose your hospital first they will be able to give you advice about an obstetrician.

Why choose a private hospital?
One of the attractions of private hospital care is the high atandard of comfort and quality of food, however it is important to look beyond the frilly curtains - there is more to a hospital than plush single rooms, gourmet meals and a bar fridge. The main disadvantage of private hospital care is the expense and if you do choose this option, it is beneficial to have private health cover, which must be taken out before you are pregnant (12 months before giving birth).

Private hospital care can also include some hidden expenses, and even with private hospital cover there can be additional "gap" payments to be made.

Obstetrician/GP
Your birth choices in a private hospital include include the Obstetrician/GP (providing they have visiting rights at the hospital you have chosen, this will be one of the questions you want to ask them).

If you choose an obstetrician or GP as your caregiver, he / she will provide all of your care throughout your pregnancy and delivery. You will usually attend the doctor's private consulting rooms for each antenatal visit.

Theoretically, an obstetrician offers the most knowledge and skill, though in practice most of their training is focused on problem deliveries. An obstetrician is a good choice if you have had a previous difficult pregnancy / delivery or a medical condition eg: high blood pressure or diabetes. Continued...