Fees

Important Notice: Fee Structure Update – Effective 1st November 2024

At Vitalis Family Medical Practice, we are committed to delivering the highest standard of care, ensuring that your healthcare experience remains personal, professional, and patient-centred. We continue to strive for excellence in every aspect of your care, providing a safe, comfortable environment where your health needs are our priority.

Upcoming Changes to Our Fee Structure

In response to recent government regulations that have introduced new payroll tax liabilities affecting healthcare providers, we must make necessary adjustments to our fee structure. These financial obligations have placed a significant strain on our operational costs, and to maintain the quality of service and care that you expect, we will be making the following changes effective from 1st November 2024:

• Private Billing for All DVA Patients: We will no longer be able to offer bulk billing for Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) patients.
• Bulk Billing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Patients <16 years / concession card holders: We will continue to bulk bill Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients under 16 years of age, as well as adults with a valid concession card.
• Modest Increase in Consultation Fees: Our consultation fees will increase slightly to reflect the rising costs of providing healthcare. We are introducing a time-based consultation system to ensure transparency and fairness.

We understand that financial changes can be concerning. Please rest assured that this decision has been carefully considered to minimise the impact on you, our valued patients, while still allowing us to meet new tax obligations and maintain the high-quality care you deserve.

Why Are These Changes Necessary?

Over the years, Medicare rebates have not kept pace with the rising costs of running a medical practice, particularly as government freezes on Medicare rebates continue. This shortfall, along with the introduction of new payroll tax liabilities, has placed an additional burden on practices like ours. To ensure we can continue offering excellent care and personalised services, we have had to introduce private billing in more areas while keeping fee increases as minimal as possible.

How Can You Help?

We encourage you to make your voice heard by writing to your local representatives to express concern about the inequity of these new tax burdens and the Medicare rebate freeze. Your advocacy can help bring attention to the growing challenges that medical practices face and the potential impact on patient care.

We greatly appreciate your ongoing support and understanding as we navigate these changes together. We remain dedicated to providing you and your family with high-quality, accessible healthcare.

For further details about our updated fees or if you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our team.

WorkCover or Traffic Accident patients

Vitalis Family Medical Practice welcomes WorkCover and Traffic Accident Commission (TAC) patients. However, you will be responsible for any fees related to your claim until you have a claim number approved by WorkCover or TAC. After payment, you will be issued with a receipt that you can take to your employer for reimbursement. Once approved, Vitalis Family Medical Practice will follow up your claim directly with WorkCover and TAC.

Additional fees

In order to cover the cost of providing highly skilled staff, supplies and equipment for procedures, Vitalis Family Medical Practice has set private fees for procedures based on the length of time, complexity of the treatment, and supplies and equipment required.

All fees will be discussed by the treating GP or one of our team members prior to commencing any procedures.

The cost and administration of travel or other vaccines have set fees based on the specific requirements. Please speak to any of our team for the price of any of our vaccines.

Is there a charge if I need my doctor to sign a form?

Medicare considers some government forms to be eligible for completion during a consultation and can be bulk billed. In all other circumstances completing and signing forms will incur an additional fee, which will not be eligible for a Medicare rebate. When making an appointment, please let our reception team know which form you want to complete with your doctor to allow enough time and for information about any fees.

Making payment

Vitalis Family Medical Practice accepts payment via cash, EFTPOS or credit and an immediate Medicare rebate (if applicable) is accessible through our payment facility. Payment can also be made over the phone by credit card for invoices or non-attendance items. Speak to our team for more information.

Fees should be paid immediately and accounts not paid on the day will incur a $10 accounting fee. No further appointments can be made while fees are outstanding. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please speak to one of our team at your earliest convenience.

All Saturday appointments are privately billed by all doctors. Please refer to schedule of fees listed below for details.

Private Fee Schedule Effective 01 November 2024

BEFORE & AFTER HOUR (before 8am)