Pectus Centre

Consultations for Pectus Excavatum/Vacuum Bell Therapy

In-Clinic Consultation (Melbourne)

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The recommended choice for hands-on fitting and professional 3D baseline mapping from an AOPA registered Orthotist.

Our in-clinic assessments provide the most comprehensive start to your journey. By visiting us in person, you benefit from 3D scanning and supervised device training.

What’s Included:

Physical Clinical Assessment: An evaluation of chest wall flexibility, symmetry, and clinical history.
3D Scanning Technology: This radiation-free protocol allows us to capture a highly accurate digital map of the chest, providing an objective way to measure the physical changes in the chest wall over time.
Expert Sizing & Selection: Test multiple Klobe Vacuum Bell sizes to ensure the perfect fit for your unique anatomy.
Supervised Application: We perform your first 15-minute application in the clinic to monitor skin response and teach you exactly how to use the hand pump for optimal "lift."
Exercise & Protocol Review: A face-to-face walkthrough of your wearing schedule and corrective exercise program.
In-Clinic Reviews: Scheduled every 8 weeks to track progress and ensure progression.

Call to Schedule a Consultation

Interstate / Remote Consulting

In-Clinic Consultation (Melbourne)

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Specialist care from an AOPA registered Orthotist from the comfort of your home, anywhere in Australia.

Specialist care from the comfort of your home, anywhere in Australia.

Distance should not be a barrier to non-surgical correction and the Klobe Vacuum Bell. We have developed a remote protocol that allows us to assess, size, and monitor interstate patients with clinical precision. we work with many patients from all over Australia and overseas!

What’s Included:

Specialist Telehealth Consultation: A comprehensive video call to discuss your goals, assess your suitability, and walk through the treatment process.
Remote Photo/Video Assessment: Detailed instructions on providing specific clinical photos and videos to help us determine chest wall flexibility and depth.
Device Shipping: Once sized, your genuine Klobe Vacuum Bell is shipped to your door anywhere in Australia.
Guided Virtual Fitting: A follow-up video call to supervise your very first application at home, ensuring you have a perfect seal and correct pressure.
Digital Exercise Program: Access to targeted chest wall specific exercise program and posture protocol.
Online Reviews: Scheduled online reviews every 8 weeks to track progress and ensure progression.

SChedule An ONLINE CONSULTATION

Consultations

Considering treatment for pectus excavatum? Here's what to expect.

Booking a consultation is the first step toward understanding whether vacuum bell therapy is a suitable option for you or your child. Our consultations are designed to give you clear, honest guidance — whether that means starting treatment, monitoring over time, or referral for further assessment.

What happens at your first consultation

At your initial appointment, we'll:

Assess the flexibility and shape of the chest wall
Discuss your (or your child's) medical history and any related symptoms
Explain whether vacuum bell therapy is likely to be suitable, and what results might realistically be expected
Outline a proposed treatment plan, including estimated timeframes and 3D scanning
Answer any questions you have about the process

Consultations typically take 30 minutes.

Do I need a referral?

Vacuum Bell Therapy (VBT) is a non-surgical therapy for Pectus Excavatum treatment. While this method is highly effective, patient safety remains our top priority. We prefer a doctor’s referral for all patients to ensure they are suitable candidates for the vacuum bell.

How long does treatment take?

Treatment duration varies depending on age, chest wall flexibility, and severity, but generally ranges from 12-18 months of regular vacuum bell use. This will be discussed in detail at your consultation based on your individual assessment.

Does Medicare or private health insurance cover the cost?

We understand this is often one of the first questions families ask, and we wish the answer were simpler.

Currently, non-severe pectus excavatum is classified as a cosmetic condition under Medicare and most private health insurance policies, which means vacuum bell therapy is not covered in these cases. This classification exists even though the condition can have a real and lasting impact — many people who live with pectus excavatum experience genuine effects on their confidence, self-esteem, and mental wellbeing, not just physical appearance.

Pectus Centre is actively advocating for this to change. We believe the impact of pectus excavatum extends well beyond the cosmetic, and we're working toward broader recognition that reflects this — so that future families have more options for support with the cost of treatment.

In the meantime, we're happy to discuss the full cost of treatment openly during your consultation, with no pressure, so you can make the decision that's right for your family.

Vacuum Bell Therapy: Non-Surgical Treatment for Pectus Excavatum

Consultations for Pectus Excavatum/Vacuum Bell Therapy

In-Clinic Consultation (Melbourne)

In-Clinic Consultation (Melbourne)

In-Clinic Consultation (Melbourne)

Interstate / Remote Consulting

In-Clinic Consultation (Melbourne)

In-Clinic Consultation (Melbourne)

Consultations

Considering treatment for pectus excavatum? Here's what to expect.

What happens at your first consultation

Do I need a referral?

How long does treatment take?

Does Medicare or private health insurance cover the cost?

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