Changes to Fees
Standard childhood immunisation appointments in this age group will remain bulk billed as all the doctors at Kingscliff Beach Medical believe that childhood vaccinations should be covered by Medicare and accessible for all.
For all standard consultations (including telephone consultations) children 13 to 17 years of age will be charged $65.00 (Medicare rebate $39.75) – $25.25 out of pocket (additional charges may apply for longer consultations).
From Monday 1st May 2023, the doctors from Kingscliff Beach Medical will now privately bill all children 13 years of age and older. Previously these patients have been bulk billed through Medicare.
Children listed on pension cards will continue to be bulk billed.
The decision by the doctors has not been made lightly. We understand the impact that increased cost of living is having across the community. The governments freeze on Medicare rebates no longer covers the ever-increasing cost of providing quality care. Just to be very clear, doctors are not asking the government for money for them, they are asking for a better rebate for you.
The doctors at Kingscliff Beach Medical are awaiting with interest the outcome of May’s federal budget, and if a satisfactory solution to the years of underfunding by Medicare for general practice is not provided, then we may have to review our billing practices for aged pensioners and children under the age of 13. Free access for these groups to health care is under threat courtesy of the government.
Why has you doctor stopped bulk-billing? – Sydney Morning Herald.
