• Item 39331 — Carpal Tunnel Release: Division of the transverse carpal ligament (and/or release of the median nerve) by any method, including synovectomy and neurolysis if performed. Indicated for symptomatic carpal tunnel syndrome confirmed by clinical assessment; nerve conduction studies (NCS) or electromyography (EMG) are generally required. MBS fee: $322.85.
• Item 39336 — Cubital Tunnel Decompression (no transposition): Decompression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow (cubital tunnel) or wrist (Guyon’s canal) without transposition, by any method, including neurolysis. Indicated for symptomatic ulnar neuropathy confirmed by clinical assessment and NCS/EMG. Simple decompression is the standard primary approach. MBS fee: $322.85.
• Item 39342 — Cubital Tunnel with Transposition: Ulnar nerve decompression at the elbow with transposition (subcutaneous, submuscular or intramuscular), including medial epicondylectomy, osteotomy and reconstruction of the flexor origin, and neurolysis if performed. Applicable where transposition is clinically indicated — typically severe, recurrent or refractory cubital tunnel syndrome. Hospital (H) item — must be performed in an accredited hospital facility. MBS fee: $635.45.
• Items 46372–46380 — Fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s Contracture: Open fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s contracture, including nerve dissection. The applicable item number is determined by the number of rays (fingers or thumb) affected: Item 46372 — 1 ray ($499.20); Item 46375 — 2 rays ($592.25); Item 46378 — 3 rays ($789.70); Item 46379 — 4 rays ($994.85); Item 46380 — 5 rays ($1,253.55). All are hospital (H) items. Additional items that may be claimed in conjunction: Item 46381 — IPJ capsulotomy per joint ($350.90); Item 46384 — Z-plasty or local flap per procedure ($350.90). The final item combination is confirmed at the time of surgery based on intraoperative findings.
• Item 46387 — Revision Fasciectomy (recurrent Dupuytren’s): For recurrence of Dupuytren’s contracture in a previously operated ray. Higher MBS fee ($723.95) reflects the increased complexity and neurovascular risk of revision dissection. Hospital (H) item.
• Item 46370 — Percutaneous Fasciotomy (needle or chemical): Percutaneous fasciotomy by needle (needle aponeurotomy) or chemical method, including immediate or delayed manipulation. Applicable for single-ray disease where open surgery is not preferred. Lower invasiveness is reflected in the lower MBS fee ($149.25). May be performed under local anaesthetic in selected cases.
• Item 46363 — Trigger Finger Release: Release of the A1 pulley for stenosing tenosynovitis, including synovectomy and synovial biopsy if performed. One item per ray. Where multiple digits are treated at the same sitting, the Multiple Operation Rule applies — the second and subsequent digits attract 75% of the MBS fee. MBS fee: $245.60 per ray.

The applicable item number(s) will be confirmed at consultation and detailed in your formal written quote prior to surgery. All procedures are performed in an accredited private hospital under general, regional or local anaesthesia as clinically appropriate.

Dr Cameron charges on a known-gap basis for hand surgery. This means:

• His fee exceeds the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee for the relevant item numbers
• Medicare pays 75% of the MBS fee; your private health fund (if applicable) typically contributes a further 25% of the MBS fee toward the hospital and specialist costs
• The difference between these rebates and Dr Cameron’s fee is your known, fixed out-of-pocket gap
• This gap will always be disclosed to you in writing before surgery
• You will not receive any unexpected bills — the gap is agreed and fixed before your procedure

The gap amount varies with complexity. Simple procedures such as trigger finger release or carpal tunnel release carry a smaller gap; complex procedures such as multi-ray Dupuytren’s fasciectomy or cubital tunnel transposition carry a larger gap reflecting the operative time and technical demand involved.

All surgeon fees include the surgical assistant fee where applicable. Anaesthetist fees listed are indicative estimates — a formal quote from the anaesthetist will be provided prior to your procedure.

If you hold private health insurance, we recommend contacting your health fund before booking to confirm:

• Your level of cover for the relevant item number(s)
• Whether your policy has any applicable waiting periods
• Your excess and any co-payment amounts
• Whether pre-authorisation is required

Even if your procedure is eligible for health fund cover, it is important to understand that out-of-pocket costs are still significant. In most cases, private health insurance primarily contributes to hospital-related costs. You may also receive rebates from Medicare and your health fund towards the surgeon’s and anaesthetist’s fees; however, these rebates are limited in comparison to the overall specialist fees.

Dr Cameron will consult with you to determine whether you are medically indicated and advise on the relevant item number for your procedure for you to confirm with your health fund. Our team will provide a formal personalised quote detailing all expected out-of-pocket costs before you commit to surgery.

We understand that navigating the financial aspects of surgery can feel overwhelming. Our aim is to provide clarity and transparency around the costs involved.

Medicare sets a Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee for surgical procedures. However, the MBS fee has not kept pace with the actual costs of delivering specialist plastic surgery care. Medicare reimburses 75% of the MBS fee for in-hospital procedures, and your private health fund typically contributes an additional 25% — together covering only a portion of the scheduled fee, not the actual cost of surgery.

Dr Cameron’s surgical fee reflects the complexity of your procedure, operative time, his level of specialist training and experience (FRACS — Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, PhD), consumables, surgical equipment, the surgical assistant fee, and the overhead of running a specialist surgical practice. The difference between what Medicare and your health fund contribute and Dr Cameron’s fee is your out-of-pocket gap, and will be clearly outlined in your personalised quote prior to surgery.

Your final surgical plan must be confirmed before a formal quote can be finalised and your booking secured. Our team will guide you through all costs prior to proceeding.

All surgical quotes are based on the planned procedure. In some cases, additional costs may arise if:

• Unforeseen surgical complexity requires a longer operative time or additional procedures
• Post-operative complications require further treatment, dressings, revision surgery or hospital admission
• Additional pathology, imaging or specialist review is required
• Wound care, compression garments or post-operative support beyond the standard recovery period is needed
• ICU admission or an ICU specialist review is required
• Medications on discharge beyond the standard supply

Where possible, Dr Cameron will discuss any anticipated complexity at your consultation. Our team will contact you promptly if any unexpected costs arise during your care.

Please note that post-operative compression garments are a mandatory part of recovery for most surgical procedures. These are not covered by Medicare or private health insurance and are an additional out-of-pocket cost. Garment costs are listed separately in the cost overview above.

For hand surgery, additional post-operative costs may include occupational therapy and hand therapy (typically 4–8 sessions following Dupuytren’s fasciectomy or cubital tunnel transposition), splinting and orthotic devices, and physiotherapy. These costs are not included in the surgical fee and will be outlined by your treating team.