Mixed-Billing FAQ
What is mixed billing?
Mixed billing means that some eligible patients will continue to be bulk billed, while others will pay a ‘gap fee’ for GP consultations in addition to the amount paid by Medicare (the ‘rebate’, which is returned to the patient). Patients who will be bulk billed include:
- Children under 16 years old
- Healthcare card holders
- Pension card holders
When will the mixed billing system start?
Mixed billing will apply to all SATURDAY GP appointments from 6 April 2024. All patients on weekdays will continue to be bulk billed.
How much will I be charged?
Please see our fees page.
How can I pay the fees and claim the Medicare rebate?
The fee will be determined after your consultation. Please see reception after seeing the doctor where you can pay by cash or card. To claim the rebate:
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicare-claims?context=60092
How can I pay for my telehealth appointment?
We will call you to take credit card payment over the phone prior to your consultation. Please be available to provide credit card details to our friendly reception staff.
Why have you changed to mixed billing?
For 15 years, Campsie Medical Practice has provided high quality, fully bulk-billed medical care to the local community. Over the years, despite increasing costs of operating a medical practice, we have resisted a movement to charge patients a gap fee.
Medicare rebates have not kept up with the rising cost of running a business, particularly a medical practice that needs to keep up with the latest technology, cover medical supplies and insurance and provide wages for skilled employees (doctors, nurses, reception and allied health). Inflation rose by 6.1% in 2022 however the rebate for a standard GP consultation increased by only 65 cents, a 1.6% increase from the previous year. So to continue to provide high quality care long term, we cannot rely on Medicare rebates alone.
