Our Fees Policy from the 1-11-22
We were a bulk-billing practice, however we changed to mixed billing on 1/11/22.
For a standard visit we charge $85.00 and you’ll receive $41.40 back, which equates to an out of pocket fee of $43.60 This fee is subject to change based on the time and complexity of your consultation. Complex consultations may attract a higher fee. For example, an extended consultation is $130.00 with a rebate of $80.10, which is $49.90 out of pocket for the patient.
Summary of your out-of-pocket consultation fees:
Please remember out-of-pocket fees require you pay the full amount and then be refunded the Medicare rebate. GP clinics cannot simply charge a GAP.
Bulk-billing:
We still bulk-bill ALL care plans, health assessments, mental health care plans, mental health care plan reviews, care plan reviews, childhood immunisations, and scheduled immunisations. (This applies to ALL patients).
For all other consultations we bulk bill concession/pension card holders, children under 16 years and Veterans.
New patients:
For the first visit, we always charge a private fee regardless of holding a concession card. New patients who require emergency suturing will incur an out-of-pocket fee of $100.
Surgical Procedures:
A treatment room fee will apply to cover consumables and is non-Medicare rebatable. Please check with Reception regarding the fees prior to booking your appointment/procedure.
Telehealth:
Medicare regulations state that new patients or patients that have not seen their doctor face-to-face in over 12 months, cannot access Telehealth services. If you fit into either one of these categories, you will not be eligible for a Telehealth consultation. As of 1st November, the same fee schedule applies for Telehealth for non-concession card holders. Once you have finished speaking to your doctor, you will be transferred to reception to make payment over the phone. Please ensure you have your bank details linked to your MyGov Medicare online account so we can process your rebate through EasyClaim.
Questions:
How do I pay for the consult ?
You can pay with credit card, debit card or cash.
How do I get my rebate ?
Your rebate can be refunded on the day via debit card ONLY (no credit card). If you have your bank account information registered with MyGov Medicare online account (EasyClaim), the rebate can be refunded this way. Or we can give you a copy of your receipt and you can organise your rebate yourself.
What is a rebate ?
A rebate is the price Medicare refunds you when you pay to see the doctor. For example, if you have a standard consultation you pay $85.00 and then you will be refunded/reimbursed the rebate amount of $41.40 meaning your overall fee is only $43.60 This refund must be done using a debit card ONLY or through MyGov EasyClaim.
Can I just pay the gap (the difference)?
No. Medicare requires patients pay the whole amount and then we process the rebate straight after. General practices cannot charge a “GAP” fee as the government has deemed this to be an incorrect method of payment. To date, the reason for this is unknown.
I have a pension/concession card, do I have to pay ?
No. The government pay doctors a financial benefit to see pension/concession card holders. This is to ensure our most vulnerable members of society can still receive healthcare. We bulk-bill all concession/pension card holders, children under 16 years and Veterans. You will only be required to pay of pocket for excisions/minor surgical procedures. If you’re a new patient, you will still be out of pocket unless you’re under 16 years of age or a Veteran.
How do I setup my bank details to MyGov?
To setup your bank details to your MyGov Medicare account follow this guide: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/getting-medicare-benefits?context=60092
For more information on why most clinics are dropping bulk-billing please watch this video: Why Our Clinic No Longer Bulk Bills
