Billing information

Medical fees
The standard fees for this practice are above the Medicare Benefit Schedule fee, so there is usually a 'gap' that needs to be met by the patient. You can find various tables (CONSULTATION FEES, procedure: ENDOSCOPYPROCEDURE FEES, ANAESTHETIC FEES) of our standard fees and a calculation of the patient 'gap' for the more common consultation items and endoscopic procedures. We are happy to have our accounts staff calculate a formal quote for more complicated procedures and for the operations that Dr Jeans performs. The rules that govern the Medicare rebate are quite complicated for such procedures.

The doctors in this practice do however take into account the patient's circumstances in setting the fees of individual patients. Patients receiving pensions from the Australian Department of Veterans Affairs are not expected to have any out-of-pocket expenses for medical services. The doctors will also discount their fees to any patient who has financial hardship—particularly those with chronic illness. Please bring such difficulties to the attention of our staff or the specialist at an early stage so that an adjustment to the fees can be considered.

Some of our doctors participate in the 'No-gap' agreements with some of the Health Funds which means that the patient does not need to pay any 'gap' for medical services provided in a hospital or endoscopy centre. The schedule of which doctors have such agreements with particular Funds is linked. The practice will continue to attempt to make arrangements with as many Funds as possible to minimise the out-of-pocket expenses to our patients.

Endoscopy Centre Billing
The hospital fees vary from health fund to health fund and according to your particular fund and their contract/agreement that we have with them. The amount a health fund will pay is dependent on the type of policy that has been taken out.

Payments are made by the health fund subject to the following;

• Covered for treatment in a private hospital
  (This does not mean 'public hospital')
• An excess type policy
• Any pre-existing conditions
• Being financial member
• Any co-payment requirement

The best way to ensure that you will be covered for your admission is to request a written quotation and always check with your fund prior to your admission date. This way you can make your choice and be aware of any out-of-pocket expenses. We will also provide a quotation for your medical expenses (this is the doctor providing the medical services).

Simplified Billing
Mugga Wara is now able to offer Simplified Billing: One bill will include the charges for the Endoscopist, Sedationist, and pathology services.

All you need to do is bring the following;

• Medicare Card Health;
• Fund Details; and
• the Gap payment is payable by cash, cheque or EFTPOS.

and we will process the accounts with Medicare and your Health Fund directly. The Gap can be paid on the day, leaving nothing further for you to do. If there are any outstanding amounts after the Medicare and Health Fund have been processed we will forward a statement to you showing the balance payable.