Surgery Cancellation, Postponement and Deposit Policy
To provide safe, high-quality care and ensure fair access to surgical appointments, we require sufficient notice for any changes to your scheduled procedure. Operating theatre time is reserved exclusively for you, and multiple resources are coordinated well in advance.
Cancellations or postponements close to the scheduled surgery date have a significant impact on operating theatre availability, anaesthetist scheduling, and hospital staffing. Late changes may result in unused theatre time and costs that cannot be recovered.
Deposit and Payment Terms
- A deposit of $500 is required to secure your surgery date.
- A deposit of total amount of surgery fees is to be paid 6 weeks before your surgery date.
- The deposit amount will be confirmed at the time of booking and will be applied toward your total surgeon’s fee.
- By paying the deposit, you agree to this Cancellation and Postponement Policy.
Cancellations
- Cancellations made within 4-6 weeks of the scheduled surgery date will incur a fee equal to 75% of the surgeon’s fee.
- Cancellations made within 30 days (4 weeks) of the scheduled surgery date will incur a fee equal to 100% of the surgeon’s fee.
Postponements (Rescheduling)
- Requests to postpone surgery made within 30 days (4 weeks) of the scheduled date will incur a fee equal to 25% of the surgeon’s fee.
- Requests to postpone surgery made within 7-21 days (1 week) of the scheduled date will incur a fee equal to 50% of the surgeon’s fee.
Hospital and Anaesthetist Fees
- Hospital and anaesthetist fees are typically billed separately and are not controlled by this practice.
- Cancellation or postponement of your procedure may also result in fees charged by the hospital and/or anaesthetist.
- You are responsible for confirming the cancellation policies of these providers directly.
How Fees Are Applied
- Applicable fees will be deducted from any payments already made.
- If payments made are insufficient to cover the applicable fee, the outstanding balance must be paid before any future booking can be confirmed.
Practice-Initiated Changes
- In the unlikely event that your surgery needs to be postponed or cancelled by the surgeon or practice (e.g. due to illness, emergency, or unforeseen circumstances), your deposit will be retained and applied to a rescheduled date, or refunded in full if rescheduling is not suitable.
- The practice is not responsible for third-party costs (e.g. hospital, anaesthetist, travel, accommodation), and patients are encouraged to consider this when making arrangements.
Exceptional Circumstances
We understand that unforeseen situations may arise. In cases of serious or documented medical emergencies, requests for fee reduction or waiver may be considered at the discretion of the practice. Supporting documentation may be required.
Australian Consumer Law
- This policy is intended to be fair and reasonable and complies with the Australian Consumer Law.
- Nothing in this policy excludes or limits your rights under applicable consumer protection legislation.
Communication
- All requests to cancel or reschedule must be made directly with our practice during business hours.
By scheduling your procedure and/or paying a deposit, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this policy.
If We Need to Reschedule
If your procedure is postponed by the surgeon due to illness or unforeseen circumstances, your deposit will be transferred to a new date or refunded if preferred.
Special Circumstances
We understand that emergencies happen. Requests for consideration may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may require supporting documentation.
Your Rights
This policy complies with Australian Consumer Law. Your rights under the law are not affected.
Patient Acknowledgement
I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to the Surgery Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy. I understand that fees apply for late cancellations or changes and that I may also be liable for hospital and anaesthetist cancellation fees.
Patient Name: ______________________________________
Signature: __________________________________________
Date: ______________________________________________
Procedure: __________________________________________
Scheduled Surgery Date: ______________________________
Witness / Staff Acknowledgement
I confirm that this policy has been explained to the patient and that they have had the opportunity to ask questions.
Staff Name: _________________________________________
Signature: __________________________________________
Date: ______________________________________________