MEDICARE REBATE & FEE CHANGES - YOUR GUIDE
Notice to Our Patients Regarding Universal Bulk Billing.
Swansea Channel Doctors will not be moving to a universal bulk-billing model.
Government rebates do not cover the cost of providing safe, high-quality medical care, and universal bulk billing would force rushed, “quick-medicine” appointments.
We remain committed to longer, patient-focused care and will continue to bulk bill in limited circumstances where appropriate. Thank you for your understanding and support. Please see below for further information regarding our fees and what we can continue to bulk bill for you.
In order to keep PRIVATE appointment costs affordable the appointment lengths are changing to 10 minute increments.
If you have multiple problems or problems involving skin/travel/mental health please make sure you book a longer appointment.
Our new appointment schedule therefore gives you the choice between a ‘Quick-10’ and ‘Longer up to 20’ minute, standard appointment. There is NO PRICE INCREASE for the Quick-10.
For those needing longer still, we have similarly divided the traditional ‘Long’ 20-40 minute appointment, into ’30-minute’ and ’40-minute’ options.
Overall, this should be fairer on the pocket, as you will pay for the time taken in smaller-increments, with less ‘rounding’!
Exciting! MORE people will be eligible for care plans - if you need to see us for a ongoing condition, regular script, or test, chances are you will now be eligible, please ask us!
On the downside however, Medicare is changing (REDUCING) rebates for our most complex patients who are currently managed under Chronic Disease Management Care plans - appointment lengths will be a bit shorter
Care plans and Health Assessments will continue to be BULK BILLED
Must be registered for MY MEDICARE with Swansea Channel Doctors for these bulk billed appointments
These Medicare changes have been brought in with almost no notice so please bear with us while we navigate this and try to use it to your advantage.
