What does a doctor-led health assessment cost in Australia?

A doctor-led health assessment in Australia can cost anything from nothing to several hundred dollars before treatment, depending on how the clinic is set up. Many private clinics charge an initial consultation fee. At UHD BioHealth, the questionnaire, the doctor's review and your written plan are free, and you only pay if you decide to go ahead. Whatever service you use, you should see every cost in writing before you pay.

Where the costs usually sit

When people look into a doctor-led approach to their energy, sleep, recovery or long-term health, the costs tend to fall into a few buckets.

• The first doctor's assessment. At many private clinics this is a paid consultation, often charged whether or not anything comes of it.
• Pathology. Blood tests are billed by the pathology provider. Depending on the tests and your Medicare eligibility, some may be bulk billed and some may have a gap.
• Follow-up appointments. Some services include them, some charge per appointment.
• Treatment, if any. Anything a doctor prescribes is dispensed by a pharmacy, usually with a dispensing or script fee, plus delivery.

None of this is unusual. What matters is that you know which of these you're paying for, and when.

How UHD BioHealth does it

We set things up so you can find out whether we can help before you spend anything.

1. The questionnaire is free. It takes about 5 to 8 minutes and covers your history, your goals and the things a doctor needs to know.
2. The doctor's review is free. An AHPRA-registered doctor reviews your answers, usually within 24 hours.
3. Your written plan is free. It explains what your doctor recommends and why, with your options and every cost listed, including any script fees and delivery.
4. You decide. You only pay if you choose an option. There's no subscription or membership, just a one-off payment for the option you pick. Before anything is prescribed, a second, independent doctor checks it and speaks with you. If that doctor doesn't approve it, you're refunded in full.

If your doctor thinks bloodwork should come first, or that your GP is the better place to start, they'll tell you that instead.

Questions to ask any clinic before you pay

• What exactly does this payment cover?
• What happens if the doctor decides this isn't right for me?
• Are there ongoing costs, and how often?
• Are blood tests part of this, and who bills them?
• Is delivery included, and is there anything else on top?

A good clinic will answer each of these clearly, in writing, without you having to chase it.

The bottom line

Cost shouldn't be the thing that stops you getting a proper look at your health, and it shouldn't be a surprise either. Whichever service you choose, get the full picture first.

If you'd like a doctor to look at your situation, you can start the free questionnaire. You'll see your plan, and every cost, before you decide anything.