We aim to make your first appointment as straightforward as possible.
The information below outlines what to expect when attending Breakthrough Haematology.
Referral Requirements:
A valid referral from a GP or specialist is required to access Medicare rebates. Please ensure your referral is current prior to your appointment.
- GP referrals are valid for 12 months
- Specialist referrals are valid for 3 months
Private System Care: Most patients at Breakthrough Haematology are treated in the private system. A level of private health insurance with hospital cover is essential for all patients.
Before Your Appointment:
To assist with your care, please bring:
- Any recent blood test results
- Imaging reports (CT, PET, MRI)
- Pathology or biopsy reports
- A list of your current medications
If your referring doctor has already sent this information, you do not need to bring copies.
We aim to minimise unexpected costs and ensure transparency.
- We have no-gap arrangements with most private health funds
- Consultation fees apply (e.g. initial review – Medicare item 110, follow-up review – item 116)
- Most treatments use PBS-listed medications
If a treatment involves non-PBS medications, any additional costs will be explained in advance by your doctor and the dispensing pharmacy.
Patients receiving ongoing haematology care often require multiple consultations over time. The Extended Medicare Safety Net (EMSN) helps reduce out-of-pocket costs once an annual threshold is reached (approximately $2,699 in 2026).
Once the threshold is reached:
- Medicare provides higher rebates for out-of-hospital services
- This can significantly reduce cumulative costs over time
Patients are automatically registered as individuals, but registering as a family may allow you to:
- Combine eligible expenses
- Reach the threshold earlier
- Reduce overall treatment costs
Treatment is delivered at Hollywood Private Hospital, either in the Day Unit (Leslie Starcevich ward) or inpatient setting (Donaldson or Gosse ward), depending on your condition and therapy required. You may be required to pay your health fund excess, typically once per calendar year.
Additional tests may be required during your care, including:
- Blood tests (pathology)
- Imaging (CT, PET, MRI)
- Biopsies (lymph node, bone marrow, other)
- Other specialist investigations
These are provided by external services and may involve separate out-of-pocket costs.
- Please allow 10-15 minutes before your appointment time to allow for parking and if it is your first appointment, new patient paperwork (if not done beforehand)
- If you are unable to attend, notify us as early as possible. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will incur a cancellation fee.
- If you are currently receiving treatment and have questions about your hospital bookings, treatment side effects or are unwell:
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (business hours) on 0461 585 451
- Donaldson ward (after hours) 9346 6943
- Emergencies Hollywood emergency department (24/7)