More than 65,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed in Australia each year, with the number of hip replacements following close behind. Joint replacement procedures are improving the quality of life of thousands of Australians and with an ageing population, the need for joint replacements is only expected to increase.
With our new “no-gap” joint replacement surgery, Westside Private Hospital and the private insurance provider Medibank are now taking an important step towards making joint replacement surgeries more accessible to eligible patients in Queensland.
The no gap joint replacement program enables eligible Medibank members to access hip and knee joint replacement surgery with participating Orthopaedic Surgeons. If eligible, no out-of-pocket medical costs will occur for joint replacement of the hips and knees. *Terms and conditions apply
Thanks to the “no-gap” program, more than half a million Medibank customers across Australia will be eligible to save on average $1,500 in out-of-pocket costs on their joint replacements.
The increasing customer demand was one of the main drivers behind the decision to bring the “no-gap” program to Westside Private Hospital.
“The no-gap joint replacement program is providing many of our customers with greater choice and control when it comes to how and where they access healthcare and what it will cost,” Medibank Chief Executive Officer David Koczkar explains.
“By working with our hospital and doctor partners to support these new options, customers can pay no out-of-pocket medical costs, and can choose the healthcare that suits their needs in consultation with their doctor,” Mr Koczkar said.
As the exclusive provider of Medibank’s “no-gap” joint replacements in Queensland, Westside Private Hospital is proud to put patients back in control of their health – and get them back on their feet faster.
What does the Medibank “no-gap” joint replacement program cover?
With the “no-gap” joint replacement program, Medibank and Westside Private remove all out-of-pocket costs associated with knee and hip joint replacement surgeries with our participating Orthopaedic Surgeons, anaesthetists and surgical assistants.
Eligible Medibank members pay no out-of-pocket costs* on the following services for hip and knee joint replacement surgery:
- Pre-admission joint assessment and education
- Hip and knee joint replacement surgery, including all theatre costs
- The cost of the prosthesis (artificial joint)
- Anaesthetist costs
- Assistant surgeon costs
- Hospital accommodation
- Diagnostic tests and scans
If clinically appropriate, eligible patients may also receive rehabilitation in the comfort of their own homes.
Your Joint Replacement Surgeons
Dr Cameron Cooke
Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Cameron Cooke has led our No Gap Joint Replacement program at Westside Private Hospital, performing hip and knee replacement surgery for patients. Dr Cooke is dedicated to helping patients relieve lower limb pain and regain mobility, specialising in Adult Hip and Knee Replacements, along with sports knee surgery, reconstructive and robotic surgery.
Learn more about Dr Cameron Cooke here.
Dr Blake Fidock
Dr Blake Fidock joined Westside Private Hospital in 2025 and also participates in our No Gap Joint Replacement program. Dr Fidock is an experienced Orthopaedic Surgeon focused on delivering streamlined, high-quality care for patients with joint, musculoskeletal, and trauma-related conditions.
Learn more about Dr Blake Fidock here.
“No-gap” joint replacement – What to expect
In cooperation with Medibank, Westside Private has designed the program to provide members with more choice and transparency when undergoing a hip or knee joint replacement in Brisbane.
Eligible Medibank members receive additional support both before and after their joint replacement surgery. This includes physiotherapy and pre-operative support and education from our Patient Coordinator.
Interested in no-gap joint replacement surgery?
To access “no-gap” hip and knee joint replacements, patients must meet the following requirements:
- They must have Medibank hospital cover that includes joint replacements
- They must have served all applicable waiting periods
- The treatment must be clinically appropriate
- They must meet Westside Private Hospital’s admission criteria
Appointments & Enquiries
Please call Medibank on 1300 733 338 to check your eligibility and level of cover. Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, our participating Orthopaedic Surgeons will work with you to determine if a joint replacement is, in fact, right for you.
Please contact their private practice rooms on the details below for further information and to book a consultation:
Dr Cameron Cooke
Bend Orthopaedics
1300 236 348
info@cameroncooke.com.au
Dr Blake Fidock
Orth ARC
(07) 3193 7714
admin@orthoarc.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the most common joint replacement surgeries? Hip and knee replacements are the most commonly performed joint replacement surgeries in Australia. Replacement surgery can also be performed on other joints, including shoulder joints, ankles, wrists and elbows.
- How much do joint replacements cost? Without private health cover, knee replacements can cost anywhere between $18,000 to $30,000, hip replacements easily range from $19,000 to $42,000. The average out-of-pocket cost charged for joint replacements for privately insured patients with Medibank is around $1,500, but rarely more than $3,000
- What joint replacement surgeries are included under Medibank’s “no-gap” joint replacement program at Westside Private? Qualifying patients can access hip and knee joint replacement surgery. Shoulder joint replacement surgery is not included.
