Dear Patients,
Unfortunately the time has come to review our fee structure.
Despite all the talk of government interventions, for the vast majority of our patients, there has has been no real change to funding General Practice. With our increasing costs, that means further out of pocket expenses for you, our patients.
The government provides a rebate to patients to offset the cost of our service to you. There has been little significant change in the government contribution per patient over many years ( since 2015).
Like every small business our costs have raised significantly.
General Practices are struggling to remain open, with many practices closing their doors. Few practices universally bulk bill and fewer doctors are choosing General Practice.
Currently the Medicare rebate represents less than half of the value of the service we provide.
We also need to explain that much of our work is completed behind the scenes, before and after your consultation.
Our doctors feel that spreading our services thinly, just to provide a quick service to as many patients as possible is not good practice.
We can only provide “unhurried whole person care” through higher fees.
Having a relationship with your regular GP improves your health outcomes and saves the community many dollars by keeping patients out of hospital.
Our fees are below the AMA recommended levels and are generally less than other practices nearby.
Our fee schedule is time based
0-5 minutes $61
6-10 minutes $94
11-19 minutes $100
20-29 minutes $162
30-39 minutes $180
40-59 minutes $245
60+ minutes $310
The practice offers a discount for pensioners and health care card holders. Medicare rebate can be processed at the time of your appointment.
General Practitioners have chosen their career because of a desire to serve the community and our patients. The changes are driven for the need to remain viable rather than for profit.
Our Doctors ask you to join them in a commitment to quality care and mutual responsibility.
THANK YOU for your support.
YOUR DOCTOR
BERRY MEDICAL CENTRE