To Our Valued Patients, 

We would like to advise that Coolaroo Clinic is transitioning to mixed billing as of 1st February 2023. 

Unfortunately, Medicare rebates are not keeping up with the increasing rising costs of staff wages, medical supplies, insurances, utilities and other business expenses. It is financially no longer possible to continue to provide high quality medical service whilst bulk billing all of our patients. We pride ourselves on delivering the highest level of patient care and with the doctor of your choice. 

In order to stay open and maintain our high standards of medical care, patients will be charged an out-of-pocket fee. 

 

Out-of-pocket fees will now apply to ALL CONSULTATIONS (except for the patient groups below):
Children under 16 years of age   Pension Card / DVA Card Holders   Health Care Card / Concession Card Holders	Care plans & Health assessments  Government-funded immunisations

 

Please note, bulk billing does not apply on weekends & public holidays, ALL patients (including those with a concession) are required to pay. 

 

We have kept the fee as low as possible and patients will be required to pay for their consultation, in full, on the day of their appointment before leaving the clinic. Payments are by credit card or EFTPOS (Cash is not preferred but accepted if no other option is possible). Your Medicare rebate will be processed after payment and if you have registered your banking details with Medicare (via MyGov or in person), the rebate amounts will be deposited into your bank account directly within 2-4 business days. If you need help with the registration, please ask the staff or check online via the Medicare website.

As a medical practice that has been serving the community since 1985, we have not made this decision lightly. 

From 1st February 2023 there we will be a charge for various consumables used in your treatment please check with reception for a list of fees – See below for a brief summary:

 

 

 

FAQs 

1. WHAT IS BULK BILLING AND HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT TO REBATES AND OUT-OF-POCKET FEES? 

Bulk billing means that the doctor is paid (i) directly by Medicare on behalf of the patient, (ii) at the fee set by Medicare, (iii) with no additional charges payable at the time of the service. The Government determines and sets the price paid. The doctors do not set the fees.

Medicare rules mean that the doctors cannot charge an out-of-pocket fee only at the time of the consultation/service. As a result, the full fee (which is the Medicare Rebate + Out-of-pocket fee) has to be paid on the day and Medicare then deposits the rebate amount into the patient’s account. 

 

2. WHAT OTHER SERVICES WILL NOT BE BULK BILLED? 

Some of the other services that will incur an out-of-pocket fee are: Dressings, Wound repair, Removal of skin lesions/lumps/bumps, Drainage of Abscesses, Implanon insertion/removal, IUD insertion/removal, , Medicals (Taxi, Pre-Employment, Drug/Alcohol Tests, etc), Cryotherapy with Liquid Nitrogen, Nasal cautery with Silver Nitrate, etc. The Doctor will discuss this with you prior to conducting the treatment

 

3. WHY DON’T WE BULK BILL EVERYONE? 

The Government has frozen GP fees for many years. The bulk billing fees are not keeping up with inflation and the rising costs of providing quality service. As a result, the doctors will be charging a fee that is fairer and allows for good medical practice.

 

4. WHAT ABOUT WORKCOVER / TAC / COMCARE PATIENTS 

All services are to be paid on the day if you do not have a valid claim number. Invoices will be provided which can be used to claim back. Fees are payable at the time of consultation by credit card or EFTPOS. Accounts are unfortunately not able to be given. Cash is not preferred but accepted. Phone consultations will be payable by Credit card over the phone.

 

The team at Coolaroo Clinic would like to thank you for your understanding and support. We value our Doctors and look forward to offering you our exceptional medical care for years to come.