Fee Structure
Successive governments have failed to regularly increase Medicare rebates. This means that rebates have not kept pace with the cost of living, and have never covered the true cost to practices of delivering quality medical care. To ensure we can continue to provide you with quality healthcare, and cover our operational costs, we are required to set fees at this level, and reduce the amount of bulk billing we have traditionally offered to our patients. Thank you for your understanding.
| Appointment Length | 7Springs Fee | Medicare Rebate | Out of Pocket |
|---|---|---|---|
| < 20 minutes | $95.00 | $41.40 | $53.60 |
| 20-30 minutes | $140.00 | $80.10 | $59.90 |
| 30-40 minutes | $165.00 | $80.10 | $84.90 |
| 40-50 minutes | $209.00 | $118.00 | $91.00 |
| 50-60 minutes | $250.00 | $118.00 | $132.00 |
| >60 minutes | $350.00 | $191.20 | $158.80 |
Not all concession cards carry a discount; our discounted fees are for our patients in genuine needs. Bank charges will be applied to eftpos transactions.
All fees are to be paid in full on the day of the appointments.
Some GP Management plans and GP Mental Health plans will also carry an out-of-pocket fee of $75. All minor skin procedures/plastering and IV fluids carry a non-rebateable $82.50 facility fee.
INR and dressing appointments will incur a $50 fee.
If you are unable to keep an appointment please advise reception as early as possible. Failure to cancel an appointment will attract a $50 fee.
Repeat Prescriptions, Referrals & Medical Certificates
These are not generally provided outside of the consultation. If a prescription is provided without an appointment, a $50 fee will be applied.
We request that you phone and make an appointment if you require repeat prescriptions, referrals or certificates. Doctors have a duty of care to ensure that repeat medication or referrals remain appropriate and a short consultation is required to check on this. These appointments can generally be accommodated same-day if urgent.
Why do we need to charge a fee?
Simply put, the amount that Medicare pays for each appointment no longer covers the cost of running a medical practice.
Successive governments have failed to regularly increase Medicare rebates. This means that rebates have not kept pace with the cost of living, and have never covered the true cost to practices of delivering quality medical care. To ensure we can continue to provide you with quality healthcare, and cover our operational costs, we are required to set fees at this level, and reduce the amount of bulk billing we have traditionally offered to our patients. Thank you for your understanding.
As such, from July 2023 we will be increasing fees for all patients. This will allow us to maintain a high level of care for our patients. The government is also launching the MyMedicare voluntary sign up to your practice. From 1st November 2023, this will assist in maintaining Bulk Billing for those patients in genuine need, if you are regularly Bulk Billed your Doctor will ask you to sign up to the 7Springs Practice.
If you have concerns about the rising out-of-pocket cost for healthcare, we encourage you to please notify your Federal Member of Parliament, Garth Hamilton: garth.hamilton.mp@aph.gov.au
What do “Out of Pocket” fees pay for at 7Springs Medical Practice?
The consumables used in the doctors and nurses delivering your care
- Paper + Printing Costs & General Stationary
- Cleaning products
- Gloves, Masks and PPE
- Clinical instruments and material
- Wound Dressings
- Instruments – disposable and sterilised
- Needles, band aids and lollypops for the kids … yes they are all paid for and are not subsidised by the Government.
The staff you meet on your visits:
- Administrators who take your call and make your appointment
- Administrators who check you in, check your details and invoice for the Doctors work
- Nurses who work in the Doctors Suites
- Nurses who work in the Procedure Suites
- Nurses who work in our speciality areas
- Our Manager and Team Leaders
The rental costs of our rooms
- Utilities including Gas and Electric
- All the computers, telephones and office equipment
- Rates, Rubbish removal, Cleaning & Maintenance.
It is a common misconception that these items are paid for by the government, this is not the case. Please support us in trying to support yours’ and families’ health, please don’t embarrass your Doctor by asking to be Bulk Billed, the Medicare subsidy does not cover the cost of your care.