Fees & Billing
Ascot Vale Paediatrics is a private fee-for-service practice.
Fee Update: Consultation fees for our paediatricians will increase from 1 July 2026. Our reception team can provide information about expected costs when booking an appointment.
We are committed to being transparent about consultation fees, Medicare rebates and expected out-of-pocket costs. Our team will provide information about fees before appointments wherever possible and is happy to answer any questions you may have.
We encourage families to familiarise themselves with our billing, cancellation and deposit policies before booking an appointment. These policies help us provide timely access to care, minimise missed appointments, and ensure we can continue to offer high-quality services to all families attending the practice.
Fees & Payment Options
\At Ascot Vale Paediatrics, we are committed to providing high-quality, family-centred paediatric care in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Our practice operates as a private billing practice. The fees charged for your child's care support not only your consultation with an experienced paediatrician, but also the administration, facilities and systems required to provide a high standard of care and service.
Medicare provides rebates for eligible consultations, which help reduce the cost of care. However, Medicare rebates do not cover the full cost of providing specialist paediatric services.
We believe children achieve the best outcomes when they have an ongoing relationship with a paediatrician who knows them well. Our team works hard to make appointments comfortable, efficient and welcoming, while also providing the administrative support needed to coordinate your child's care.
CONSULTATION FEES
Fees vary depending on:
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Whether the appointment is a new or review consultation
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The length and complexity of the consultation
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The Medicare item number billed by your paediatrician on the day
When booking an appointment, our reception team will provide information about expected fees, Medicare rebates and estimated out-of-pocket costs. The exact fee cannot be confirmed until after the consultation.
Please note that fees may vary slightly between doctors. Individual fee schedules are available in our registration information.
FINANCIAL HARDSHIP
We understand that private specialist care may not be affordable for every family.
If your family is experiencing financial hardship and you have an established relationship with one of our doctors, please contact us to discuss your circumstances. In some situations, concession arrangements may be available at your doctor's discretion. See 'Concessions' for more information.
Families who are unable to access private care may also be eligible for services through public hospital paediatric clinics or community health services. Your GP can assist with referrals to these services.
APPOINTMENT DEPOSITS
Demand for paediatric appointments is high, and appointment times are limited. Deposit payments help reduce missed appointments and late cancellations, allowing us to offer available appointments to other families waiting for care.
When an appointment is reserved for your child, significant time is allocated by both your paediatrician and our administrative team to prepare for and coordinate their care. The deposit helps ensure appointments are used effectively and supports the ongoing operation of our practice.
If you need to reschedule your appointment, please contact our reception team as early as possible so we can discuss the available options.
A deposit is required to secure all appointments:
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Review appointments: $100
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New appointments and extended review appointments: $150
Deposits can be paid via the Xestro payment link (where applicable), over the phone, or in person by EFTPOS or credit card (excluding AMEX).
The deposit will be deducted from the total consultation fee on the day of your appointment. If the appointment is missed or cancelled late, the deposit will be forfeited in accordance with our billing policy.
PAYMENT OF ACCOUTNS
Consultation fees are payable on the day of the appointment.
If an account remains unpaid after the appointment, a late payment fee of $50 may be applied in accordance with our billing policy. Outstanding accounts may also affect future appointment bookings and the release of correspondence until the account has been settled.
FEE CHANGES
As practice costs increase over time, consultation fees may be reviewed and adjusted periodically.
For current fee information, please refer to our Fees page or contact our reception team.
Families with separated parents
Both parents/guardians are jointly responsible for paying the fee for their child’s consultation.
The parent/guardian attending the consultation will be responsible for payment of the consultation fee on the day, unless the court orders advise otherwise.
Please see Patients with Separated Parents for more information
Financial Hardship & Concessions
Ascot Vale Paediatrics is a private billing practice and our doctors do not routinely offer bulk billing services.
Our fees are set to support the delivery of high-quality paediatric care and the ongoing operation of our practice. We recognise, however, that families may experience financial hardship from time to time.
In certain circumstances, concession arrangements may be considered for families experiencing significant financial difficulties who have an established healthcare relationship with a doctor practising at Ascot Vale Paediatrics. Concessions are considered on an individual basis and are at the discretion of your treating doctor.
Please note that holding a Health Care Card, Pension Card or other concession card does not automatically qualify a family for reduced fees or bulk billing.
We encourage families to speak with our team if financial circumstances are affecting your ability to access care. We may be able to provide information about available supports, including:
- Medicare rebates
- The Medicare Safety Net
- The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
- Public hospital paediatric services
- Community health services
If you would like further information about fees, rebates or available support options, please speak with our reception team.
Applying for a Concessional Rate
Families who have an established healthcare relationship with a doctor at Ascot Vale Paediatrics and are experiencing financial hardship may apply for consideration of a concessional rate.
To request consideration, please email [email protected] at least one week prior to your appointment and provide a brief explanation of your circumstances.
Our reception team will discuss your request with your treating doctor, who will consider whether a concessional rate can be offered. All requests are assessed individually and any concession offered is at the discretion of your doctor.