IVF Preparation: One-Day Hysteroscopy & Laparoscopy Surgery at a Private Hospital in Australia

Why I Chose One-Day Surgery During IVF Preparation

Photo by Yaser Mobarakabadi on Unsplash

While preparing for IVF, I became worried about my uterine health. I decided to have a one-day hysteroscopy and laparoscopy surgery at a private hospital in Australia.

This post shares my personal experience, based on Medibank Gold insurance, including:

• Actual out-of-pocket surgery costs

• My experience with public vs private hospitals in Australia

A few years ago, I had surgery for endometriosis at a public hospital. I expected a long wait, as public hospitals often have waiting lists. In my case, it took just over two months to get a surgery confirmation letter. At that time, I only paid for pain medication after discharge.

👉Please keep in mind that waiting times for public hospitals can vary greatly depending on your location, the time of year, and the urgency of the case. In my situation, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Endometriosis, which was considered a severe case.

IVF Preparation and Uterine Health Concerns

During IVF preparation, I was already in contact with a specialist. My uterine condition was never perfect, but I usually ignored slightly long periods or mild pain.

This time, my period was unusually long, the pain was severe, and I had abnormal bleeding. It was clear that my uterus might need attention.

• I requested a vaginal endoscopy (hysteroscopy); the first results showed no issues.

• Still worried, I had another hysteroscopy during my period, which revealed an abnormality.

• From the second hysteroscopy to surgery, it took about one month.

• For me, an assistant surgeon was needed for procedure 35637, causing a slight delay. This requirement can vary depending on the case.

One-Day Hysteroscopy and Laparoscopy Surgery Process in Australia

• My surgery took place at a private hospital as a day surgery:

• Arrived three hours before surgery (extra time was needed for medication before hysteroscopy)

• Waited in the ward, then walked to the operating room

• After surgery, moved to the recovery room

• Sandwich provided

• Blood pressure checked every 20 - 30 minutes (2–3 times)

• No pain and stable vitals → discharged the same day

Surgery Codes and Procedures for IVF Patients

• Operative laparoscopy (35637)

• Hysteroscopy for suspected intrauterine pathology (35630) 

These are the official Medicare item numbers used in Australia, and the item numbers as of the date of writing.

Private Hospital Surgery Costs for IVF in Australia

👉These costs are based on my experience in November 2025. Please note that actual expenses can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances, your specialist's fees, and your level of insurance cover.
Here is a rough guide for private hospital costs for hysteroscopy and laparoscopy in Australia.

Insurance Coverage

• Medicare: Yes

• Private Insurance: Medibank Gold Complete Hospital + Essential Extras 75

Out-of-Pocket Costs

Total: $3,814 (rounded)

Includes only surgery-related costs (pre-surgery specialist fees excluded).

• Assistant surgeon: $350: *required for some complex cases

• Anaesthetist: $870 (your gap after rebates/ total fee was $1,195)

• Two procedures (surgeon fee): $1,844 (your gap after rebates/ total fee was $2,425)

• Hospital excess fee: $750 - remaining costs covered by Medibank

Medicare & Medibank Rebates

• Two procedures (surgeon fee): Medicare $436, Medibank $145

• Anaesthetist: Medicare $325

• Hospital: Medibank covered $1,321 - paid directly to the hospital

How Payments Work for Private Hospital Surgery

In Australia, you’ll get a document called 'Informed Financial Consent' before your surgery. It’s basically a quote for all the costs. I really recommend checking this carefully and calling your health fund with it to confirm exactly how much you'll need to pay out-of-pocket. It helps avoid any surprise bills later.

• Hospital fee: Paid before surgery via e-admission online; confirmation email included payment details.

• Assistant surgeon/anaesthetist/specialist fees: Invoices sent after surgery, paid via EFT or payment link using the preferred method.

Public vs Private Hospital Surgery in Australia: Waiting Times and Experience

Before using a private hospital, I expected luxurious facilities, but public and private hospitals are similar in quality.

Both types of hospitals:

• Have friendly and professional staff

• Provide clear instructions for surgery and admission

The main difference is in surgery scheduling:

• Private hospital: Choose the date with your doctor

• Public hospital: Wait on a list until a surgery letter arrives

Photo by Ante Samarzija on Unsplash

Recovery After Hysteroscopy and Laparoscopy Surgery in Australia

In the recovery room:

• Slight bleeding, almost no pain

• Sandwich provided, blood pressure checked

• Discharge occurred when my blood pressure was stable, and everything looked normal

During recovery: 

• I was able to walk on the same day.

• For about a week, I avoided bending or putting strain on the wound and sat in a squat position rather than bending forward.

• I was advised to take pain medication (Panadol or Nurofen) if needed, and the hospital also provided strong painkillers in case of severe pain. I didn’t need to take any as I had no pain.

👉 Note: Some people experience gas pain from carbon dioxide used during laparoscopy, but in my case — both during my previous public hospital surgery and this private hospital surgery — I did not experience any gas-related pain. Recovery experiences can vary from person to person.

Illustration by Nadezhda Moryak on Pexels

IVF Surgery Costs and Recovery Summary at a Private Hospital in Australia

• Type of Surgery: Hysteroscopy & Laparoscopy (One-Day)

• Location: Private Hospital, Canberra

• Insurance: Medibank Gold + Medicare

• Total Out-of-Pocket Cost: $3,814

• Recovery: Minimal pain, discharged same day, walking allowed, avoid bending for 1 week

• Extra Info: Public vs private hospital experience, waiting times, and cost comparison.

*Disclaimer: This post is based on my personal experience and is intended for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical or professional advice. Costs and procedures may vary based on your health condition, insurance plan, hospital policy, and the specific scope of surgery. 

Please consult with your medical specialist and private health fund for personalised information and a formal quote.