When you visit a medical centre, it’s nice to know what to expect when it comes to how much you’ll pay and how much your insurance will pay. You may have been bulk billed before. In general, if you visit the doctor and aren’t charged, chances are you were bulk billed. If you visit the doctor often or are just curious, it’s nice to know how bulk billing works so you can stay on top of your health care. At Wandal Medical Centre in Rockhampton, we’re here to help with all of the information you need.
What is Bulk Billing?
Bulk billing means you won’t be charged when you visit the physician. That’s because the clinic or doctor accepts the Medicare Benefits Schedule rate and bills the government directly, meaning there’s nothing left over for you to pay. If bulk billing isn’t used, you’ll be charged a fee for services rendered, but can then claim some of it back through Medicare.
Who Can Use Bulk Billing?
Any Australian resident who has a valid Medicare card can take advantage of bulk billing. Not all doctors or clinics offer bulk billing so be sure you ask before any treatment. We are always willing to work with you on payment options.
How to Claim Bulk Billing
You can sometimes claim bulk billing benefits through Medicare right in the clinic, but other times may have to claim by mail. You can also use the Medicare online site or app to make a claim. The benefits will then be transferred into your bank account so you don’t have to wait for it to come by mail or go pick it up.
Who Provides Bulk Billing?
Not all doctors do bulk billing, which is why it’s important to discuss this and any fees you might be responsible for before you book an appointment. Some things that bulk billing typically covers include x-rays, pathology tests, eye tests, GP appointments, and specialist appointments. We’re happy to go over what we cover with you.
Considerations
If you have special circumstances or carry a specialised healthcare card, be sure to let us know. That includes if you’re under age 16, or carry a pensioner card, foster care card, low income health care card, pensioner concession card, commonwealth seniors card, a health care card, or an ex-carer allowance card.
Do you want to know more about bulk billing? Call Wandal Medical Centre on (07) 4927 4411 today and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.
Author
Dr. Priyanta Thotagamuwa (MBBS, FRACGP)
Dr. Priyanta Thotagamuwa (MBBS, FRACGP) is operating Wandal Medical Centre in Rockhampton with the aim and interest of treating patients in a holistic manner. As a GP he offers medical assistance to patients of all ages, seeking advice, treatment or minor procedures.
