stuartsummers1980

Wife took the first trip to the Doctor since we first got to Aus in August last year. We didn't think to research prices as its a medical centre that's literally round the corner so convenience was the first thing on our minds.

I just really wanted to throw out there the question, what's a standard check up price, and whether what we paid is standard or a bit on the pricey side? (see below)

On another topic she had some tests done but they've told her she now has to come back and pay for another check up as they won't give her the results over the phone! Is that standard as well? Just seems like a money making scheme.

Anyhowz the cost of her check up today was $69, and I think she can get $35 or so back from medicare. (I don't know why in my head I had 80% as what you get back). Is $69 quite a bit, or standard?

Also if anyone lives in the Windsor, Prahran, Bayside area and has a Doc they like would be great to hear from you. She said the female Doc this morning was very cold & robotic, and her bedside manner was non existent.

Amazulu

$69 is slightly high, I pay $60, but not by much.

moneypenny20

No idea, sorry.

jad n rich

The medicare % you get back is off the schedule fee, set by medicare. But Docs can charge what they want, it may be well above the schedule fee. In the case of specialists triple that is not uncommon, so the medicare rebate can be very small.

$65 or around that for a short consultation is pretty standard.

Ask if they will bulk bill ( no charge ) when you go back for the results, sometimes they do.

Price your medical care around, for eg, some pathology labs charge some dont. With Dentists always get a quote

goldchoccycoin

Having a GP that you see each and every time you need a doctor is not so usual in Australia as in the UK. Most people I know just see whichever doctor they can into the fastest when needed - not all though, some have a regular doctor with whom they have a relationship.

I personally don't need to see the same doctor each time as I generally go for minor aliments (infections, flu etc) and some repeat prescriptions - therefore I go to a bulk bill clinic - you can't make appointments but usually get seen within 30 minutes and it's free (bulk billed to medicare) - suits me fine.

I'm in Brisbane though so can't recommend one in Melbourne.

Good luck.

mark213

I pay 70-75 in WA - pretty much the norm for those who charge. If you can find a bulk-bill doctor then its technically free. There is a website but I forget what it is that tells you they are bulk bill.

Otherwise you pay the out of pocket difference between the medicare refund (about 35.80 I think) and what you are charged.

You cant claim the out of pocket on your private health in case you were wondering.

There is safety net that covers everything up to say 80%

See http://www.humanservices.gov.au/cust...net-thresholds

But depending on your situation you have to have expended $1,200 to get it in each calendar year

Children under 16 or in school are usually all bulk billed regardless of doctor.

moneypenny20

And Concession holders.

ozzieeagle

It's a very unusual system we have here, when you think about it.

IE: When I need just a sickness certificate for work I go to the Bulk Billing Doctor, who is Egyptian, fairly good, and the queues are quick.

However If I have an unknown ailment, lets face it most of the time we know whats wrong with us, then I go to a local Aussie Doctor, who I know is good. They charge around that 65 dollar mark, I've not seen them though for over 4 years.

It goes beyond that though, If I'm on the unknown Illness course, it normally means I have to go on to a specialist, which means I Utilise my Private health care from that point on.

In essence if you are on the Bulk Billing course, your probably better of health wise and financially as well.

It's a pretty good system If you know how to use it properly, prompt personal serviced thorough and highly professional when it counts., Plus you get plenty of Doctors to choose from.

moneypenny20

If you have something very simple, obvious stuff and need a Medical Certificate you can go to the local Pharmacist instead of the doctor.

Tramps_mate

Where would that be if you dont mind saying?

ozzieeagle

I never lnew that. I know you can get Stat Decs there, but Medical Certs ?

Geordie George

Not in my experience. We've always been charged for the children to see the doctor ($65 in my part of Sydney). Got charged just last week, in fact, and that was for my daughter to have her age 4 vaccinations.

Lisa and Martin

My local council has a monthly clinic where all the vaccinations are free (KuRingGai area of Sydney) - then they get in touch with you each time the next shots are due. I have been once and it was very efficiently and professionally run. Some kids were even keen to go back for an extra shot so they could be awarded with another lolly for bravery
Check out your local area council to see if they do anything.

donna

I always get bulk billed,so no cost,and shop around for scans and and rays and get them free too

goldchoccycoin

I use the Blunder Road Clinic in Oxley. There are quite a few others though. Google 'Bulk Bill Clinic' and your suburb to see what's about.