Changes to fees and billing arrangements from August 2022

Released June 2022. 

For over 50 years, doctors consulting from these rooms have delivered quality bulk billed care to a large majority of their patient population. It has been a pleasure serving their community.

To continue to provide the same high level of care, standards and personalised service the doctors consulting from these rooms pride themselves on, doctors find themselves required to make adjustments to their operations.

From August 2022 bulk billing by doctors consulting at the Labrador Medical Centre will reduce. Service providers consulting from these rooms will transition to increased private billing with Medicare rebates for most services. This may affect you, even if you are accustomed to being bulk billed. 

Bulk billed services will continue with some doctors for some patient groups and select services only. Please see the information brochure or speak with your doctor for details. In summary:

• Private fees for patients aged 17 and over have modestly increased for the first time in many years.
• Doctors may introduce reduced private fees with low out of pocket costs after Medicare rebate for age pension and commonwealth seniors card holders for some services.  
• Procedures and excisions will generally be privately billed. Generous rebates apply.
• Most telephone consultations will attract a private fee with Medicare rebate.

Unfortunately, the costs associated with doctors providing medical services continue to increase. When doctors bulk bill, they receive only the Medicare rebate. The government has frozen contributions to your healthcare for many years. This means the doctor receives considerably less than they should be receiving for each service.  

The way each independent medical practitioner operates from these rooms affords good opportunity to provide quality care, allowing your doctor to maintain a valued relationship with you and your family. This is something you doctor wants to continue. Your doctor understands change can be difficult and they hope to remain as your your doctor and as part of your healthcare team.

Thank you for your understanding and for taking the time to read this information.  If you have questions about these upcoming changes, please discuss with your doctor.  

The information brochure is available via reception. 

Regards

Doctors providing services from Tandem Health Labrador Medical Centre rooms.