[MDSPerth]

Thanks for the response Sharnie. Yes, our hospital system does seem different. We have had private health insurance for more years than I care to remember, and apart from the occasional 'extras' claim it has been otherwise unused. At the moment, Paul is happy to stay where he is at Royal Perth Hospital. Currently he arrives about 45 minutes earlier (for blood tests) than his scheduled appointment and the results are on the consultants desk before his appointment time. Occasionally he may have tests required inbetween his now scheduled three weekly visits - in this case he would have them done at an external centre. He can also pick up any medication required at the hospital as we do not that with some of them, if bought at a private pharmacy are not covered under PBS. I was told by the pharmacy that there is a difference between PBS and what the state can provide you with as an outpatient at a reduced cost?

Moving forward though, if he feels he is being messed around, its good to know the way the private system, because the haemotologist he sees does practice privately.