cost of dbs: - Parkinson's New Z...
cost of dbs
In NZ, if you are selected, its done in the Public Health system, and costs the patient nothing.
It isn't offered privately, and health insurers won't cover it here unlike in other jurisdictions.
where can one go to get up to date information on how many dbs procedures have been done in NZ,year on year. How many arescheduled for this year? At which hospitals,etc? And what are the indicative costs of having the procedure done in Australia? I'd guess there would be a number of Aust Neurosurgeons, and hospitals, catering for this increasing demand. Is it conceivable that Neurologists here who have patients ideally suited for dbs may successfully advocate to NZ DHBs that there is value in having the procedure done in Oz if capacity in NZ is limited?
thankyou very much shakingaj
They run the DBS Program out of Auckland Hospital, Dr McAuley is the man in charge. They have funding for about 12 ops per year. There is one neurosurgeon in NZ who does the procedure. Not offered by any other DHB. I think I was surgery number 26/27 in the last two/three years, which is how long DBS has been offered in NZ. Previously the DHB would send you to Aus for surgery. Usually Brisbane, relationship with surgeons etc, Think they have done this for about 5-6 years previously.
The next issue of The Parkinsonian, which will be out and up on the website next week, has a fact-sheet about DBS in New Zealand. It explains the criteria and the assessment process.
Link to the factsheet now online parkinsons.org.nz/sites/def...
very useful information thankyou again
