Minister warns of 'excessive' medical fees

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has warned medical specialists against charging excessive fees, after brain surgeon Charlie Teo was criticised for the cost of his operations.

The high profile neurosurgeon has been embroiled in a public spat with surgical colleagues after charging one of his patients $120,000 for a life-saving operation.

"It is my expectation, and the expectation of the leaders of the medical profession, that out-of-pocket costs incurred during private hospital treatment are modest, justifiable and proportionate to the circumstances of the patient," Mr Hunt told The Age on Monday.