Costs explained
Fees & billing
What paediatric care costs, what Medicare covers, and which page applies to you.
Last reviewed
Why there’s a fee for a well baby
Newborn care works like a safety net: in a newborn the first signs of trouble are often subtle, and needs can escalate quickly. The fee provisions 24-hour paediatric cover for your baby’s whole stay — a planned review most days, and a paediatrician on call at any hour if feeding, breathing, jaundice or blood sugar stops following the plan.
The best case is that our expertise is never needed: every baby gets the careful checks, and the specialist skills stand ready in reserve. Most of this cost exists so that cover is in place before a problem appears.
Wider clinical context, with risk figures by gestation: Understanding the risks.
What most families pay
For a Medicare-eligible family with private health insurance, a routine postnatal stay (no SCN) is typically $550 – $2,100 billed, with an out-of-pocket gap of $390 – $1,700 after the Medicare rebate — less again once the Extended Medicare Safety Net applies. Final fees depend on the care your baby needs; for an estimate before birth, contact the rooms.
Typical patterns by birth timing
Most stays follow the same shape — an initial newborn attendance, one or two brief reviews, then a discharge check. The timing of the first attendance drives the total. See in-hospital fees for line-item detail.
| Scenario | Days | Total billed | Gap after Medicare | Gap with Safety Net |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Single ward review 110 | 1 | $550 | $394 | $79 |
Elective vaginal birth — paediatric review 110 → 119 → 119 → 116 | 4 | $935 | $612 | $122 |
Weekend vaginal birth — paediatric review 110 → 119 → 119 → 116 | 4 | $1,035 | $712 | $142 |
Elective C-section (in hours) 110 → 116 → 119 → 116 | 4 | $1,255 | $899 | $179 |
Emergency C-section (in hours) or weekend elective C-section 110 → 116 → 119 → 116 | 4 | $1,405 | $1,049 | $224 |
After-hours C-section (not overnight) 110 → 116 → 119 → 116 | 4 | $1,605 | $1,249 | $424 |
Overnight C-section 110 → 116 → 119 → 119 → 116 | 5 | $2,060 | $1,659 | $826 |
Indicative figures only — the final invoice reflects the care provided. SCN admissions follow a different billing arrangement (see SCN billing).
Which page applies to you
Billing differs by where care happens:
In hospital
While your baby is on the postnatal ward at Frances Perry House
Initial paediatric attendance + ward reviews + discharge check. Medicare rebate applies; private health fund does NOT cover (well-baby is classified as outpatient).
Outpatient clinic & telehealth
Antenatal, post-discharge follow-up, telehealth, procedures
Consulting rooms at Suite 9, Level 2 (or via phone / video). 85% Medicare rebate, EMSN safety net applies.
Special Care Nursery
If your baby is admitted to SCN
Billing arrangement changes — Medicare and your private health fund may both contribute, usually via the Eclipse claiming channel. For longer stays, a known-gap of around $500 is common, depending on fund and policy.
Before we meet
Referral: a GP or obstetrician referral is required for the Medicare rebate (GP referrals are valid for 12 months, obstetrician/specialist referrals for 3 months); in-hospital newborn care at Frances Perry House does not need one.
Registration: complete the newborn registration form before or shortly after birth. The form captures your clinical background and the current fee schedule in full.
On the day: bring your Medicare card and, if you have private health cover, your membership details.
Administrative requests
Letters, repeat scripts, referrals and form completion requested outside a consultation attract a flat $50 fee — not Medicare-rebatable or claimable from your health fund.
No charge when the request is part of an appointment, or made within 7 days of a consultation — so it’s worth raising these at your visit.
Requests are made through the rooms — call (03) 9007 2099 or email admin@neopaeds.au.
Common questions about fees
Can I get a written quote before I commit?
Yes. Our rooms can put together an estimate based on your expected delivery, anticipated length of stay, and whether Special Care admission is likely. Call (03) 9007 2099 or email admin@neopaeds.au.
What if my baby goes to Special Care — will my health fund cover the fees?
Yes, partially. Once baby is admitted to the Special Care Nursery, baby becomes a hospital inpatient and the health fund contributes. The full arrangement is covered on the SCN billing page.
What if we’re unable to pay the full amount?
Please contact our rooms as soon as you receive the invoice. Payment plans can usually be arranged for families who need them; the earlier we hear from you, the more options there are.
What happens if a different paediatrician sees my baby?
If Dr Jubal is unavailable, a practice colleague covers and visits your baby. You’ll receive a separate invoice from them, billed under the same MBS items.