Important Changes to our billing policy

Important Changes to our billing policy

02/05/2022

Dear Valued Patients,

We aim to provide exceptional, high quality patient care. We like you to feel that you are not being rushed, and that the doctors are attentive to your needs and explain your health issues clearly. After long, careful consideration and consultations, we have made the decision to change our billing policy to   private billing practice to all new patient from Monday 30/05/2022.

For existing patients, these changes will come into effect from Monday 04th July 2022.

We will continue bulk billing certain existing patients or receive a concession fee. As well as specific types of services listed below.

 

Reasons for the change in policy:

We introduce this new billing policy with mixed emotions after a lot of consideration and hesitation. As a practice, we strongly believe that everyone deserves to have access to high-quality healthcare regardless of their financial situation. We have remained a bulk-billing practice for so long because we believe it is an effective way to keep people engaged with their healthcare when they may otherwise not.

To our disappointment, the reality of our healthcare system remains that this ideal is far too big and bold for one small practice to carry. We have held out in hope of reforms to Medicare that have never come. The returns we receive from Medicare simply do not cover our costs of operating as a practice, let alone as a practice that prides itself on providing the highest quality of primary healthcare humanly possible.

To continue to deliver the best possible quality of care, we feel that we have no choice but to move away from accepting the value that the government places on our services (Currently only $39.10 for standard visit with our specialist GP), to something that is more in line with the standard costs of other services: e.g., tradespeople, hairdresser, allied health, and alternative therapists, where out of pocket costs can be substantial.

 

When will bulk-billing still apply?

Access to healthcare and continuity of care is very important to us. Therefore, certain patients will continue to be bulk billed as below: -(Weekend , all public holidays and Skin cancer check and procedure  are privately billed to all patients with no exception to cover the extra cost)

Existing patients only as of 30/05/2022 who are:

  • Children 16 years or younger,
  • Pension card holders,
  • Defence Veterans.
  • Health card holders
  • Full-time students with a valid student card who are not working (existing patients)
  • Follow up appointment of privately billed patient. (New & existing)
  • All COVID vaccinations (New & existing)
  • National Immunisation Program Schedule (New & existing)
  • GP Management plans for chronic disease management and reviews.
  • Health assessments.
  • All telehealth for existing patient who has seen the GP within 12 months (Temporary)

If you are under financial strain at any time, please contact the General Manager to discuss options for payment plans.

How will I know the cost of my appointment before I come in?

We will provide a full list of fees as well as more information on our new cancellation policy, changes to the process for requesting script and repeat referrals, and how we will manage any fees incurred through telehealth. Our reception staff will always try to give you the most accurate advice possible about the costs of your appointment ahead of time. However, please keep in mind that the reception staff will only be able to offer you advice based on the information you provide and that your type of consultation may vary in your appointment.

Key indicators that will change the cost of your appointment include the length (time) of your appointment, how many issues you discuss with the doctor, and whether there is a procedure involved in your appointment. We have tried our best to keep the gap payment as consistent as possible across all appointment types so that patients do not experience too much variation.

How will the fee be processed?

You will be charged the full private fee to your credit or debit card at the end of your appointment. Please note that we do not accept cash and do not keep cash on the premises.

We will try to electronically process your Medicare rebate on your behalf. The rebate should appear in your bank account within 1-2 business days. We recommend that you ensure your bank details are up to date on my.gov.au to avoid any delays in receiving your rebate. We will provide instructions to help you with this process in the coming days. Patients who are

not bulk-billed or concession card holders should expect an out-of-pocket fee of $35-50 for a consultation: