A doctor, not a technician
Your assistant holds a medical degree and full registration - a higher level of training than a nurse or technical assistant - and brings years of orthopaedic theatre experience.
Fees and value
A second qualified doctor, and why it's worth it.
Your assistant surgeon is a separately billed doctor - typically around 20% of your surgeon's fee. Here is what that adds to your care, and how the billing works.
Assistant fee
About 20%
of your surgeon's total fee - sometimes slightly less and sometimes slightly more. Billed separately, like your anaesthetist.
Known Gap funds
$250 to $500
Typical out-of-pocket range for Known Gap patients. Uninsured patients should request a full quote through their surgeon.
Claiming
Claimed where possible
For most patients, we claim the health fund or Medicare rebate and then send the gap invoice after surgery.
Why it's worth it
You are paying for a higher standard of care.
An assistant surgeon is a qualified doctor, not an observer. That extra layer of training in theatre is what the fee reflects.
A second set of trained hands
Another qualified doctor scrubbed in means an extra set of skilled eyes and hands focused on your safety at the points of your procedure that matter most.
An efficient operation
Experienced assistance helps your surgical list run smoothly and lets your surgeon concentrate fully on the operation.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers.
Billing can feel opaque when several providers are involved. This keeps the assistant surgeon fee clear and easy to check.
What fee is charged?
OrthoAssistant doctors charge a separate assistant fee, much like your anaesthetist and surgeon. It is typically around 20% of your surgeon's total fee - sometimes slightly less and sometimes slightly more, depending on the procedure.
Is the assistant fee worth it?
We believe so. Your assistant is a qualified doctor providing a second set of trained hands and eyes, focused on your safety and the smooth running of your operation. That is a higher standard of in-theatre support than an unqualified or less-trained assistant, and the fee reflects that added layer of medical care.
How much is the out-of-pocket cost?
Known Gap out-of-pocket fees generally range from $250 to $500. Uninsured patients should ask their surgeon for a full quote.
Will I receive a rebate?
Most patients receive a rebate from their health fund or Medicare. Where possible, we claim this on your behalf and then send an invoice for the gap after surgery.
Why did I receive a large invoice?
Some funds do not allow assistant surgeon invoices to be split. In that case, you may receive the full assistant surgeon fee and can claim back from your health fund after payment.
What happens if I am uninsured?
Uninsured patients receive an invoice for the full amount.
How do I pay?
Payment instructions are included on the invoice. We prefer payment by bank transfer - please send a copy of your transfer receipt once you have paid. Credit card payment is also accepted.
Financial consent
Download the informed financial consent PDF.
Use this document for a printable summary of the fee information before your procedure.