Changes to billing policy Effective 1st October 2022
Due to increased practice running costs and an effective freeze on the Medicare bulk billing rates for the past 5 years, Bardon Rainworth Medical Centre has had no option but to review its billing policy.
The costs of running the practice have increased over the past 6 years but income from Medicare bulk billing has increased by approximately $2 per consult since 2016, which is way below the CPI rises in the same period.
To maintain the financial viability of the practice and continue to provide a first class GP medical service to our patients, our practice has reluctantly made the decision that our billing policy will change to private billing for most consultations. Reduced gaps will apply to Pension Concession Card holders and Government Health Care Card holders and you must present your current card at the time of your appointment for your appointment to qualify for a reduced gap. Children under the age of 5 years will be bulk billed between 9:00am – 3:45pm. Our practice does not offer bulk billing Monday to Friday between 7am – 9am and 4pm – 5pm and on Saturdays.
| Full Standard Fee | Medicare Rebate | Out Of Pocket Cost |
Monday To Friday | | | |
Standard Consultation & Standard Telehealth | $88.40 | $41.40 | $47.00 |
Children Under the Age of 5yrs and DVA card holders
(9:00am - 3:45pm only) | Bulk Billed | Bulk Billed | Bulk Billed |
Pension Concession & Health Care Card holders | $66.40 | $41.40 | $25.00 |
Long Consultation | $130.10 | $80.10 | $50.00 |
Pension Concession & Health Care Card holders | $105.10 | $80.10 | $25.00 |
As a standard guide, consultation gaps start from $47.00 but do not exceed $150.00.
Fee information for vaccinations, procedures and medical reports is available upon request.
Practice Facility Fees
Dressing Fees | Small | $5.00 |
| Medium | $10.00 |
| Large | $15.00 |
| More than 2 large dressings in one week | $30.00 |
Iron Infusion | | $199.00 |
Vaccinations – Will vary depending on type | | product price |
Payment Methods
We accept payment by cash, cheque, EFTPOS, Mastercard, Visa or Amex (surcharges may apply). We can also take payment over the phone. All accounts are to be finalised after an appointment.
Online Claiming
For your convenience, we have the facilities to lodge your Medicare claim online. Please note that this service is only available to accounts paid on the day.
Home visits and After Hours Care
Home visits are only available if you are a regular patient of our practice and are too sick to come to the surgery. Every effort will be made to accommodate your choice of doctor however this will depend on the availability of doctors at the time of your request.
Dr Greg Thompson is our primary after hours care facilitator. This is only provided for patients should they need urgent treatment after our consulting hours, on the weekends or on public holidays. Patients can obtain a contract number by calling the practice on 07 3369 0551.
Specialist referrals
A consultation is required for all specialist referrals without prejudice. This enables the doctor to provide the specialist with the current details of your medical condition. The referral is a legal document, which enables you to claim benefits from Medicare. Please ensure that you obtain this before your specialist appointment, as it is illegal to backdate referrals or to write one without having had a consultation with the patient.
Medical certificates
Patients must see the Doctor to get a medical certificate. If you require a medical certificate please ask the Doctor at the time of consultation. Doctors are not permitted to backdate medical certificates in any circumstances.
Management of Investigations
Your doctor may make a request for further investigations such as pathology tests or X-Rays. You are required to make a follow up appointment with your doctor to discuss these test results and your future management. Managing your investigation results this way enables us to support you in maintaining and coordinating your long term health. For normal results, you may contact our practice nurse 7 days after your test. If your Pap smear result is not completely normal your doctor or staff will arrange a follow-up appointment. Your co-operation in managing these results is greatly appreciated.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that unplanned issues can come up and you may need to cancel your appointment. If this happens you may cancel your appointment up to 1 hour prior to your appointment time. There will be a $50 cancellation fee charged if you do not cancel your appointment in the allocated time frame or if you simply do not turn up to your appointment or answer your phone for your Telehealth appointment. You will be sent a payment link for your cancellation fee. This fee is not covered by Medicare and payment is required before any further appointment request.
Walk In Patients
Our Practice endeavours to accommodate walk in patients with urgent medical matters even when fully booked.
Patient Privacy Policy
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