The Kapunda and Eudunda Medical Practice Doctors and staff are committed to providing high quality health care to our local community.
Unfortunately government health spending isn’t keeping up with the current rising healthcare costs. Our practice has tried to avoid out of pocket gap fees for many years but the cost of healthcare is no longer reflected in the amount the government pays to subsidise a Doctors consult (bulk bill).
Between 2010 and 2020 Medicare rebates increased by an average of just over 1% each year. Medicare rebates were completely frozen between 2014 and 2018.
The cost of running a medical practice has been rising by around 3% + per year and in July 2022 the Medicare rebate for a standard Doctor consult increased by just 65 cents. This has not covered the significant increase in business costs that have occurred or the increase costs to medical supplies during the pandemic.
Due to the above we have had to make the very difficult decision to introduce a new billing system and gap fee to help cover the costs of running a modern medical practice and continue to provide quality care to our patients.
As of Monday 29th August 2022 the practice will be charging a gap fee to all patients who book into our new ‘Prime Time’ appointments. These appointment times are between 09:30 – 10:30am and 3:30 – 5:00pm every week day. A gap fee is payable by every patient who’s appointment is booked in between these times regardless of concession status. Our fee schedule is available here.
As of Monday 1st August 2022 patients who use our specialist Mental Health Nurse service will now be required to pay a private flat fee of $45 for a new patient and $35 for ongoing appointments. These fees are not claimable through Medicare, and must be paid at the time of booking your appointment. You will forfeit this fee if you do not attend your booked appointment.
These decisions have not been taken lightly. The severe underfunding of GP services by the government sees us left with no choice but to either reduce our services or start charging patients gap fees.
We encourage you to write to your local and federal members for parliament so that they know the impact that this is having on the community.
Mr Tony Pasin
Shop 5, Murray Bridge Green, Riverview Road,
Murray Bridge SA 5253
Tony.Pasin.MP@aph.gov.au
Mr Mark Butler – Minister for Health and Aged Care Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
We thank you for your understanding
Management
Kapunda and Eudunda Medical Practice