Murdoch Obstetrician
Welcome your little one with Concept Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Murdoch Obstetrician antenatal care
When you'll see us
Congratulations on your pregnancy! If you’re looking for personalised care with a private obstetrician, you’re in the right place. At Concept Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Dr Rhys Bellinge and midwife Marie McMahon are excited to support you through this special time.
Your first appointment at Concept Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Your first visit with Dr Bellinge usually happens between 8 to 10 weeks. During this appointment, you’ll discuss your pregnancy, medical history, and any questions you might have.
Before your first visit, Marie or Tanya, our receptionist, will give you a call to let you know what to bring. If you’ve had any significant or recent scans, it’s a good idea to bring those along. Other than that, just bring yourself and an open mind!
“You’ll also receive a pregnancy record to keep track of your appointments and progress. We provide two helpful booklets: one covering your pregnancy in detail and another focused on the Murdoch experience. These will guide you through everything from vitamins, to labour and postnatal care.”
Dr Rhys Bellinge
Murdoch Obstetrician
During your first appointment, we will also discuss whether or not you should do a NIPT test. It’s a blood test that screens for certain genetic conditions. If it’s within your budget, we encourage you to have it for extra reassurance.
Antenatal care appointments at Concept Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Your subsequent obstetric appointments will follow this schedule:
- 14 weeks: A follow-up appointment with Dr Bellinge.
- 17 weeks: You can choose to see either midwife Marie or Dr Bellinge. Marie’s visits are bulk billed, and patients appreciate her warm, knowledgeable care. If you prefer to see Dr Bellinge, your visit will include an ultrasound, while Marie will check your baby’s heartbeat to ensure everything is progressing well.
- 20 weeks: You’ll see Dr Bellinge after a detailed scan to monitor your baby’s development.
- 24 weeks: An appointment with Marie, continuing the close and careful monitoring.
- 28 weeks: A follow-up with Dr Bellinge for a growth scan of your baby.
From 28 weeks, we’ll see you every four weeks, alternating between Dr Bellinge and Marie. This alternating schedule is designed to keep costs down while making sure you receive consistent, high-quality care.
From 32 weeks, we’ll be seeing you every two weeks. Around 36 weeks, appointments may become weekly, depending on your situation. Every visit with Dr Bellinge includes an ultrasound, so you’ll regularly get to see your baby’s progress.
On this page
Murdoch Hospital Obstetrician
We deliver at St John of God Murdoch Hospital
At Concept Obstetrics & Gynaecology we deliver exclusively at St John of God Murdoch Hospital. One of the unique advantages of choosing our private obstetric practice is that we are based within the hospital and we’re the closest practice to the wards.
“In case of an emergency, it will take me just 55 seconds to reach you. I’m at the hospital four and a half days a week and often on call for weekends and after-hours, making me very available in case of an urgent matter.”
Dr Rhys Bellinge
Murdoch Obstetrician
Obstetric fees and billing
We’ll send you a fee structure before your first appointment so that you know what to expect. Here are the key details:
- Out-of-pocket consultations: Every consultation with Dr Bellinge has an out-of-pocket fee. While these are not covered by private health insurance, you can claim part of the cost back from Medicare. Marie’s visits are bulk billed, making her care both exceptional and cost-effective.
- Pregnancy management fee: At 28 weeks, a pregnancy management fee is charged by all private obstetricians. This covers Dr Bellinge’s 24/7 availability in case of emergencies and the unpredictable nature of obstetrics. It also helps cover the costs of the support staff involved in your care and the insurance required for Dr Bellinge to continue providing this level of care
- Hospital and delivery fees: Your hospital stay and delivery are covered by your private health insurance. Dr Bellinge is a no-gap provider for most major health funds, but it’s always a good idea to confirm this with your insurer. Any other costs, such as anaesthesia or neonatal services, will be billed separately by those providers.
Best personalised care
Why patients love Concept Obstetrics & Gynaecology
What we often hear as feedback is how you appreciate the personalised care from both Dr Bellinge and Marie. Women tell us they value the time we take to explain everything clearly, which helps them feel confident and informed.
We also hear that the expertise of our team is highly valued.
“Knowing that you’re seeing someone who regularly works in high-risk obstetrics and complex gynaecology surgery gives most families reassurance that they are in good hands. And it’s not just me. Marie, our midwife, is highly experienced; she’s been with the practice since 2008.”
Dr Rhys Bellinge
Obstetrician Murdoch