Guest May Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 For those who have yet to get there/Went off to the new GP yesterday and paid my $60 consultation while they submitted my claim, my benefit of $36 was paid in the same day.Went off to pathologist this morning and they claim directlyNow lets see how it goes with the retinal specialist/ already I am told that most of its not covered and I am sure there will be a shopping list but what can one do if you need the care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndreaL Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 I'm trying to work out why sometimes I get bulk-billed at my local GP surgery (i.e. I pay nothing) and other times I pay the gap fee?I also had a CT scan done at one Qld xray dept and paid nothing as it bulk billed and the same day had to have another CT scan at another Qld xray office in the same town and paid $275...............shaking my head. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest May Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 over your limit or you claim back? ...sounds as stupid as I write it. Thats why it took me forever to go to pathologist because its been my experience you make a mistake and its EINA! like when you when you watch YouTube on S3 and get a whopping bill. why I am so keen on a small support group because sometimes it just helps to talk than type.....the meaning gets lost/ I got the backend of it today because an email wasnt communicated properly and all the elderly folks were expecting to see my sunshine smile I called Medicare 2 days ago and they just say go through the item list with your service provider to see if its claimable NOW I ask kindly how when you are in a medical situation you want to negotiate cost? Its too late when you in the appointment to put a price on the cost of your sight. my 2c. I did some reading on that eye tests covered but not glasses, cataracts and conditions caused by glaucoma and diabetes. Now mine arent standard eye tests and not glaucoma or diabetes but detached/ torn retinas just as severe. So the worry of the cost vs the worry of the situation. Suppose a trip down to the local medicare centre should be a suggestion. Just I held on for over 20 mins to be told to consult the receptionist/ service provider when I am a new patient. Surely the call centre operators should have access to people with specialist knowledge, they cannot be expected to know as well. Lets see how this goes because the initial exam looks at about $250 not sure if surgery needed and then we can start talking $1000s I hope not. Now at about $25 ph it will take me 10 hours/1.5 days cleaning to make that back. You cant put a price on your health. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkPanther Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 What I'm wondering when I hear about the cost of health care in Australia, is how people on pension afford it That is when things usually start going downwards! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HansaPlease Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 I'm trying to work out why sometimes I get bulk-billed at my local GP surgery (i.e. I pay nothing) and other times I pay the gap fee?I also had a CT scan done at one Qld xray dept and paid nothing as it bulk billed and the same day had to have another CT scan at another Qld xray office in the same town and paid $275...............shaking my head.I believe the doctor selects the option when he completes your consultation and the info flows through to to desk clerk. Our medical centre don't usually bulk bill as a rule, but every now and again the receptionist says "it looks like your doctor has chosen to bulk bill you today, so there's nothing to pay"...Looks like it's his decision, not theirs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mara Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 I have found with x-rays, scans and medical tests, you have to shop around, if it is not an emergency. I had a CT scan done which cost me a fortune, then found Capital Radiology in Melbourne that bulk bills, so now I have them done there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndreaL Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 Yes, I think that my GP feels a bit sorry for me if he can see we have been to the surgery a lot and bulk bills me............we have one Dr that refuses to bulk bill though.Re the radiology clinic, at least I know know after 5 years, which one to use Older people will usually have a concession card. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest May Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 Andrea. I tries to PM you. Is your inbox full. How do yoi know when you can use your concession card Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkPanther Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 What exactly is this bulk bill thing you guys are talking about? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest May Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 Had to have laser eye surgery on my torn retina yesterday. For those who dont know it can cause your retina to detach and blindness. I suspected it for 6 months and by the grace of God was very lucky according to the retinal specialist, medical expenses are a worry when you trying to settle your family in and find work.Hopefully its only $250 Medicare hasnt paid yet. Its hard to put a price on your sight. Its invaluable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndreaL Posted October 24, 2013 Report Share Posted October 24, 2013 I've deleted some messages May.Honestly, I'm not sure, it depends on the type of concession card you have,and it should be linked to Medicare.http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/subjects/concession-and-health-care-cardsYou should at least pay less for medicines on the PBS. You'll have to search through the Human services website or google with the type of card you have.....and there are differences from state to state, some states will have cheaper travel etc for concession card holders.What exactly is this bulk bill thing you guys are talking about?Dr's charge a fee for service, I think it is $76 for a 10 minute appointment. Medicare covers a portion of the Dr's fee and you pay the gap, which is the amount that the Dr charges above the Medicare benefit schedule (what Medicare pays the Dr). In my case I pay about $36 of that fee.Some medical practices bulk bill, meaning that the Dr accepts the $40 plus dollars that MBS pays and you don't pay extra, you just sign.Whenever you visit a Dr or other health service you should ask if the bulk bill, you should also ask if they participate in the "No gap" scheme.Read more here http://www.iselect.com.au/private-health-insurance/info/hospital-cover/medical-gap.jsphttp://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/medicare/medicare-bulk-billing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest May Posted October 24, 2013 Report Share Posted October 24, 2013 Because I am in a very low income bracket ...no existent ...I have the healthcare card which I am not sure whether I need to present it as I did at the deaf services and we got the insurance on the hearing aids free. Or is it linked to my Medicare card? Maybe I should give them a call. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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