FEES
FEE UPDATES 01/07/2024
All consultations to eligible Medicare card holders who also hold a valid Concession Card (Pension, Healthcare card only), DVA card Holders and Children under the age of 16 will be Bulk Billed.
See below for changes to fees for ALL other patients.
Why are fee changes necessary?
Successive governments have failed to regularly increase Medicare rebates.
This means that rebates (which is the amount your GP gets paid when you are Bulk Billed) have not kept pace with the healthcare delivery costs, to enable us to continue to deliver the quality of medical care you receive at the Family Health Clinic, nor has it kept up with cost living increases since inception of Medicare.
The costs of running our clinic have gone up between 15-20% over the last 12 months alone, and the medicare rebate to us has gone up by 1.8% ONLY. This makes bulk billing no longer viable.
The Family Health Clinic is not immune to price increases in insurance, wages, electricity, medical equipment, medical supplies, rent, cleaning costs etc. These costs have been absorbed by the clinic for the many years and unfortunately cannot be sustained any longer.
To ensure that we can continue to provide you with exceptional quality healthcare, and cover our operational costs, we are unfortunately forced to set GAP fees for our consultations.
What does this mean for you?
All consultations to eligible Medicare card holders who also hold either, Concession Cards (Pension, Healthcare card only), DVA cards and Children under 16 will be Bulk Billed.
For Pensioners and current eligible Concessional Health Care Card holders, there will be NO change. As difficult as it is we will continue to bulk bill you.
Unfortunately for other patients who do not hold a current eligible concession card, there will be a nominal GAP Fee. We aim to keep any fee increase to a minimum, so you can continue receiving affordable healthcare.
All other patients will need to pay the full consult fee including the Gap as shown below, at the time of your appointment, and the Medicare rebate will then be processed immediately at the time of payment, and you will be refunded in full electronically from Medicare the rebate amount, leaving only a $25 GAP / out of pocket expense before you leave the Clinic.
If you require any additional information, please talk to our amazing Reception staff, or our Practice Manager.
We trust you will understand the reasons behind these nominal fee changes, to help us keep our practice sustainable, pay our ever-rising overheads, employ our amazing staff and Doctors.
Non Medicare card holder will be billed at our private fee rates which are available at our clinic. These fees vary and are charged on time based consultations.
All non-Medicare funded vaccinations are also billed privately.
Medicals for commercial licenses (Truck, Bus driver etc), Insurance forms and reports cannot be Medicare billed will be charged accordingly.
We require a valid Medicare or veteran affairs and concession card if applicable for each visit.
Kindly check and confirm the fee estimate at the time of your appointment booking. All non Medicare fees are payable at the time of your consultation.
All consultations to eligible Medicare card holders who also hold a valid Concession Card (Pension, Healthcare card only), DVA card Holders and Children under the age of 16 will be Bulk Billed.
See below for changes to fees for ALL other patients.
Why are fee changes necessary?
Successive governments have failed to regularly increase Medicare rebates.
This means that rebates (which is the amount your GP gets paid when you are Bulk Billed) have not kept pace with the healthcare delivery costs, to enable us to continue to deliver the quality of medical care you receive at the Family Health Clinic, nor has it kept up with cost living increases since inception of Medicare.
The costs of running our clinic have gone up between 15-20% over the last 12 months alone, and the medicare rebate to us has gone up by 1.8% ONLY. This makes bulk billing no longer viable.
The Family Health Clinic is not immune to price increases in insurance, wages, electricity, medical equipment, medical supplies, rent, cleaning costs etc. These costs have been absorbed by the clinic for the many years and unfortunately cannot be sustained any longer.
To ensure that we can continue to provide you with exceptional quality healthcare, and cover our operational costs, we are unfortunately forced to set GAP fees for our consultations.
What does this mean for you?
All consultations to eligible Medicare card holders who also hold either, Concession Cards (Pension, Healthcare card only), DVA cards and Children under 16 will be Bulk Billed.
For Pensioners and current eligible Concessional Health Care Card holders, there will be NO change. As difficult as it is we will continue to bulk bill you.
Unfortunately for other patients who do not hold a current eligible concession card, there will be a nominal GAP Fee. We aim to keep any fee increase to a minimum, so you can continue receiving affordable healthcare.
All other patients will need to pay the full consult fee including the Gap as shown below, at the time of your appointment, and the Medicare rebate will then be processed immediately at the time of payment, and you will be refunded in full electronically from Medicare the rebate amount, leaving only a $25 GAP / out of pocket expense before you leave the Clinic.
If you require any additional information, please talk to our amazing Reception staff, or our Practice Manager.
We trust you will understand the reasons behind these nominal fee changes, to help us keep our practice sustainable, pay our ever-rising overheads, employ our amazing staff and Doctors.
Non Medicare card holder will be billed at our private fee rates which are available at our clinic. These fees vary and are charged on time based consultations.
All non-Medicare funded vaccinations are also billed privately.
Medicals for commercial licenses (Truck, Bus driver etc), Insurance forms and reports cannot be Medicare billed will be charged accordingly.
We require a valid Medicare or veteran affairs and concession card if applicable for each visit.
Kindly check and confirm the fee estimate at the time of your appointment booking. All non Medicare fees are payable at the time of your consultation.
SATURDAY FEES:
THIS HAS BEEN DEFERRED for now.
Our Clinic continues to provide services on Saturdays for our patients, who require care on the weekend. Unfortunately the cost of staffing on Saturdays is extremely high, including a loading of 75% over and above the standard award rates, plus with the wage increases of 3.5% from the 1st of July and further increase increase in superannuation of and extra 0.5%. This makes bulk billing and standard Gap fees of $25 no longer sustainable, or affordable to the Clinic for Saturdays.
Moving forward Saturday consultation fees will change from the 1st of August 2024. Consultations will no longer be Bulk billed even for concession card holders, and there will be a $45 gap fee across the board, to allow us to continue providing services on a Saturday.
THIS HAS BEEN DEFERRED for now.
Our Clinic continues to provide services on Saturdays for our patients, who require care on the weekend. Unfortunately the cost of staffing on Saturdays is extremely high, including a loading of 75% over and above the standard award rates, plus with the wage increases of 3.5% from the 1st of July and further increase increase in superannuation of and extra 0.5%. This makes bulk billing and standard Gap fees of $25 no longer sustainable, or affordable to the Clinic for Saturdays.
Moving forward Saturday consultation fees will change from the 1st of August 2024. Consultations will no longer be Bulk billed even for concession card holders, and there will be a $45 gap fee across the board, to allow us to continue providing services on a Saturday.
CLINIC Information
SURGERY HOURS:
Monday to Friday - 8am to 5pm
Saturday - 8am to 1pm
FEES & BILLING:
All consultations to eligible Concession Card Holders and DVA card Holders will be Bulk Billed.
We require a valid Medicare or veteran affairs and concession card if applicable for each visit.
APPOINTMENTS:
Medical appointments are normally made at 10 minute intervals. If you feel that you may need a longer appointment please advise our staff when making your appointment. Dental appointments will be made according to the treatment required.
If you are seeing the doctor to complete Centrelink forms, insurance medicals, driver license medicals or for any procedure, please advise the staff when you make the appointment as these visits require a longer appointment. Also provide the forms to the Receptionist when you arrive for the appointment.
The Doctor will make every attempt to keep to your appointment time, however due to emergencies there may be some delay at times.
We will attempt to fit in emergencies such as an accident at work or home or sudden illness. Each day we keep aside a few appointments to fit in patients with urgent problems. However in certain life threatening circumstances such as a severe injury or chest pain it is best to call an Ambulance at 000 immediately.
You are welcome to ring the surgery prior to your appointment to find out if we are running on schedule.
Kindly call the surgery to cancel your appointment if you are unable to keep the appointment for any reason, and this will allow another patient to be given an appointment.
It is in your interest to consult the doctor on a more regular basis for individual complaints and advice, rather than accumulating several problems and presenting with a list. The doctor in this case may not be able to address all the issues.
Separate appointments are preferred for Skin checks, rather than trying to get these done during a standard consultation for other problems.
AFTER HOURS SERVICE:
For ANY life threatening emergency call 000 or go to the nearest hospital.
The Clinic uses the services of an after hour deputising service for after hour home visits.
For after hour Emergencies please call 1300 HOME DR / 1300 466 337
TELEPHONING the DOCTOR:
Patients wishing to talk to the doctor should advise the staff as to the purpose of the call. These calls are handled accordingly. You may have to call back or the doctor may return your call at a more convenient time usually at the end of the day. The receptionist may be able to assist with your request or your call may even be directed to the Practice Nurse if appropriate.
PRIVACY POLICY:
Our practice is committed to providing comprehensive general practice care to all our patients. All consultations and medical records are kept strictly confidential. No information will be given to any third party without the patients consent.
OUT of SURGERY VISITS:
Home visit for our regular patients in the vicinity of the Clinic may be done at the Doctors discretion, if you cannot attend the surgery. However if you are too ill it is advisable to call an ambulance or present to the local Hospital Emergency Department.
CHILDREN & BABIES:
A dedicate child friendly play room is available for children under parent supervision. An area for parents to change babies is available on request. Baby scales are available for parents wishing to check on their baby’s progress.
The Practice has regular Childhood Immunisation Clinics. Please advise reception at the time of booking if your child is for an immunisation.
DISABILITY FACILITIES:
There is special access available for patients in wheelchairs or impaired mobility. The patient toilets located within the surgery are suitable for wheelchair and ambulant access. Should you have any special needs please discuss these with the practice staff at the time of making your appointment.
SERVICES OFFERED:
HOSPITAL ACCESS:
Patients are advised to present to the local Public Hospitals for emergency care. Non urgent referrals to specialists and hospitals will be made as required by your Doctor or Dentist.
YOUR RIGHTS:
If you are unhappy with any aspect of your treatment from our practice please feel free to talk to the Doctor or the Practice Manager. If you are still not satisfied you may contact the Health Ombudsman at GPO Box 3089 Brisbane 4001 or phone 1800 077 308.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:
ALL patients who are referred for any tests (Blood, X-ray) are requested to return to discuss these test results or telephone the receptionist if advised to do so. It is the responsibility of the PATIENT to return for follow up. PLEASE DO NOT assume that the Doctor or clinic staff will contact you to discuss these. This is our Clinic policy and we expect that as a condition of attending our clinic this is adhered to.
Following any consultation should your condition change or deteriorate you MUST return to the surgery or present to the nearest hospital to be reviewed urgently.
SURGERY HOURS:
Monday to Friday - 8am to 5pm
Saturday - 8am to 1pm
FEES & BILLING:
All consultations to eligible Concession Card Holders and DVA card Holders will be Bulk Billed.
We require a valid Medicare or veteran affairs and concession card if applicable for each visit.
APPOINTMENTS:
Medical appointments are normally made at 10 minute intervals. If you feel that you may need a longer appointment please advise our staff when making your appointment. Dental appointments will be made according to the treatment required.
If you are seeing the doctor to complete Centrelink forms, insurance medicals, driver license medicals or for any procedure, please advise the staff when you make the appointment as these visits require a longer appointment. Also provide the forms to the Receptionist when you arrive for the appointment.
The Doctor will make every attempt to keep to your appointment time, however due to emergencies there may be some delay at times.
We will attempt to fit in emergencies such as an accident at work or home or sudden illness. Each day we keep aside a few appointments to fit in patients with urgent problems. However in certain life threatening circumstances such as a severe injury or chest pain it is best to call an Ambulance at 000 immediately.
You are welcome to ring the surgery prior to your appointment to find out if we are running on schedule.
Kindly call the surgery to cancel your appointment if you are unable to keep the appointment for any reason, and this will allow another patient to be given an appointment.
It is in your interest to consult the doctor on a more regular basis for individual complaints and advice, rather than accumulating several problems and presenting with a list. The doctor in this case may not be able to address all the issues.
Separate appointments are preferred for Skin checks, rather than trying to get these done during a standard consultation for other problems.
AFTER HOURS SERVICE:
For ANY life threatening emergency call 000 or go to the nearest hospital.
The Clinic uses the services of an after hour deputising service for after hour home visits.
For after hour Emergencies please call 1300 HOME DR / 1300 466 337
TELEPHONING the DOCTOR:
Patients wishing to talk to the doctor should advise the staff as to the purpose of the call. These calls are handled accordingly. You may have to call back or the doctor may return your call at a more convenient time usually at the end of the day. The receptionist may be able to assist with your request or your call may even be directed to the Practice Nurse if appropriate.
PRIVACY POLICY:
Our practice is committed to providing comprehensive general practice care to all our patients. All consultations and medical records are kept strictly confidential. No information will be given to any third party without the patients consent.
OUT of SURGERY VISITS:
Home visit for our regular patients in the vicinity of the Clinic may be done at the Doctors discretion, if you cannot attend the surgery. However if you are too ill it is advisable to call an ambulance or present to the local Hospital Emergency Department.
CHILDREN & BABIES:
A dedicate child friendly play room is available for children under parent supervision. An area for parents to change babies is available on request. Baby scales are available for parents wishing to check on their baby’s progress.
The Practice has regular Childhood Immunisation Clinics. Please advise reception at the time of booking if your child is for an immunisation.
DISABILITY FACILITIES:
There is special access available for patients in wheelchairs or impaired mobility. The patient toilets located within the surgery are suitable for wheelchair and ambulant access. Should you have any special needs please discuss these with the practice staff at the time of making your appointment.
SERVICES OFFERED:
- We stock all travel immunisation at the clinic for your convenience
- Adult & Child Health
- Childhood Immunisations
- Asthma Care Plans
- Mental Healthcare Plans
- Mens Health, Erectile problems
- Women's Health
- Contraceptive advice
- Hormone implants including Implanon
- Workcover injuries treated
- ECG's (Electrocardiograms)
- Spirometry (Lung Function Tests)
- Flu & Pneumonia Immunisations
- Annual Health Assessments
- Travel Advice & Immunisations
- Ear Syringing
- Cervical Screening Tests
- Skin cancer checks
- Removal of skin cancers and lumps
- Antenatal Care (Pregnancy)
- Commercial Driver & Driver Fatigue Medicals
- Pre-employment Medicals
- 45-49 year old Health Assessments
HOSPITAL ACCESS:
Patients are advised to present to the local Public Hospitals for emergency care. Non urgent referrals to specialists and hospitals will be made as required by your Doctor or Dentist.
YOUR RIGHTS:
If you are unhappy with any aspect of your treatment from our practice please feel free to talk to the Doctor or the Practice Manager. If you are still not satisfied you may contact the Health Ombudsman at GPO Box 3089 Brisbane 4001 or phone 1800 077 308.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:
ALL patients who are referred for any tests (Blood, X-ray) are requested to return to discuss these test results or telephone the receptionist if advised to do so. It is the responsibility of the PATIENT to return for follow up. PLEASE DO NOT assume that the Doctor or clinic staff will contact you to discuss these. This is our Clinic policy and we expect that as a condition of attending our clinic this is adhered to.
Following any consultation should your condition change or deteriorate you MUST return to the surgery or present to the nearest hospital to be reviewed urgently.
