Billing Principles

Changes to our Billing Structure:
 
From the 21st of September 2022, Lockyer valley Medical Centre will become a Mixed billing Practice. Our fees reflect the time taken and the degree of complexity of each consultation. This means you may have some out of pocket costs associated with your GP attendances/services.The introduction of Mixed billing means we will have both private billing and bulk billing options at our clinic.
 

Unfortunately, we are no longer able to sustain 100% bulk billing as the amount set by the Government does not cover the cost of providing a high-quality medical service.
 

We have done our very best to keep costs as low as possible so we can continue to be an accessible provider for our valued patients. The Australian Medical Association (AMA) recommended rate for a consultation of less than 20 minutes is $84-00. Under our new mixed billing policy, the out of pocket cost for a standard appointment is $35.25, which is still considerably less than AMA recommendations.

Information included below:-

  1. Changes to our Billing structure
  2. What is Bulk Billing?
  3. What is mixed - billing?
  4. Why is change necessary?
  5. Who is eligible for bulk Billing?
  6. How can I make my payment?
  7. Telehealth Appointments


 
1. Changes to our Billing Structure:
 
From 21 September, Lockyer Valley Medical Centre will become a Mixed Billing Practice. Our fees reflect the time taken and the degree of complexity of each consultation. This means you may have some out of pocket costs associated with your GP attendances/services. The introduction of Mixed Billing means we will have both private billing and bulk billing options at our clinic.
 

2. What is Bulk Billing?
 
Bulk Billing means that the doctor is paid directly by Medicare on behalf of the patient, This means that the amount paid for each medical service is the amount set by the Australian Government, and there is no additional payment required.
 

3. What is Mixed billing?
 
Mixed billing is a fee set by the practice to bridge the gap between what the government subsidies and the costs of delivering care.


4. Why is change necessary?

 
Our practice delivers a high level of patient medical care, which includes longer
 
consultations with the doctor of your choice. Unfortunately, these services are not fully covered by Medicare, and therefore we have had to introduce a mixed billing policy to our practice. Patients are required to pay the fee on the day of your consultation, and for your convenience, your Medicare rebate (if applicable) is processed immediately back into your bank account at the time of payment.


 
5. Who is Eligible for Bulk Billing?
 
Bulk Billing is available to the following patient groups for General Consultations from
 
Monday-Friday:
 
Children under 16 years of age
 
Concession Card Holders
 
Pension card Holders
 
Defence Veteran Card Holders
 
Work Cover
 
OSHC - Allianz card holders
 
For all other patients and times, an out of pocket fee will be applied for all other
 
consultations and procedures.

Please note:
 
You must hold a valid Medicare Card at the time of your appointment to be Bulk Billed.


 
There may be some out of pocket fees for additional services/and or procedures.
 
Please check with reception at the time of booking.

 

6. Telehealth Appointments
 
Telehealth Consultations (available only to patients who have previously attended the
 
practice in the past 12 months). If you test positive for COVID and are in need of a
 
Telehealth Appointment and have not been to the practice in the previous 12 months,
 
then you will be charged a private fee for your consultation.
 
Medicare Cards: Must be valid at the time of the appointment, otherwise you will be fully privately billed.


 
7. Fees & Payment
 
You can make your payment method via Eftpos or Credit Card (excluding American
 
Express) and we will be able to process your medicare refund on the spot. This means you will need to have the full fee amount in your bank account or credit card at the time of payment.