Auckland Menopause Consultation Cost: $300 Fee Sparks Outrage

“She then proceeded to tell me about the menopause clinics that they run and that is three back-to-back appointments at a cost of $300. And the math just didn’t math to me … because each appointment is $70, so 70 times three is not $300, so I didn’t really understand how any of it made any sense.”

Carla told Checkpoint she knew of others prescribed HRT under much simpler circumstances.

“When I said I couldn’t afford that, I was told that I would then need to make three to four separate appointments to be prescribed HRT,” she said.

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“It was just the fact that everyone else I know had been prescribed HRT with just a single appointment. I didn’t understand what all the fuss was about.”

Carla said a friend of hers had been prescribed by the same doctor late last year and had a single consultation.

She said the experience left her feeling “really diminished”.

Carla had considered finding a new GP but said leaving her practice of more than 30 years would be daunting.

She accepted if a doctor had concerns that would warrant a couple of appointments, but she said a single appointment should be standard practice.

“That’s not a problem at all, if it’s necessary. But I just don’t like this … it just feels money hungry to me,” she said.

Carla said she felt taken advantage of.

“Just the math not mathing with needing three back-to-back appointments and the costs being elevated because it’s a menopause appointment,” she said.

“I thought in a normal 15-minute consultation with a $70 fee, you got the doctor’s expertise. That’s what you were buying for that.”

Royal NZ College of GPs medical director Luke Bradford said an in-depth menopause assessment does take longer than the standard 15-minute appointment and many patients benefit from spending extra time discussing their options with their GP.

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He said the cost for non-standard appointments like this varies across practices.

“There are dedicated menopause clinics around NZ that typically charge $290 for an initial 45-minute appointment and $120 [for a] follow-up,” he said.

Checkpoint has asked Carla’s medical practice and Health NZ for comment.

– RNZ

Navigating Menopause Care Costs: Is your Doctor Charging Fairly? – An Expert Weighs In

Keywords: Menopause, HRT, Healthcare Costs, GP Charges, Women’s Health, New Zealand Health System

Time.news Editor (TN): Welcome, Dr. Eleanor Vance, to Time.news.We’re discussing a concerning issue raised by a recent case: teh potential for inflated costs surrounding menopause treatment, specifically HRT prescriptions.One woman, “Carla,” was quoted a price far exceeding what she expected for menopause clinic appointments and felt taken advantage of. What’s your reaction to this story?

Dr. Eleanor Vance (EV): Thank you for having me.Carla’s experience, unluckily, isn’t unique. the journey through menopause can be complex, and variations in appointment structures and associated costs can add needless stress during a difficult time.While some practices provide HRT prescriptions after a standard consultation, others employ a more extensive assessment, which, as the Royal NZ College of GPs points out, can take longer.

TN: The article mentioned a cost of $300 for three back-to-back appointments at Carla’s clinic, versus individual appointment charges that totalled less. Is this common practice, and if not, what could be driving such discrepancies?

EV: Transparency in billing is crucial, and that discrepancy is definitely concerning. It’s possible the $300 “package” includes additional services beyond the standard consultation time, such as specialized assessments or access to other resources – but it’s essential for the clinic to clearly articulate those services and break down the costs involved. It’s also worth noting regional variations in healthcare costs and GP pricing, as the article mentions. It is indeed essential that doctors bill transparently and ethically for their time.

TN: The article stated that friends of this woman had been prescribed HRT with just a single appointment. Why the variation in approach?

EV: Several factors can influence this. Patient history, complexity of symptoms, potential risk factors, and the GP’s individual practice style all play a role. Some doctors prefer a more in-depth initial assessment, especially if there are pre-existing conditions or if they’re hesitant about HRT due to associated risks. Some women may have already been through detailed blood tests recently that inform consultations. It’s not necessarily a sign of overcharging but could reflect a more cautious or thorough approach.

TN: The royal NZ College of GPs suggests that an in-depth menopause assessment warrants longer appointments. How much more time is “reasonable” when it comes to assessing menopause and prescribing HRT?

EV: That is a challenging question to put a precise time frame on. The “reasonable” time depends on the individual. for some women, a 30-minute appointment might suffice; for others, especially those with complex medical histories or anxieties about HRT, a 45-minute or even longer consultation would be beneficial. The key is open dialog between doctor and patient. If you feel rushed or that your concerns aren’t fully addressed, speak up.

TN: what practical advice can you offer women facing potentially high or unclear healthcare charges for menopause treatment?

EV: First, don’t hesitate to ask for a detailed breakdown of costs before committing to a series of appointments.Inquire about what services are included in each appointment and whether a single consultation is a possibility. Research choice clinics and GPs, and compare their pricing structures. Many practices have websites outlining their fees. Second, explore whether telemedicine options, if available, could offer a more cost-effective initial consultation. don’t be afraid to seek a second option from a different GP if you feel uncomfortable or unsure about the recommended treatment plan or associated costs. Remember, navigating menopause is a team effort between you and your healthcare provider and you being informed is key to that.