THORNLANDS GENERAL PRACTICE

24 January 2023

To Our Valued Patients:

Thornlands General Practice is transitioning to mixed billing on 28 February 2023.

Unfortunately, the rising cost of medical supplies, insurances, utilities and the stagnant Medicare rebates has brought us to these changes. However, we still aim to keep the fees as low as possible.

    

An out-of-pocket fee will be incurred except for the following patient groups:

• PATIENTS UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE
• PENSION CARD & DVA CARD HOLDERS
• PATIENTS 65 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER
• HEALTH CARE CARD/ CONCESSION CARD HOLDER

Please bring you valid Medicare card or concession card on every visit. Otherwise, a private fee will apply.

             Consult Type                                             Fees                          Medicare Rebate                           Gap Fee

             Standard                                                     $66.40                                  $41.40                                             $25  

             Long Appointment                               $115.10                                  $80.10                                            $35

           

             Extended Appointment                     $178                                       $118                                                  $60

       

             Telehealth Appointment                  $66.40                                  $41.40                                             $25 

                                                                                                                                                                          (Payment over the phone)

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Note: for all forms that needs to be filled up by your GP will incur an out pocket fee. Please check with reception staff.

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We understand you might have many questions about the changes, and we try our best to answer some of them below:

 

WHAT IS BULK BILLING?

Bulk billing means that the GP is paid directly by the Government. The Government sets the price paid to the GP for each consultation.

 

DO WE STILL DO BULK BILL?

Yes, only to the certain patient groups listed above.

Government funded vaccines, Health Assessments, Diabetes & Asthma reviews and Care Plans will remain Bulk-billed for ALL patients.

 

WHY CHANGE TO MIXED BILLING?

The government put a freeze on the GP fees for many years now and bulk billing fees are not keeping up with the inflation and rising cost to operate a practice. Increase in the cost of Medical Supplies and utilities etc.

The government has extra fees on children under 16 of age, Pension card or DVA Car holders, patients above 65, health care card or concession card, Care Plans and Health Assessments, therefore we will continue to bulk bill those categories.

 

PAYMENT

All fees will need to be paid in FULL on the day of your appointment by CASH, Credit cards or EFTPOS. The practice will then submit the claim to Medicare on your behalf. Medicare will pay the rebate directly to your bank account. Please ask receptionists for any information regarding these rebate options, as well as private fees.

 

Please speak to our reception if you have any enquiries.

 

Thornlands General Practice thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

 

Warm Regards,

Thornlands General Practice Management Team