Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) is an independent, non-profit organisation that facilitates melanoma treatment and care through clinicians who are credentialed by MIA. MIA itself does not provide clinical care. All private clinicians credentialed with MIA carry their own professional indemnity insurance to minimise their risk and personal exposure to claims of negligent treatment.

The clinics associated with MIA also do not provide public outpatient services. MIA is required to meet all of the costs of its infrastructure including all staff costs. All patients are billed for their direct clinical care by the private attending physician. Patients who are referred to MIA’s credentialed specialist medical practitioners are eligible for a Medicare rebate.

The fees charged by each medical specialist are broadly based on those recommended charges advertised by the Australian Medical Association and the Australian Association of Surgeons. MIA has, since its inception 40 years ago, ensured that no patient with melanoma is denied access to proper care.

Any patient with limited financial resources should explain their circumstances to the clinicians or staff. Patients requiring surgery within hospital will, in accordance with standard protocols within the Australian health care system, be required to elect whether they wish to be cared for privately by their doctor of choice or become a public (Medicare) patient.

Referrals
A referral from a general practitioner or specialist is required in order for you to receive the full specialist rebate from Medicare.

Referrals from general practitioners are valid for only 12 months. If the practitioner is willing for the referral to last longer, they should provide an indefinite referral, as accepted by Medicare. Please note that if you change doctors, the referral from your previous doctor is no longer valid.

Referrals from specialists are valid for three months only. If you are in doubt about whether your referral is current, please check when you schedule your next appointment.

If your referral is not current, you will need to obtain a new referral from your general practitioner before your scheduled appointment date. It is illegal for any doctor to provide retrospective referrals. If you do not have a current referral at the time of your consultation you will be unable to claim the Medicare rebate to which you would otherwise be entitled.

Schedule of Fees
MIA specialist fees are generally consistent with those recommended by the Australian Medical Association and the Australian Association of Surgeons, which are charged by the majority of private practitioners in the community.

Rebates of either 75% or 85% of the scheduled fee amount (for inpatient and outpatient services respectively) are able to be claimed from Medicare, and private health fund rebates for the “gap” between the Medicare rebate and the scheduled fee can be claimed for inpatient services by those with private health insurance.

You will be informed of the relevant consultation fee when you make an appointment for an initial or follow-up visit, and if a surgical procedure is recommended, you will be advised of the fee which applies for this procedure.

Special arrangements are possible for pensioners, holders of Veterans Affairs cards, full time self-supporting students and those in financial hardship.

Slide Reviews
Pathological findings are critically important in determining what treatment your specialist recommends. In order to ensure optimal patient care the MIA requires each patient’s tissue to be reviewed by a specialist pathology consultant. The review of your biopsy may:

• Confirm the original report

• Upgrade or downgrade the degree of malignancy

• Reverse or change the diagnosis

• Modify the treatment your specialist recommends for you

The fee for this service generally ranges from $150 to $300 and is invoiced by the South Sydney West Area Finance Department. If you hold a pensioner concession card, a low income health card or a health care card you will be exempt from paying this fee.