Southland

From 1st July 2022, we have moved to become a mixed billing practice. We still bulk bill children under 16, adults over 65, pension card holders and health care card holders. All other patients pay a ‘gap fee’ of $30.00

With the rising costs and limited Medicare rebates, it has become challenging to keep this clinic running. We have absorbed these costs for as long as we could, however, the practice must now make some changes.

All patients will be charged a fee for consultations. The exceptions are:-
• children under 16
• adults over 65
• pension card holders
• health care card holders

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 practice’s private fee and your Medicare rebate. Our gap fee is $30.

When will bulk billing still apply?
Access to healthcare is very important to us. Therefore certain patients will continue to be bulk billed. (see exceptions above). Chronic disease care plans, mental health care plans, covid and flu vaccine 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.

Medicare Card Holders: We can electronically process your Medicare rebate on your behalf. The rebate should appear in your bank account within 1-2 business days. If you have a debit card, we can process your payment through ‘easy claim’ and you will receive the rebate instantly. The gap fee is $30.

OSHC Card Holders: You will be charged the full consultation fee and given a tax invoice and proof of payment. You will then need to lodge this with your insurer. The gap fee is $30.

Please note: All Saturday appointments will be charged the full consultation fee (as above) with the $30 gap – there are no exceptions on a Saturday.

We are committed to maintaining and improving the quality of healthcare we provide. In order to protect the sustainability of the practice, we need to make this change. We cannot thank you enough for your ongoing support to our practice – in the past and into the future as we make this transition.