Costs of getting HRT in South Australia?

[Emrys]

Hey there, I live in South Australia and I've got an appointment with Dr Lyons.
I'm on the mental health plan (free psych visits), low income health care card, as well as Medicare.
I was never told if Lyons' appointments had a fee, or if he bulk bills for people with financial trouble.
I also don't know if there's anything else I will need to do on my journey to getting testosterone that may have a fee.

I'm extremely poor and I can afford the scripts/T but I'm not in a position where I can deal with hidden or surprise fees. Anyone been through this?

[Cindy]

My understanding is that Dr Lyons bulk bills in this situation. He does not prescribe HRT he will send you to an Endo for that. At least one of them is in the public hospital system and hence you are covered under the medicare system. At least that is my understanding.

PS you can call Hewitt House and ask them!

[kelly_aus]

I travelled that route, but never bothered with the mental health plan, so I know I paid.. Initial consult with Rob as about $200ish, IIRC.. Got some of that back from Medicare. After that I was paying between $35-$70 per session, depending on the length of the session..

I ended up seeing him for around 4 years, he set me free last September.

[Emrys]

My understanding is that Dr Lyons bulk bills in this situation. He does not prescribe HRT he will send you to an Endo for that. At least one of them is in the public hospital system and hence you are covered under the medicare system. At least that is my understanding.

PS you can call Hewitt House and ask them!

I hope this is the case. Being he's a non-optional part of the system I would hope he occasionally bulk bills.

Very true, but my severe anxiety completely blocks my ability to use the phone and though I could get my partner to call, I do like trying to find out information on my own, that's all.

I travelled that route, but never bothered with the mental health plan, so I know I paid.. Initial consult with Rob as about $200ish, IIRC.. Got some of that back from Medicare. After that I was paying between $35-$70 per session, depending on the length of the session..

I ended up seeing him for around 4 years, he set me free last September.

That's kind of ouch. I only have less than $100 a fortnight that isn't directly allocated to bills, food, or rent. Thanks for letting me know the other hand of things for if I can't get it bulk billed though. Better than being smacked in the face by it.

[Cindy]

He adjust his fees to his clients.

[Emrys]

He adjust his fees to his clients.

Ah I see. Considering my situation even if he won't bulk bill I can't see him charging as much as Kelly_aus was.
Transition is really important but so is eating, as I'm sure he would understand. Thanks.

[Cindy]

Just talk to him and explain!!

[Emrys]

Just talk to him and explain!!

Sorry, I think you misunderstood my dull tone, which is present because of being neurodivergent.
I will explain, yes, and it shouldn't turn out too badly because Lyons is only human, he should know its not a very easy decision to choose only one option.

[carsandsarcasm]

I was told my first appointment will cost $320. I believe I get some of that back but following that, all sessions will cost around $40. I'm not on any plan, I just have a Medicare card.

[kelly_aus]

I was told my first appointment will cost $320. I believe I get some of that back but following that, all sessions will cost around $40. I'm not on any plan, I just have a Medicare card.

I see Rob's put his fees up again..