Jilliebee

Soundsnabout right. My local GP charges $75 for standard appt. it's the same price for me and my daughter who is 9. If I need to go back for the results of a blood test though it is (apparently) free as they are just giving info x

cresta57

I pay $65 for the initial appointment, if there's a follow up for results it's usually bulk billed though that is at the discretion of the individual doctor.

Dreamy

Oh, I didn't know that! If the other half has a sick day either side of the weekend/public holiday he needs to take a Medical Certificate so it's handy to know he doesn't need to traipse in to see the doctor (who I doubt he'd get to see the same day anyway)

Dreamy

Most of my appointments go through my Diabetes Care Plan so get bulk billed, but in the past, if I've only had to go in for results (so it's been an in and out job) they've just bulk billed it for me.

They did the same for Middlechild when he was having a mole looked at - I think he was only in with the doctor for about 5 minutes (although as he's in Uni he should get a concession card so it would have been bulk billed anyway, but trying to get either of the two eldest near Medicare is almost impossible. It took enough bribery and guilt tripping to get him to the doctor's in the first place)

chris and farideh

I think this only applies in Qld as I know they refuse to do it in NSW.

Dreamy

Bummer!

I suppose I can just ask the pharmacist if it is something they do next time I go past.

moneypenny20

It should be nationwide. Workchoices legislation was changed in 2008 to allow various medical practitioners to provide Certificates:

But there's a silver lining to every cloud. The WorkChoices legislation also quietly deregulated the writing of medical certificates. Medical certificates can now be issued by a list of 10 'registered health practitioners', including pharmacists, acupuncturists, chiropractors and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners.http://www.abc.net.au/health/thepuls...14/2162533.htm

If they won't do it ask why because they should be providing the 'illness' is not one that requires a prescription.

More info here.

ozzieeagle

Interesting, This is news to the hospital workers I know. They only get stat decs at chemists. Will make sure that this gets discussed and mulled over amongst my Postie and the Wifes nursing colleagues over the next few days. Saves a lot of hassel for a lot of people with the short days off.

Posties generally know all the lurks... not this one though.