Under the mixed billing model if you are over the age of 16 and do not hold an eligible concession or health care card you will be charged a gap fee for all appointments.
How this will work is at the end of your appointment we will charge the full appointment fee to your credit or debit card. We can then process your Medicare rebate straight away.
If you are 16 years and under or you hold an eligible concession (including DVA) or health care card you will continue to be bulk billed. This means you will not need to pay any fees for your appointment.
When does mixed billing come into effect?
This change will take place on the following dates:
- Wodonga General Practice – Wednesday 1 February 2023
- Wangaratta General Practice – Monday 6 February 2023
Why are we transitioning to a mixed billing model?
We are constrained in our ability to properly remunerate general practitioners (GPs) under the current Medicare rebate system and fewer medical graduates are choosing general practice as their career path.
This means that like much of the primary care sector Gateway Health is facing significant challenges in attracting and retaining GPs. While at the same time there is an increased demand for primary healthcare services in our region.
Gateway Health undertook a strategic review in 2022 to identify improvements to the current operations and consider the ongoing financial viability of delivering services under the Medicare rebate system.
The major recommendation from the review was the implementation of the mixed billing model to ensure that we can attract and retain GPs and continue delivering services to our communities.
Who can I talk to about this change?
If you have any questions or concerns please speak to our friendly staff at our practices or over the phone:
Or email us at info@gatewayhealth.org.au.
Gateway Health remains committed to the delivery of safe, accessible, and affordable health care for those in our community who need it most.
