Like Tree3Likes
  • 1 Post By Willin

Cost of outpatient treatment and medication - Gastroenterology

Closed Thread
  1. #1

    Join Date
    Mar 2015
    Posts
    21

    Cost of outpatient treatment and medication - Gastroenterology

    Hi there

    I've trawled through the forum and found a number of hits but haven't really got much clarity.

    I have a gastro condition, Ulcerative Colitis. It is mild and kept in remission by pentasa (mesalasine).
    In Aus I get this on standard medicare prescription for AU$40 but the real cost is around AU $300 for 60 tabs. 15 days worth.

    I would intend to get an outpatient consultation with a gastroenterologist, a few have been recommended on here. This is so I can pass on my medical records and get access to medication.
    I believe I can get a private appt for a fee rather than a long wait through public referral.
    How much is an outpatient appt likely to cost?
    I can see costs of private colonoscopy screenings and I'm ok with that.

    In terms of prescription cost, how does it work?
    If it is prescribed by a HK gastro do I get any entitlement to subsidy as an HKID holder?

    I will probably come into HK with as much medication as allowed - perhaps 3-6 months worth and I'm likely to be coming back to Aus every 6 months or so anyway... so can stock up.

    I would get a private health plan likely employer paid but existing conditions excluded.

    Any insights appreciated. Particularly from any other gastro ailment sufferers!

    Thanks


  2. #2

    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Posts
    13,099
    Quote Originally Posted by Willin:
    How much is an outpatient appt likely to cost?
    I can see costs of private colonoscopy screenings and I'm ok with that.
    Public system == nearly free
    Private system == anywhere between $300-$1500 depending on who and location.

    In terms of prescription cost, how does it work?
    If it is prescribed by a HK gastro do I get any entitlement to subsidy as an HKID holder?
    If you get your prescription from public system, the drugs are free (nearly free). If you get it from a private doctor then you have to pay or your private insurance will pay.
    I will probably come into HK with as much medication as allowed - perhaps 3-6 months worth and I'm likely to be coming back to Aus every 6 months or so anyway... so can stock up.
    There are no shortage of drug stores here

    Sorry, I have no specific gastro related recommendations but the above are common to all ailments.

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Posts
    3,921

    OP, its a trade-off between greater cost but greater convenience with private healthcare vs far cheaper but less convenience with public healthcare.


  4. #4
    Quote Originally Posted by Willin:

    In terms of prescription cost, how does it work?
    If it is prescribed by a HK gastro do I get any entitlement to subsidy as an HKID holder?

    I will probably come into HK with as much medication as allowed - perhaps 3-6 months worth and I'm likely to be coming back to Aus every 6 months or so anyway... so can stock up.

    Explain your situation to your Dr. back home and just bring 6 months worth then with your name on the prescription in case anyone checks at the airport (very unlikely anyhow). Saves you a bunch of hassle here.

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Posts
    6,452
    Quote Originally Posted by Willin:
    I will probably come into HK with as much medication as allowed - perhaps 3-6 months worth and I'm likely to be coming back to Aus every 6 months or so anyway... so can stock up.
    6 months might be a bit much to still be able to show personal use.
    Note that mesalamine is not a registered drug in Hong Kong (can't find it in the drug database), so you may not be allowed to bring it in your personal baggage even if you have a prescription.

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Mar 2015
    Posts
    21

    Thanks for the replies, especially around specialist appt costs.

    Its mesalazine (pentasa or asacol or other brand names) and is on HK MIMS.

    I will probably bring in 3 months worth and see how I go.

    HowardCoombs likes this.

  7. #7

    Who's really going to check at HKIA?


  8. #8

    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Posts
    13,099

    Unless you are the wrong ethnicity.....


  9. #9

    Probably been though 300 times. Never been checked. Not that I was ever carrying anything but they just don't seem to care . HowardCoombs has a good point as well, unfortunately.