Monday to Saturday until 1pm
New Patient
Standard Consult
Long Consult
Extended Consult
$120
$82
$120
$158
$79.70
$41.20
$79.70
$117.40
$40.30
$40.80
$40.30
$40.60
After Hours Fees from Saturday after 1pm and Sunday
New Patient
Standard Consult
Long Consult
Extended Consult
$132.00
$94.00
$132.00
$165.00
$92.00
$53.65
$92.00
$129.00
$40.35
$40.35
$40.00
$40.00
Telehealth Consults Monday to Friday and Saturday until 1pm
Surgery Consultation Fees
Fee
Out of Pocket Cost
*Individual doctors fees may vary
*Nurse-led services are not covered by Medicare. Out of pocket fees will vary depending on service provided.
Why is there an increase in out of pocket cost?
Service
Medicare Rebate
$200.00 + GST = $220.00
1) Medical screening – using the attached Candidate Medical paperwork
2) Observations
3) Vision Test
4) Urine Drug and Alcohol Test
NOTE: Deposit is required: A 50% non-refundable deposit fee, would be payable at time of booking with the remainder paid at the time of the appointment.
$290.00 + GST = $319.00
1) Medical screening – using the attached Candidate Medical paperwork
2) Observations
3) Vision Test
4) Spirometry
5) ECG (If required)
6) Urine Drug and Alcohol Test
7) Hearing Test – will be completed at Amplifon Tuggerah
Level 2, Shop 2050, Westfield Tuggerah, 50 Wyong Road, upstairs from the practice. Phone number for booking and fee enquiries is 1800 704 503. (Fee Applicable)
Pre Employment & Employment Medical Fees
Basic Employment Medical
Full Employment Medical
$82.00
$41.20
$40.80
Our practice is not immune to the increase in cost of operation, and in order to continue looking after the health of the central coast community, we have to unfortunately raise the out of pocket cost.
General Practitioners (GPs) may charge a gap fee in addition to the Medicare rebate in certain situations. Here are a few reasons why GPs may charge a gap:
1. Medicare Rebate: The Medicare rebate is the amount that the government contributes towards the cost of medical services. However, the rebate does not cover the full cost of providing the service, leading GPs to charge an additional fee to bridge the gap between the rebate and the total cost.
2. Enhanced Services: Some GPs offer enhanced services that go beyond the standard consultation. These additional services, such as extended consultations, procedures, or specialised treatments, does not be fully covered by the Medicare rebate. Charging a gap fee allows GPs to account for the extra time, resources, medical materials, equipment upkeep or expertise involved in providing these services.
3. Practice Overheads: GPs have various overhead costs associated with running their practices, including rent, utilities, staff salaries, medical equipment, and administrative expenses. The gap fee helps cover these overhead costs and ensures the financial viability of the practice.
4. Bulk Billing Limitations: While bulk billing, where the GP accepts the Medicare rebate as full payment, is an option for some patients, it does not always be feasible for GPs due to financial constraints. Charging a gap fee allows GPs to continue providing quality care while balancing the financial aspects of their practice.
It's important to note that gap fees are not mandatory, and not all GPs charge them. The decision to charge a gap fee can vary among individual GPs and practices based on their specific circumstances and business models. Patients are encouraged to enquire about fees and billing practices when making appointments to ensure clarity regarding cost of services
Please note: The doctors at Family Doctors @ Tuggerah do not prescribe opiates like fentanyl, endone,
codeine, oxycontin and morphine. Referral will be made to a specialist regarding this matter.
Practice Fees
HOW ARE PATIENTS BILLED FOR THEIR VISITS?
Family Doctors @ Tuggerah bulk bills patients who are:
-
Below 16 years old
-
Aged Pensioner
-
Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) card holders
All other patients will be charged a fee. A list of fees charged is displayed in the reception area and above, and is available on request.
Non-medicare items such as work cover, medical exams for insurance purposes, employment etc. are also privately charged. Payment is expected on the day.
Initial work cover visits are privately billed and payment is expected on the day.
Cash and EFTPOS (Visa, Mastercard) payments are accepted.
WHY AM I NOT BULK BILLED?
Not all practices bulk bill their patients, and Family Doctors @ Tuggerah is one of them. It is a common misconception that if patients are bulk billed, the doctor receives the same amount that the patient pays anyway. When patients are paying privately the practice is compensated more than what Medicare will pay.
The extra amount the practice receives for the services it offers is used to keep it running and pay for practice expenses not covered by Medicare thus offering the best patient care outcomes.
Click here for more information on how bulk billing works.
HOW CAN I RECEIVE THE MEDICARE REBATE?
If your bank details are set up with Medicare, we can submit a claim for you, and you should receive the rebate on your account after 2-3 business days. Otherwise, we can print a receipt at the end of your visit and you may lodge a claim with Medicare online.
Click here for more information on how claiming works.
MY DOCTOR IN THIS PRACTICE BULK BILLS ME ANYWAY, WHY IS THAT?
Each doctor at Family Doctors @ Tuggerah runs their own practice and as such sets fees and billing methods independently. In some cases our doctors may choose to bulk bill you but this is done on the basis of the services rendered on that visit.
Standard Consult