Good Medicine can’t be rushed

Standard Appointment

  • Discussion of 1 problem

Double Appointment

  • 1 complex problem or 2 simple problems

  • Mental health plan / mental health plan review

  • New patient (with active/past medical problems)

Triple Appointment

  • Multiple problems

  • Complex Consult +/- ring specialist colleague for a plan or urgent appt.

  • Mental Health Plan

  • Palliative Care ( pain meds titration/rotation)

Quadruple Appointment

  • Very Complex Consult +/- ring specialist colleague for a plan or urgent appt.

  • Unwell needing Treatment room for intervention(s) +/- Ambulance Transfer

  • Palliative Care (pain meds titration/rotation)

Bulk-Billed

Children 15yo and below will be bulk-billed. They are usually straightforward and non-complex to deal with. Also recognising GP specialist are privileged to be in a position to promote healthy living and identify psychosocial issues in their early years, thereby giving them the best chance to escape the poverty cycle. I would like to be their stepping stone to a brighter future =)

Discounted Fees

Discounted fees apply to Students, Nurses, Health Care Card Holders and Aged Pensioners.

Elderly folks are almost always complex with multiple co-morbidities making medicine challenging but rewarding. They generally require double or triple appointments because it takes more time to diagnose, examine, formulate and discuss the management plan. 

Similar to Classic Cars, it just takes more (Tender Loving Care) to keep them running =)

Why I couldn’t Bulk-Bill everyone

With the considerable time I dedicate to practicing high-quality medicine with you, I see far fewer patients compared to what a doctor in a bulk billing clinic might handle in a day. Especially when faced with complex conditions requiring extensive history taking, methodical clinical examinations, and comprehensive treatment planning, I prioritise being thorough over rushing through your care. 

Unfortunately, Medicare rebates have remained effectively frozen for the past decade, failing to keep pace with rising operating costs such as clinic service fees (including consumables, utilities, rental, nursing, receptionist expenses), medical memberships & insurance, and  ongoing professional development. Despite recent increases in bulk billing incentives for eligible patients, the reimbursements received do not cover the necessary expenses. If I were to bulk bill everyone, I would be taking home 50% less.

I highly value my work as a GP and refuse to compromise on the standard of care I provide to you. Otherwise I wouldn’t be able to sleep well at night either. 

80% Gap fees covered by Extended Medicare Safety Net

When you spend over a certain amount in a calendar year, medicare gives you a higher amount back. The Safety Net restarts every calendar year, i.e. 1 January.

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/what-are-medicare-safety-nets-thresholds?context=22001

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/extended-medicare-safety-net?context=22001