Bulk Billing
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What Is Bulk Billing?
Bulk billing is a Medicare payment arrangement where your doctor accepts the Medicare benefit as full payment for an eligible service. This means you do not have to pay an out-of-pocket gap for that service when it is bulk billed.
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Bulk billing can help make GP care more affordable and accessible, particularly for patients who need regular medical attention or ongoing healthcare support. The Australian Government advises patients to confirm with their GP or medical practice whether a particular service will be bulk billed.
Who Can Access Bulk Billing?
Bulk billing is available to Medicare-eligible patients when the practice and service meet the applicable Medicare requirements.
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At Group One Medical, patients should bring their current Medicare card or Medicare details to their appointment. Our reception team can also help clarify the billing arrangements for your appointment before you see the doctor.
Which Services Can Be Bulk Billed?
Common GP services that may be eligible for bulk billing include GP consultations, eligible telehealth consultations, health assessments, mental health treatment plan services and GP chronic condition management services, subject to the relevant Medicare Benefits Schedule requirements.
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Because eligibility can vary by service, not every appointment, procedure or healthcare service is automatically bulk billed. We recommend checking with our reception team before your appointment if you are unsure about any fees.
Our Approach to Affordable Healthcare
We believe cost should not be an unnecessary barrier to seeking medical care. Our bulk billing approach is part of our commitment to providing accessible healthcare for individuals and families in the Epping community.
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Whether you need a routine GP consultation, ongoing chronic disease support, a health assessment, or advice about your wellbeing, our team is here to provide professional care in a welcoming environment.
Bulk Billing and Medicare
Bulk billing is different from private health insurance and is separate from MyMedicare registration.
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Bulk billing relates to how an eligible Medicare service is paid for, while MyMedicare is a voluntary patient registration model that helps establish an ongoing relationship with a regular GP and medical practice.
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You do not need to be registered for MyMedicare simply for a practice to participate in the Australian Government’s Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program.
What Should I Bring to My Appointment?
Please bring your current Medicare card or Medicare details when attending your appointment. If you have other relevant healthcare cards or documents, such as concession or DVA information where applicable, please let our reception team know.
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If you are unsure whether your appointment or service will be bulk billed, our reception team can confirm the applicable billing arrangement before your consultation.
Need Help With Billing?
Not sure whether your appointment is bulk billed or whether a particular service attracts a fee?
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Our friendly reception team can explain the billing arrangements before your appointment so you know what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does bulk billing mean?
Bulk billing means the doctor accepts the Medicare benefit as full payment for an eligible service. When the service is bulk billed, you do not pay an out-of-pocket gap for that service.
Is bulk billing available to all Medicare patients?
The Australian Government has expanded the eligibility for bulk billing incentives to all Medicare-eligible patients, but individual practices and doctors determine whether they bulk bill particular services unless the practice is participating in the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program and the service is eligible.
Do I need a Medicare card?
You generally need to provide your Medicare details to access Medicare-funded services and bulk billing. Bring your current Medicare card or relevant Medicare information to your appointment.
Are all services at Group One Medical bulk billed?
Not necessarily. Bulk billing applies to eligible services under the relevant Medicare requirements. Some services, procedures, or non-MBS services may have different billing arrangements. Please get in touch with our reception team to confirm the fee before your appointment.
Do I have to register for MyMedicare to receive bulk billing?
No. MyMedicare registration and bulk billing are separate. The Australian Government confirms that patients do not need to be registered with MyMedicare for a practice to participate in the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program.
Can I ask about fees before my appointment?
Yes. We encourage patients to ask our reception team about billing arrangements before their appointment if they are unsure whether a service will be bulk billed.
What happens when a service is bulk billed?
For an eligible bulk-billed service, you provide the required consent for the Medicare claim and the practice submits the claim to Medicare. Medicare then pays the doctor or practice directly, so you do not need to pay the bulk-billed amount at the appointment.