My consulting rooms and Frances Perry House are both located within The Royal Women’s Hospital building at 20 Flemington Road, Parkville, in the Parkville health precinct.
Consulting Rooms
Suite 4, Level 2
The Royal Women’s Hospital
Frances Perry House
Located on Levels 6 and 7 within the same building
Wheelchair and disability access is available via both the Grattan Street and Flemington Road entrances.
Paid parking is available in the Wilsons underground car park beneath the hospital (access via Flemington Road). Parking can be limited, particularly during peak hours, so please allow extra time.
There is 2-hour unmetered parking or 4-hour metered parking available in the streets between Flemington road and Arden street.
There are a number of parking bays set aside for disabled visitors and patients on level B1. There is also a small area for pick-up and drop-off at the Lower Ground entrance off Flemington Road.
The hospital is easily accessible by public transport, with tram routes 19, 58 and 59 stopping directly outside at Flemington Road and Grattan Street, and bus routes 401 and 402 servicing the medical precinct. The Parkville Metro Tunnel station is within walking distance.
Allow extra time during peak hours.
For out-of-town or rural patients: you may wish to plan an overnight stay nearby ahead of labour, particularly for scheduled Caesareans or inductions, as the central location can mean limited parking and traffic considerations.
There are several hotels within easy reach, including:
Below is an outline of general appointment and fee schedule, what to expect at each visit, and any associated fees.
*If you are not covered by Medicare, antenatal visits will be billed at $50 per visit.
**If you are not covered by Medicare and a Health Fund you are also responsible for the delivery payment of $2500. This payment is due at your 36-week appointment.
Many antenatal visits and part of the pregnancy management fee attract Medicare rebates. To claim these, you will need a current referral from either your GP or specialist doctor.
The Medicare rebate you receive may increase once you reach your Medicare Safety Net threshold. The exact amount depends on your individual circumstances.Further information can be found on the Services Australia website.
If you are planning a private obstetric birth, it’s important to check your policy carefully, including:
During your pregnancy and birth, there may be additional services that are billed separately, such as paediatric and anaesthetic fees. Please ask my team for further information.
Ultrasounds
At each appointment, I perform a bedside ultrasound to monitor your baby’s growth and wellbeing right through to birth.
In addition, I will refer you for more detailed ultrasounds at a specialist ultrasound practice at approximately 13, 21, and 32 weeks. Depending on your pregnancy, further ultrasounds may be recommended at different stages to assess growth, placental function, and amniotic fluid levels. We can discuss these as needed.
The cost of these additional ultrasounds varies depending on the provider.
If at any point you would like reassurance or an extra appointment with a bedside ultrasound, please call my clinic to book an additional visit. These visits are bulk billed to Medicare, with no direct cost to you.
Separate Specialist Fees
During your pregnancy, you may receive separate invoices for services provided outside my rooms, such as prenatal blood tests or other specialist investigations.
For the birth itself, other specialists are involved to ensure the safe delivery of your baby. These may include the paediatrician, anaesthetist, surgical assistant, or a physician specialising in Obstetric Medicine. These services are separate from my pregnancy care fees.
Hospital charges are billed separately. To avoid any unexpected out-of-pocket expenses, we recommend confirming with your private health fund that you have obstetric cover in a private hospital and that all relevant waiting periods have been completed.
Hospital and Anaesthetic Fees
Your hospital stay and any anaesthetic services (such as epidurals or caesarean section anaesthesia) are billed separately by the hospital and the anaesthetist.
Fees vary depending on your admission, type of birth, and health insurance coverage. Most patients claim these costs through their private health fund.
If you have any questions or would like help understanding how private obstetric care works, my team is always happy to assist. We can help explain your options and clarify what is and isn’t covered.
At your first appointment, we will take the time to carefully review your medical and pregnancy history, discuss a personalised care plan, and address any questions or concerns you may have. You are very welcome to bring your partner or a support person, and if you have young children, they are welcome to attend your appointment as well.
Every pregnancy journey is unique, and thoughtful care takes time. I offer extended consultations, and if you are already pregnant, each appointment will also include an ultrasound to assess your baby’s size and wellbeing. This approach provides reassurance, allows careful planning, and creates an unhurried space to ask questions and explore your options without pressure.
© Dr Carin Black. All Rights Reserved.
