In 1998 the medical profession was "deregulated" by the Government. The aim is to encourage competition and to move towards a free market. Some clinics bulk bill and some charge fees. We have decided to charge fees and to provide a greater level of service.
These extra services include:
* Home visits provided by the surgery doctors rather than through a
locum service.
* A quick response time for after hours calls at any time.
* Waiting times in the surgery usually under 15 minutes.
* A comprehensive preventative health program.
* Open at times when working people can come in.
* A friendly environment with little touches like toys for the children
and up-to-date magazines.
* Plus of course the highest quality care for your health.
Why are the fees different for each doctor?
With deregulation doctors must not collude to charge the same fee. Our
fees were set by each individual doctor independently. They are generally
higher than the Medicare rebate but lower than the AMA recommended fees.
The medicare rebates also differ in some circumstances.
Consultation
Fee Gap
Brief <6min eg script
$15.00 $4.85
Script without being seen
$5.00
Standard consultation
$31.00 $9.70
Long 25-45min
$49.00 $10.45
Prolonged > 45min
$75.00 $18.25
In hours standard home visit
$55.00 $15.95
In hours long home visit
$73.00 $16.70
After hours phone consult
not available
After hours home visit
not available
Veterans affairs patients
Free Free
Pensioners over 70
variable $4.00
Pens >70 in hours home visit
Free Free
Multiple children 2nd etc
Free
Test follow-up (result only)
Free
Immunisations only
Free
Notes:
* The "gap" is the amount you will be out of pocket.
The "fee" is the total amount owing. Medicare will refund the difference
generally within three weeks.
* The above list does not include all the procedures
that are available - please discuss fees with the doctor if a procedure
is not listed.
* The above fees includes a $4.00 discount given for
paying the full fee at the time of the consultation. Please add $4.00 to
all accounts that will be paid later.
* Special discounts apply for pensioners over 70, including
waiving of accounting fees.
* Test followup consultations are free if the result
only is given out. If the matter is more complex or further tests are being
ordered then the fees will be as for a standard consultation.
Consultation
Fee Gap
Brief <6min eg script
$13.50 $4.15
Script without being seen
$5.00
Standard consultation
$30.00 $12.15
Long 25-45min
$48.00 $15.70
Prolonged > 45min
$72.00 $20.15
In hours standard home visit
$60.00 $31.50
In hours long home visit
$80.00 $36.65
After hours phone consult
$20.00
After hours home visit variable $50.00
Veterans affairs patients
Free* Free*
Pensioners over 70 variable
$4.00
Pens >70 in hours home visit
variable $21.50
Multiple children 2nd etc
Free
Test follow-up (result only)
Free
Immunisations only
Free
Notes:
* No payment will be required at the time of consultation
for an after hours call. An account will be posted later.
* The doctor may decide during a telephone consultation
after hours that a home visit is required, for example if the problem cannot
be diagnosed without some sort of examination. If this happens the only
fee will be for the home visit; the phone consult fee is waived.
* The Medicare rebate after hours depends on the time
of night. The gap to pay remains constant however.
* The above list does not include all the procedures
that are available - please discuss fees with the doctor if a procedure
is not listed.
* The above fees includes a $4.00 discount given for
paying the full fee at the time of the consultation. Please add $4.00 to
all accounts that will be paid later.
* Special discounts apply for pensioners over 70, including
waiving of accounting fees.
* Veterans affairs surgery consultations and home visits
in hours are all bulk billed. However, after hours home visits attract
the standard fee. DVA includes any area of active service including Vietnam
and the Gulf War, even if a non gold card holder.