My wife and daughter were referred by our GP to see specialist Dr, Shobhan Manoharan who is an authority in the treatment of vitiligo.

At the clinic they were first seen by a lady who I assumed to be the nurse. I later found out she is a doctor, and my wife and daughters consultation was with her. At some point during the consultation Dr. Manoharan appeared and was involved in the consultation for no more than 10 minutes. Following his departure the lady doctor wrote out prescriptions for medicines and requested blood tests.

When I went to pay for the services provided I was billed $230 each for my wife and daughter, for initial consultations with Dr. Manoharan. When my GP referred my wife and daughter to the good doctor, she and I expected the consultation would be with Dr, Manoharan the specialist , and not his assistant. I am aggrieved at paying $460 for initial consultations for 2 patients which lasted approximately 5 minutes each.

It is not too much to expect the named specialist on the referral to actually see the patient and not some other doctors assistant. If the practice business model is such, then the reception staff should make it clear, that they operate like a public hospital and you may be seen by anyone.

Approximate cost: $230