Fee changes

We would like to thank all of our patients for supporting us over the past two years so that we can continue to support you and your families.

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Dear patients,

From Friday 1st of July, 2022, our practice fees will be increasing.

The federal government has not announced any increase to the Medicare Schedule fees (patient rebates) this year; which have been frozen since the 1st of July, 2014.

The reality for many GPs is that Medicare rebates do not cover the growing costs of providing you with a safe and high quality service. The fees charged by this practice are required to cover all of our practice costs, including employing receptionists and practice nurses, and meeting our operating expenses such as rent, medical equipment, electricity, computers and insurance.

Our practice has absorbed these costs for as long as we could, especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when we chose to bulk bill Telehealth consultations. However, to continue to absorb these costs is unsustainable. It is not possible for the practice to meet our running costs each year without increasing our fees, and we have regrettably been left with no other option but to pass the costs onto our patients.

We will continue to provide a reduced rate for health care card holders and bulk bill pension card holders. Our appointment fees continue to be some of the lowest in our area.

Please remember that it is not the reception staff who determine your billing. It is at the discretion of the individual doctor.

If you have extenuating circumstances please discuss these with your treating medical practitioner.

If you wish to let the Government know that the Medicare rebate is insufficient to assist you in meeting the cost of your medical care, please contact your local Member of Parliament at http://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Members and/or the Minister for Health.

Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding.

Toorak Village Medical Centre

Consultation Fees (from 1st July 2022)

BETWEEN 8AM AND8PM MONDAY TO FRIDAY & BEFORE 1PM ON SATURDAYS

· Standard Consultation: $90.00 (Medicare Rebate $39.10; $50.90 out-of-pocket)

· Long Consultation: $150.00 (Medicare Rebate $75.75; $74.25 out-of-pocket)

· Extended Consultation: $210.00 (Medicare Rebate $111.50; $98.50 out-of-pocket)

AFTER 8PM MONDAY TO FRIDAY, AFTER 1PM SATURDAYS, ALL DAY SUNDAY & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

· Standard Consultation: $110.00 (Medicare Rebate $51.00; $59.00 out-of-pocket)

· Long Consultation: $170.00 (Medicare Rebate $87.40; $82.60 out-of-pocket)

· Extended Consultation: $230.00 (Medicare Rebate $122.55; $107.45 out-of-pocket)