IMPORTANT CHANGES IN BILLING POLICY
Dear Valued Patients,
We want to keep you informed about important changes to our GP consultation fees at Nicholson Road Medical Group, effective from 1st of November 2023. Please find the details below.
Mixed billing means that while we continue to offer excellent medical care, there will be a mix of privately billed services and bulk-billed services. We understand the importance of flexibility in healthcare, and this change allows us to maintain the high standards of care you deserve.
We are committed to providing affordable and accessible healthcare, and bulk-billing options will still be available for certain groups, including Children under 16 years of age, Healthcare Card holders, and Pension Card holders.
Our team is here to answer any questions you may have and assist you in understanding these changes. Your health and well-being remain our top priority, and we appreciate your continued trust in Nicholson Road Medical Group.
What is mixed-billing?
Mixed billing means that some patients will now pay a 'gap payment' for appointments. A gap payment is an out-of-pocket expense that represents the difference between the practice's private fee and the Medicare rebate. For our practice, patients eligible for a Medicare rebate will incur an out-of-pocket cost of approximately $25 for a standard consultation. However, some patients, mostly children and seniors, will continue to be bulk-billed.
Reasons for the change in billing policy:
We introduce this new billing policy after many years of consideration and hesitation, with mixed emotions. As a practice, we strongly believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality healthcare, regardless of their financial situation.
In recent times, many independently owned clinics have reported financial strain amid the COVID-19 pandemic. General practitioners (GPs) have expressed concerns about the viability of their practices.
While government Medicare funding has not kept pace with rising salaries and healthcare technology costs, the pandemic has introduced additional operating expenses such as personal protective equipment, rapid antigen tests, and increased staffing requirements. We have patiently awaited Medicare reforms that never materialized.
The returns we receive from Medicare no longer cover the costs of operating our practice, let alone maintaining our commitment to providing the highest quality of primary healthcare.
We are dedicated to preserving and improving the quality of healthcare we provide, and this decision is necessary to protect the sustainability of our practice.
We sincerely thank you for your continued support of our practice, both in the past and as we move forward with this transition.
Who will be eligible for bulk-billing?
At Nicholson Road Medical Group, we prioritize access to healthcare for all our patients. To ensure affordability, we offer bulk-billing or concession fee options for eligible patients.
Patients who qualify for bulk-billing (except for the phone consult) include:
1) Children 16 years or younger.
2) Pension card holders.
3) Defence veterans.
4) Health card holders.
5) Other government-approved concession card holders.
6) Visits for chronic disease management plan.
To take advantage of bulk-billing or concession entitlements, eligible patients are required to present their valid concession cards during their appointment. Our commitment is to make healthcare accessible and affordable for everyone in our community.
Most common fees
See below a summary of the fees that you will most commonly be charged.
FACE TO FACE CONSULTATION FEES:
1) Short consult (Less than 6 mins) : $55
2) Standard consult (Less than 15 mins) : $75
3) Standard consult (15 to 20 mins) : $85
4) Long consult (20 to 30 mins) : $120
PHONE CONSULTATION FEES (Private Billing Only):
1) Short consult (less than 6 mins) : $55
2) Standard consult (6 mins or more) : $75
AFTERHOURS (AFTER 6 PM) & WEEKEND (SAT & SUN):
1) Standard consult : $85
2) Long consult : $130
MENTAL HEALTH PLAN FEES:
1) Mental Health Care Plan : $150
2) Mental Health Care Plan Review : $120
A full list will be available in due course and will also be available at reception.
How will I know the cost before I come in?
Our dedicated reception staff is committed to providing you with accurate advice regarding the costs of your appointment in advance.
However, it's important to note that the cost of your consultation may vary based on several factors.
Key indicators that can affect the cost of your appointment include:
- The duration (length of time) of your appointment.
- The number of medical issues discussed with the doctor.
- Whether any medical procedures are involved in your appointment.
We have made every effort to maintain consistency in gap payments across all appointment types to minimise variations in cost for our patients.
Financial Assistance Options:
We understand that circumstances can change, and you may experience financial strain at times. If you find yourself in this situation, we encourage you to reach out to our Practice Manager. They can discuss available options for payment plans to help make healthcare more manageable during challenging times. Your health and well-being are our top priorities, and we are here to support you in any way we can.
How will the fee be processed?
At Nicholson Road Medical Group, we want to streamline the payment process for your convenience.
Here's how it works:
Payment:
We accept credit or debit card payments only. Please note that we do not accept cash and do not keep cash on the premises. You will be charged the full private fee to your card at the end of your appointment. Credit card surcharge will be applicable.
Medicare Rebate:
After your payment, we will electronically process your Medicare rebate on your behalf. Typically, the rebate should appear in your bank account within 1-2 business days. To avoid any delays in receiving your rebate, we recommend ensuring that your bank details are up-to-date on my.gov.au.
Out of pocket fee for Standard Consultation:
Patients who are not bulk-billed or concession card holders should expect an out-of-pocket fee of about $25 for a standard consultation.
Our aim is to provide you with a seamless and efficient payment experience while ensuring you receive the appropriate Medicare rebate. If you have any questions or require assistance with payment or rebates, our reception staff is here to help.
Other bulk-billing items
At Nicholson Road Medical Group, we prioritise accessible healthcare for our patients. We are pleased to inform you that certain bedside investigations are fully bulk billed. This means that you will not incur any out-of-pocket expenses for the following bedside investigations:
- Urine pregnancy test
- Urinalysis (urine dipstick test)
- Random blood glucose (finger prick test)
Our commitment to making healthcare affordable extends to these essential investigations.
Cancelling policy
At Nicholson Road Medical Group, we strive to provide timely and quality care to all our patients. To ensure that as many patients as possible can benefit from our services, we kindly request your cooperation with our appointment cancellation policy.
Cancellations and Rescheduling:
If you are unable to attend your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible. To accommodate other patients in need of care, we require at least 2 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
Late Notice Fee:
Failure to provide the required 2 hours' notice for cancellation or rescheduling will result in a late notice fee of $20.
Missed Appointment Fee:
If you do not attend your appointment without prior notice, you will be charged a missed appointment fee of $35.
We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and we appreciate your understanding. These policies help us optimize our scheduling and provide timely care to all our patients.
If you have any questions or need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please contact our reception staff as soon as possible.
Non-Medicare rebatable consultations
At Nicholson Road Medical Group, we provide a range of medical services, and we want to ensure transparency regarding billing. Please be aware that the following consultations and services will be billed privately:
1) Worker's compensation and related consultations.
2) Pre-employment medical assessments and associated investigations.
3) Pre-travel consultations.
4) Driver license medical assessments (both private and commercial).
5) Fatigue assessments.
6) Dangerous goods license assessments.
7) HUET (Helicopter Underwater Escape Training) medical assessments.
8) Fitness for duty assessments.
9) Lawyer's medical reports.
10) Insurance medical reports.
11) Procedures: In addition to consultations, out-of-pocket expenses may be applicable for certain procedures. To clarify the fees for these procedures, we recommend that you discuss this with our receptionist before your appointment.
We are committed to providing clear and upfront information about billing to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the costs associated with your care. If you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to our reception team.
Psychologist Fees
At Nicholson Road Medical Group, we offer comprehensive psychological services to support your mental well-being. To ensure a smooth experience, we would like to provide you with some important information:
Standard Consultation Duration:
Our standard psychological consultation lasts for 50 minutes, allowing ample time for a thorough and supportive session.
Payment Methods:
Payment at the time of your appointment is appreciated and can be made using cash or EFTPOS. We want to make your payment process as convenient as possible.
Billing for Psychological Services:
Please note that there is no bulk billing or concession available for psychological services. We are committed to delivering high-quality care, and our fees reflect the expertise and support you receive.
Cancellation and Non-Attendance Policy:
We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, but timely communication is essential.
Our policy for psychological appointments is as follows: - Cancellation or Rescheduling with 24 Hours' Notice or More: No charge.
- Less than 24 Hours' Notice Fee: $50.
- Non-Attendance Fee: $50.
We provide complimentary SMS appointment reminders to help you keep track of your appointments. However, please take note of your appointment time and be mindful of the cancellation policy.
Our friendly medical staff and psychologists are here to assist you with any appointment queries or arrangements. We are dedicated to supporting your mental health and well-being.
PRESCRIPTION POLICY:
Our doctors do not prescribe addictive drugs such as Strong analgesia (S8 Medications) or Sleeping pills (Benzodiazepines).
NEW PATIENTS:
We warmly welcome new patients to our practice. To streamline your first visit, kindly arrive 10 minutes early to complete the registration form. Ensure you bring your medication list if on regular medication, along with your photo ID and valid Medicare card for registration.
CHILDREN'S FIRST VISIT:
For children's initial visits, please bring the immunization record book (Purple Book) and parent's or carer's photo ID.
EMERGENCIES:
In case of emergencies, dial 000 for ambulance services. After-hours locum service can be reached at 1300 644 483, while HealthDirect is available at 1800 022 222. For mental health emergencies, contact Mental Health Emergency Response Line (MHERL) at 1300 555 788.
AFTER-HOURS CARE:
Reach out to Night Doctor Afterhour GP Home Visit Service at 1300 644 483 for after-hours medical assistance.
PRACTICE POLICY
AT NICHOLSON ROAD MEDICAL GROUP, PATIENT WELLBEING IS OUR PRIORITY. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT OUR DOCTORS DO NOT PRESCRIBE DRUGS OF ADDICTION SUCH AS STRONG ANALGESIA OR SLEEPING PILLS.
PATIENT INFORMATION
SAFEGUARDING YOUR PRIVACY AT NICHOLSON ROAD MEDICAL GROUP
We hold your privacy in high regard and adhere to the Privacy Act for your protection. Our practice operates with an advanced computerised, paperless system. Rest assured, access to computer records housing your medical data is restricted solely to authorised medical personnel. We take extensive measures to ensure the confidentiality of your information. Any physical copies of patient documents are disposed of securely after they have been scanned and stored within the patient medical record database. Your trust is paramount to us. We're dedicated to maintaining the utmost privacy and security of your medical information
Convenient Recall and Reminder Services
Our recall and reminder service ensures you stay up-to-date with important healthcare matters
At Nicholson Road Medical Group we prioritise your health and convenience. You might receive notifications via SMS, phone calls, or letters regarding:
RECENT TEST RESULTS: Stay informed about your latest test outcomes for a clear understanding of your health status.
ROUTINE PREVENTIVE HEALTH CHECK: Timely reminders for essential health assessments, such as the 45-year-old health assessment.
MEDICAL REVIEWS: Ensure your health conditions are well-managed through regular medical reviews, like Diabetes review.
SCREENING: Be alerted about screenings vital for your well-being, such as Cervical Cancer Screening.
IMMUNISATIONS: Stay on top of immunisations, including Routine Childhood Immunisations, for optimal protection.
At Nicholson Road Medical Group, we're dedicated to making your healthcare journey seamless and well-informed."
Your Feedback and Concerns
Your input is invaluable for enhancing our practice.
We welcome your feedback, and you can share it through our Feedback Form available at the reception desk. If you encounter any concerns about our services, we encourage you to discuss them directly with your doctor in the first instance. If resolution is not achieved, you can reach out to our practice manager via email. In the event that further action is desired, you can contact the Health and Disability Services Complaints Office: Ph: 08 6551 7600 Website: www.hadsco.wa.gov.au Your satisfaction and well-being matter to us. We're committed to addressing your concerns and ensuring continuous improvement in our services.
Connecting with Your Doctor
Your communication matters.
Here's how to reach us effectively:
EMERGENCY ADVICE: If you need urgent assistance, please inform the receptionist to prioritize your call's triage.
GENERAL CALLS: Non-urgent calls will be addressed between consultations, during lunch breaks, or after sessions on the same day. If your inquiry requires more time, our receptionist will notify you accordingly.
EMAIL QUERIES: For general electronic queries, feel free to email us at [email protected]. We'll respond promptly via telephone or email.
POLICY ON ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION: If you'd like to understand our approach to electronic communication in detail, you can request our written policy.
Your well-being and convenience are our focus. We're here to ensure your queries and concerns are met with timely and thoughtful responses.".
Interpreting Investigation Results
Your health matters to us.
To ensure you receive accurate information and appropriate advice regarding your healthcare, we kindly request you to schedule an appointment with your Doctor to discuss the results.
Your well-being is our priority.
Requesting Documents
Your understanding and cooperation ensure that we provide accurate and timely assistance for your document needs.
For requests involving repeat scripts, medical certificates, or referrals, we kindly ask you to schedule an appointment. Please note that medical certificates cannot be backdated.