22/08/2022
In order to cover the real cost of services currently provided at Glen Forrest Medical Centre, it is unfortunately necessary that we make some changes to our billing policy.
– As of 13th of August 2022, appointments booked during a Saturday clinic will be privately billed. This includes children over 2 and concession card holders.
***Immunisations and children under 2 will still be Bulk Billed***
– You will also find that dressings provided in our treatment room will incur a materials charge. In most cases $15 unless advised otherwise.
If you are normally Bulk Billed you will be charged a Consultation fee (which may be equivalent to the Medicare rebate) plus the materials fee. We will be able to claim the Medicare rebate back for you at the time of payment if you have an EFTPOS card or your bank details registered with Medicare. Ask your Doctor about the out of pocket cost.
To try and understand why we need to make these changes…
Medicare was established in February 1984 as a Federal Government Insurance Scheme to assist with the cost of Medical care.
The Medicare rebate has never been indexed against CPI. In fact it has been frozen for the last 6 out of 9 years.
Bulk Billing implies that the Practice accepts your Medicare rebate as the full fee for services provided.
Due to inflation this unfortunately no longer covers all the costs of providing this service including: building rental, staff wages, professional insurance, utilities, materials etc.
If you have any concerns please discuss with your GP.
