katyjc Posted November 19, 2012 Share Posted November 19, 2012 Hi everyone, Just wanted to ask anyone in a similar situation about costs of splints or special boots for my 2year old son when we move to Aus. He has been diagnosed in July with spastic Diplegia, a type of Cerebral palsy that just affects his legs and walking. We are currently under the Birmingham children's hospital, Where he is being put in below knee casts very week to stop him toe walking. From this he will have plastic splints, then special shoes. My question is this- will we need to pay for splints in Aus? We are bound for Victoria, and I know that the Royal Children's Hosp in Melbourne is very good. Anyone have any experiences of it? Are there long waits? (couldn't be longer that in Birmingham, have waited three months for MRI, and no sign of appointment yet!!) Getting bad vides from my mother in law, who says that don't have good facilities in Aus, and his treatment will cost us a fortune. Any truth in this? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Going on a fact finding holiday early next year, but not even sure how to get this info when there for 2week visit. Thanks guys, Katy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Pom Queen Posted November 19, 2012 Share Posted November 19, 2012 What visa are you going on? I need special shoes for CMT (nothing like what you need) and all up it will cost me $1,000 for one pair so it will have to wait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali Posted November 19, 2012 Share Posted November 19, 2012 I can't answer your question as not been in the postion - but it may be worth conacting the hospital directly by email with a query and if they could indicate to you what costs are involved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Pom Queen Posted November 19, 2012 Share Posted November 19, 2012 Should have said re MRI they can be done the same day here by going private, you get some back from Medicare, or if referred by a specialist they are free. I've had everything that could be thrown at me health wise and I haven't had to pay a penny unless I wanted to. Melbourne is the best place to be for medical treatment Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katyjc Posted November 19, 2012 Author Share Posted November 19, 2012 Wow, thanks for the speedy replies!! Thought I would have to wait a while. Hubby on spouse visa 100. I am an Aussie, so kids are Aussie by descent, so no probs there. I have been in UK for coming up 13 years, so not sure how health system works anymore, and of course have had no experience with cerebral palsy before, or cost of treatment. "Moving to Melbourne", thanks for the info. We are planning on getting some basic private health, but will it be considered pre -existing condition? Any idea of benefits for kids with conditions that create different needs? Sorry about all the questions! Katy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janine the party queen Posted November 19, 2012 Share Posted November 19, 2012 Best friends son has CP (14yrs old) his splint cost $1200 this year.However last year Variety paid.Podiatry and insoles cost $400 each visit.She does have a healthcare card for him which gives her a % off her fuel bill and rego.She does not get any extra money from centrelink because there were some changes recently that do not recognise his condition as chronic.He has right side spastic hemaplegia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali Posted November 19, 2012 Share Posted November 19, 2012 Katy, just to add I have a friend in Vic whose son was under Great Ormond Street and they were really good at liaising with the hospital in Melbourne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janine the party queen Posted November 19, 2012 Share Posted November 19, 2012 Just spoke to my friend.She has a dietician,cardiologist,physio and a paediatric Dr all of who contacted his specialists in Birmingham.She also is able to use the orthodontic dentist with no charge.He has recently had braces fitted.However she is paying for a tutor to help with his school work as there is no classroom help where we live. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Pom Queen Posted November 19, 2012 Share Posted November 19, 2012 Wow, thanks for the speedy replies!! Thought I would have to wait a while. Hubby on spouse visa 100. I am an Aussie, so kids are Aussie by descent, so no probs there. I have been in UK for coming up 13 years, so not sure how health system works anymore, and of course have had no experience with cerebral palsy before, or cost of treatment. "Moving to Melbourne", thanks for the info. We are planning on getting some basic private health, but will it be considered pre -existing condition? Any idea of benefits for kids with conditions that create different needs? Sorry about all the questions! Katy x Pre Existing conditions are a 12 month wait Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katyjc Posted November 19, 2012 Author Share Posted November 19, 2012 Best friends son has CP (14yrs old) his splint cost $1200 this year.However last year Variety paid.Podiatry and insoles cost $400 each visit.She does have a healthcare card for him which gives her a % off her fuel bill and rego.She does not get any extra money from centrelink because there were some changes recently that do not recognise his condition as chronic.He has right side spastic hemaplegia. Thanks Janine, very helpful info. Wow, splints are expensive. I must admit I am surprised they are not covered. Any Medicare rebate for them?? . No extra money from centrelink is a bit rough, how can a neurological condition like CP or hemiplegia not be chronic!! I am assuming the specialist doctors you mentioned for your friend's son are all free as a public patient? Thanks again for the info, I really appreciate it Katy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katyjc Posted November 19, 2012 Author Share Posted November 19, 2012 Should have said re MRI they can be done the same day here by going private, you get some back from Medicare, or if referred by a specialist they are free. I've had everything that could be thrown at me health wise and I haven't had to pay a penny unless I wanted to. Melbourne is the best place to be for medical treatment Yes, looks like Melbourne is the place to be! Just looking on Cerebral Palsy Australia web site, and it lists the Royal Children's Hospital in Melb as an international leader in management of CP! Wow, can't wait to tell the mother in law that one! I'm sure she thinks Aussie hospitals are in tin sheds! Katy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimbodia Posted September 28, 2016 Share Posted September 28, 2016 Hi Katy I've just read this thread with interest. My 7 year old daughter is likely to be diagnosed with mild hemiplegia very soon (awaiting MRI). How are you and your son getting on in Australia in terms of his CP? We have our 489 visa granted and have been in the throes of talking about when to make the big move when her health issue came to light and its left us very much in limbo about the future. Like you were, I am wondering what will and won't be covered out there, how much its going to cost us etc etc etc, she is wearing a splint on her left leg and will likely be needing new ones for several years to come. Any information you could give me in this regard would be so useful. I have looked at private medical cover, it looks fairly expensive, though I guess its essential, but its all so new and different to me that I feel a but lost with it. Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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