Medibank expands no-gap joint replacement pilot program

More than half a million Medibank customers now have the option to access no-gap joint replacements, with the expansion of Medibank’s support for the no-gap joint replacement pilot program.

Seven hospitals will now offer no-gap joint replacements through participating surgeons to eligible Medibank customers, where clinically appropriate. These hospitals are Westside Private Hospital in Brisbane, South Perth Hospital, Canberra Private Hospital, Stirling Hospital in Adelaide, Macquarie University Hospital in Sydney, Vermont Private Hospital in Melbourne’s east, and East Sydney Private Hospital.

Medibank began supporting the no-gap joint replacement pilot program in 2019 at Vermont Private Hospital, before extending our support to the program at East Sydney Private Hospital last year.

Chief Executive Officer David Koczkar said Medibank is expanding support for the pilot program to meet increasing customer demand.

“The no-gap joint replacement program is providing many of our customers with greater choice and control when it comes to how and where they access healthcare and what it will cost,” Mr Koczkar said.

“By working with our hospital and doctor partners to support these new options, customers can pay no out-of-pocket medical costs, and can choose the healthcare that suits their needs in consultation with their doctor.

“This is one of many options for our customers when seeking treatment; they have the choice of which hospital and doctor they see, and the clinical decisions are made by the specialist as usual.

“The short-stay, no-gap model for joint replacements aims to minimise the time a patient spends in hospital, where clinically appropriate, by giving them the option to have rehabilitation in the comfort and familiar surroundings of their own home.

“Approximately 100,000 people have joint replacement surgery in Australia each year, and it’s one of the most common procedures for Medibank customers. Patients who have already participated in the no-gap joint replacement program have saved more than $1,500 on average in out-of-pocket costs.

“We are always listening to what our customers want and how their healthcare could be better delivered to suit their needs and lifestyle. Healthcare in the home, lower or no out-of-pocket costs, and more information about the costs and options prior to their treatment are the key things our customers tell us they want,” Mr Koczkar said.

Further information for Medibank customers on the no-gap joint replacement program

Eligible Medibank customers will pay no out-of-pocket on the following services as part of their hospital admission for elective surgery: • Pre-admission joint school. • Joint replacement surgery with a participating surgeon, including the prosthesis (artificial joint). • Anaesthetist costs. • Assistant surgeon costs. • Hospital accommodation, including all theatre costs. • Diagnostic tests (scans and blood tests).

If clinically appropriate, receiving rehabilitation in the comfort of your own home could also be an option if a rehabilitation at home provider is available in your area.

Please note that excess and any per-day payments under the policy are still payable.

Medibank customers can contact us on 132 331 to check their product eligibility and level of cover. For more information on no-gap joint replacements, visit our website.