7th September 2022
IMPORTANT CHANGES TO BILLING POLICY
Dear Valued Patients,
This is to inform you of important changes to the billing policy. After long, careful consideration the decision has been made to introduce mixed billing.
These changes will come into effect from 3rd October 2022.
Information included below:
- What is mixed-billing?
- When will bulk-billing still apply?
- How will the fee be processed?
- How will I know the cost of my appointment before I come in?
- Reasons for the change in policy
- List of most common fees
- What is mixed-billing?
Mixed-billing means that most patients will now pay a ‘gap payment’ for appointments. A gap payment is an out-of-pocket cost that is the difference between the Doctor’s private fee and the Medicare rebate. However, some patients will continue to be bulk-billed.
- When will bulk-billing still apply?
Pensioners (over 65 & must present pensioner concession card at time of visit) and Children Under 17 will still be Bulk Billed.
Chronic Disease Care Plans, Mental Health Care Plans and Covid Vaccines will continue to be Bulk Billed.
- How will the fee be processed?
You will be charged the full consultation fee to your credit or debit card at the end of your appointment.
We can then 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. Patients who are not bulk-billed should expect an out-of-pocket fee of approximately $25-$35 for a standard consultation.
- How will I know the cost of my appointment before I come in?
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. The gap payment is as consistent as possible across all appointment types so that patients do not experience too much variation.
- Reasons for the change in policy
Due to rising costs – more so with extra precautions for COVID-19 – the need to implement an increase to the consultation fees from 1st October 2022. This allows doctors to continue providing quality and comprehensive care across all elements of their practice. Your rebate is fixed by the Federal Government and has not increased in relation to the doctor’s business costs. If Government increased your rebate, your out-of-pocket fee would be lower. The Doctors are committed to maintaining and improving the quality of healthcare they provide.
The Doctors fees are in line with the Australian Medical Association.
Please be patient with us as we work through this transition. Even acts you may consider ‘insignificant’ like eye rolling, sneering, talking down to or raising your voice at workers can have a major impact on their mental health. To you, it might be a one-off incident, but they might be treated like this every day. Abuse of any kind will not be tolerated.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
- List of most common fees
Normal hours (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm)
| Appointment Type | Fee | Medicare rebate | Gap Payment |
| Standard Consultation | $64.75 | $39.75 | $25.00 |
| Long Consultation | $101.95 | $76.95 | $25.00 |
| Extra Long Consult | $138.30 | $113.30 | $25.00 |
| Phone Consult | $74.75 | $39.75 | $35.00 |
| Did Not Attend Fee | $25.00 | $0.00 | $25.00 |
Weekends & Public Holidays
| Appointment Type | Fee | Medicare rebate | Gap Payment |
| Standard Consultation | $64.75-$76.80 | $39.10 – $51.80 | $25.00 |
| Long Consultation | $101.95-$113.80 | $76.95 – $88.80 | $25.00 |
| Extra Long Consult | $138.30-$149.50 | $113.30 – $124.50 | $25.00 |
| Phone Consult | $74.75 | $39.75 | $35.00 |