HCF Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am eligible for HCF No Gap Joint Replacement package?

Eligible members who have held HCF hospital cover that includes primary hip and knee replacements for at least 12 months are covered for No-Gap Joints, once they are accepted into the program by a participating surgeon (excludes Overseas Visitors Health Cover members)*.

Can I choose my surgeon?

You can choose any of the No Gap Joint Replacement Surgeons participating in the program.

How do I find a participating surgeon?

Click here to see the list of Surgeons we’re pleased to partner with to make your joint replacement experience as affordable and uncomplicated as possible.

If I don’t live in Hurstville, can I access the program?

Yes, you can access the program however your surgery must be undertaken at Hurstville Private Hospital.

I have more questions about the program, who can I speak to?

Please Contact Us for more information about our packages, the participating Surgeons and inclusions.

I need to check with HCF if I am covered, how do I do that?

If you’re an HCF member you can log into online member services, call 13 13 34 or visit your local branch.

Do I need a referral?

Yes, you need to have a referral from your General Practitioner (GP) addressed to the Hurstville Private Musculoskeletal Institute or to one of our participating Surgeons.

What should I bring to the consultation?

Please bring the following:

• All X-rays, CT or MRI scans and results of blood tests or Nerve Conduction tests (as applicable)
• A copy of the Referral letter from your GP. Note: Your GP may have already faxed the referral letter to the Surgeon, in which case you do not need to bring one with you
• Your Medicare card, DVA card or Health Insurance card (as applicable).

When does the No Gap Surgery program commence?

The No Gap program commences after you have been accepted into the program through the Healthe Joint School.

Following your consultation with the Surgeon or Musculoskeletal Physician, our team will be in contact with you to book you into our Healthe Joint School and set a date for your surgery.

What is the Healthe Joint School?

The Healthe Joint School is a targeted program run by a Musculoskeletal Physician prior to your admission, and includes education and information such as:

• A tour of the hospital and the opportunity to meet the team of staff that will be looking after you during your hospital admission
• Information on exercises to perform both before and after your surgery
• Education on mobility aids such as crutches or anything else you may need when returning home
• A Functional Capacity Evaluation to understand your individual ranges of pain, stiffness, functional limitation and everyday physical functioning.
• An individualised pre-operative assessment performed by a Musculoskeletal Physician, who will check closely for any obvious cardiovascular, respiratory, or abdominal concerns.

How many physiotherapy appointments do I receive?

All No Gap Surgery programs include physiotherapy treatments during your admission to Hurstville Private Hospital.

As part of your pre-assessment, we will discuss your individual needs with you.

How quick is the recovery process?

Every patient is different. The speed of your recovery and your individual results may vary. It is common for most patients to be discharged from hospital on Day 3/two days after surgery. Getting you out of hospital and back home within a short timeframe is important to us, so you can commence your recovery in the comfort of your own home.

What if there are complications?

If there are complications during your hospital admission that require additional care or services beyond what is included in the No Gap Surgery program, fees may apply. An example of this includes needing to be transferred to another hospital.

Please speak with your Surgeon about any risks that may be associated with your chosen surgery.

You will also be asked to sign an Informed Financial Consent form prior to surgery, acknowledging that there may be additional costs outside what is covered in the No Gap Surgery program.

What if I need rehabilitation?

Your Surgeon will work with you to decide if you need rehabilitation after your surgery, and if so, what type of rehabilitation is right for you.

If rehabilitation care in an inpatient setting is required, we will provide you with hospital accommodation and you will incur no out of pocket costs, except for any co-payment under your policy or any associated hospital costs like parking.

What out of pockets will I have?

Eligible patients participating in our No Gap Surgery program will not incur out of pocket costs for the following services as part of your hospital admission:

• Pre-admission attendance at our Healthe Joint School
• Hospital accommodation and theatre costs
• Surgeon fees
• Anaesthetist fees
• Surgical Assistant fees
• Diagnostic testing
• Post-surgery care such as rehabilitation or nursing in the comfort of your own home (where clinically appropriate)
• Post-surgery consults.

What is excluded from the package?

If you seek additional services beyond what is included in the No Gap Surgery program, the following fees may apply:

• Fees for medication prescribed during your hospital stay that are not included on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
• Services that are for your comfort or convenience, such as if you wish to be transported by ambulance to a hospital closer to where you live or dry cleaning of non-hospital items
• There may also be out-of-pocket expenses associated with outpatient appointments, such as your initial visit with a participating Surgeon in their consulting rooms.

Hospital excess costs may also apply depending on your level of cover and if you are claiming for the first time in a calendar year.

Please speak with your Surgeon to make sure you're aware of any additional services that you may require if you have other medical conditions such as diabetes of cardiac conditions. These additional services are not covered by the No Gap Surgery programs and additional costs may apply. Please speak to your Surgeon to make sure you're aware of these costs and have given Informed Financial Consent.