QuoteReplyTopic: public vs private I’m confused... Posted: 18 February 2009 at 4:47pm
Hi girls,
I've been going to FA since the middle of the year but paying privately for my appointments as at that time I hadn't been trying for 12 months and when my 12 months was up I mentioned it and because it meant I probably would get a different doctor I didn't investigate it anymore.... anyway, I decided that now that we're on a stricter budget that I should swap to the public system. But when I rang up the lady said it's not a matter of waiting just 12 months that I need over 65 points and that she'd check with my doctor about if I had that or not (which I dont' think I do).
I thought that the points part was for actual treatments eg IVF? I just want my actual appointments free at the moment and realise that IVF won't be free for ages. Do you think she misunderstood? Has anyone swapped from private to public before? Do I maybe need to go back to my original doctor and get her to write me a new referral letter? She also mentioned an 18 month wait?
Chelle from my personal experience, our first appointment including any blood tests, an internal scan & a sperm analysis was free under the public funding system. At that initial appointment they assess whether we qualify for any further funding based on that points system. Unfortunately we don't qualify and have to pay privately for any further treatment and this includes any appointments with our specialist.
But definately check with your specialist as they will tell you whether you are elegible for public funding. Not sure about the 18 month wait, that could be how long the waiting list is if you qualify for the public funded treatment.
Anyway hope you get some answers soon, as I know it can be an expensive excerise.
Ahh I see, so because I've already had my initial appointment (and some more) I wouldn't be eligible for any more freebies. Thanks for clearing that up!!
Also Chelle, even though you can technically get a referral after 12 months some of the DHBs are just so busy and backed up that they aren't accepting referrals unless you've been trying for longer. When I went back to my GP after we'd been trying for just over 12 months he said that the CDHB had just issued a memo saying they weren't accepting referrals unless you'd been trying for at least 2 years or there were other exceptional circumstances (eg. already being diagnosed with something which with your endo might or might not count)
TTC#1: Jan 07
Aug 08: Lap found and excised Stage 3 Endo
Nov 08: 2nd lap clear - given OK to TTC after next AF
But I'd definately check with your local dr just to see if there is anything you can get referred for as if you have been paying privately for your specialists appointments then Im not sure where you stand as far as getting some public funding. Worth checking out, but can be a bit confusing when you are told different things. And sometimes I think different areas seem to have different policies.
The whole funding side of things with IVF is a nightmare. We paid for our initial consultation and found out from there that we were entitled to government funding. All visits after that were free and we are now lucky enough to have a beautiful 5 week old daughter. It is a very stressful time but I say hang it there it is worth it in the end
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public vs private I’m confused...
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