Please be aware of some Major Changes to our Practice in 2023.

The time has come for most Medical Practices in Australia to move into Complete Private billing. This is due to the Medicare subsidies that have not increased in over 10 years for GPs and Practices. With the current rise in costs for everything, we have been forced to also move to a Private Billing Practice. We need to change the culture of thinking “The Government pays the Consult” to “I pay the Doctor for a service and receive a rebate”



What does this mean for patients?

Patients that have been accustomed to being Bulk Billed in the past will now be required to pay the consult and then receive the Medicare rebate. This is to ensure the GP service is paid for and their time and knowledge is not undervalued. Patients are encouraged to phone ahead if they are concerned about consult fees to ensure they are aware of the correct billing charges. A list of fees will be added to our website and our Facebook Page. All Medicare rebates are done automatically by the Practice and in your account within 24hrs. Patients do not have to attend a Medicare Office to claim the rebate. A list of Out-of-pocket expense will be included with the new Consult fees pricing list.



What does it mean for the Practice?

Murrumbateman Health Hub will be changing the Practice Structure as of 1st January,2023. There will be 1 price increase for the year to coincide with the price increases we face such as power, consumables etc. The Medicare subsidy is not sustainable for Medical Practices to continue to only Bulk Bill. To Keep quality health care at our practice and knowledgeable Doctors this change is necessary.

I cannot afford to pay, and my doctor has always Bulk Billed in the past. Unfortunately, the Practice can no longer bulk bill patients as we have in the past. If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact the Practice Manager directly. Healthcare will not be refused to genuine hardship cases.



Why do I need to pay a booking fee before I have my procedure?

Most procedures take at least 30-45 mins. The Booking fee is to ensure the Treatment room is available for your appointment and to cover all your consumables including sutures, dressings, wound packs etc. which Medicare does not and never has covered. The actual consult for the procedure will be bulk billed so just the cost of Booking fee is paid. There is no rebate on Booking fees.

Why do I have to pay a booking fee for a Mental Health Care Plan?

Again a Mental Health Care Plan consult is time consuming and often goes over its 30min allotted time. The Booking fee is to book the appointment slot, the actual care plan is bulk billed and the referral to Psychologist or Psychiatrist will carry a Medicare rebate.



I didn’t make it to my appointment can I get a refund?

Unfortunately, due to the amount of people not showing for appointment with no notice of cancelation, any booking fee that has been paid and less than 4 hours given for cancelation will not be refunded. A late cancelation or a no show for an appointment has wasted both the GP and Nurses time and has taken up the booking when someone else could have used it. Please remember to give plenty of notice when cancelling appointments.

Im not happy and want to speak to the Manager the Practice Manager is happy to discuss concerns. Please address to adminmbgp.com.au

No One likes to change, and no one wants to work for free, so We trust you understand the need for us to make these changes and hope you continue to be a part of the Murrumbateman Health Hub.