Easier access to private care
St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital has launched a new and simple way of accessing private health care for people who don’t have private health insurance.
9 Jul 2021
All-Inclusive Hospital Packages have been introduced to make it easier for patients to self-fund some lower-risk procedures with one, simple, agreed price that encompasses all hospital requirements.
The first package being offered to patients at the hospital has been developed in partnership with Bariatric Surgeon Mr Leon Cohen, for a gastric sleeve procedure for morbid obesity.
“Gastric sleeve surgery is our preferred approach to managing morbid obesity as it is proven to have excellent long term outcomes with minimal long term complications,” Dr Cohen said.
“For many of my patients this procedure can be a life-changing and is sometimes a life-saving decision, so it made sense to increase its affordability. We are trying to reduce the financial barrier which a lack of private insurance brings to this surgery.
“We have performed over 2000 gastric sleeves over the last 15 years at Mercy Bariatrics and with strict clinical eligibility criteria and using an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol, potential patients should feel reassured that there will be no compromise in the care they receive.”
St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital Director of Business Development Sally Harris said that the hospital was exploring options to support people who don’t have private health insurance.
“Many people don’t realise that you can self-fund your care in a private hospital or those that do, find the process and different payments complex," Sally said.
“By working with our specialist doctors we have been able to offer one price and help patients understand their total cost.
“This package is a particularly innovative approach to making gastric sleeve surgery more affordable for those that need it and meet the criteria.
“We know that the hospital stay is only once part of the equation and developing a transparent price in collaboration with surgeons such as Dr Cohen is the best way to further service our patients and our community.”
Gastric sleeve surgery is the first package to be offered at the hospital with more specialty options to be available in the future.
Visit Mercy Bariatric's website for more information about Dr Cohen’s Access Bariatrics gastric sleeve procedure and payment options.
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