IMPORTANT PATIENT ANNOUNCEMENT – CHANGES FROM NOVEMBER 2025
About MyMedicare
MyMedicare is a new voluntary patient registration program introduced by the Australian Government.
By registering, you formally nominate Asquith Doctors as your preferred practice and strengthen your relationship with your usual GP.
This helps ensure continuity of care, better access to government rebates, and longer bulk-billed telehealth consultations for eligible patients, including:
- Children under 16
- Pensioners
- Commonwealth concession card holders
How to register for MyMedicare
Registration is free, voluntary, and takes a few minutes:
- Log in to your myGov account (via the website or the Express Plus Medicare app).
- Go to your Medicare Online Account or the Express Plus Medicare app.
- Select ‘Register for MyMedicare’, then choose Asquith Doctors as your preferred practice and follow the prompts.
If you prefer, our reception team can help you complete the paper form during your next visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program?
It’s a new government program that provides additional funding to Practices that agree to bulk bill eligible services for all patients. This allows us to provide more consultations and services at no cost to you while maintaining quality care.
Which services are bulk billed?
We bulk bill all standard GP consultations, chronic condition management, mental health care plans, and most preventive health services. This covers most services you would typically need from your GP.
Are there any services that still cost money?
Yes, some services will still incur a fee. The bulk billing program covers basic consultations. You should expect to pay for:
- Procedures – skin checks with removals, injections, wound care, and minor surgery
- Any paperwork – medical certificates, insurance forms, employment medicals, detailed reports
- Non-Medicare services – cosmetic treatments, travel vaccinations, some health checks
- Administrative requests – copying medical records, completing forms, writing letters.
As a general rule, if our team need to support you in any way other than discussing your health concern, there will likely be a fee. We will always inform you of any costs upfront.
Will I get the same quality of care if it’s bulk billed?
Absolutely. The quality of care you receive is the same whether a service is bulk billed or privately charged. The billing method does not impact the amount of time or quality of care our Doctors deliver.
Do I need to do anything different when I book an appointment?
No, just book your appointment as usual and bring your Medicare card. Our reception team will let you know when you book if there will be any cost for your specific appointment, though most appointments will be bulk billed. If you are booking online and have questions, please contact us directly before booking.
What if I need a service that isn’t bulk billed?
We will discuss the cost with you before providing any service that incurs a fee. You can then decide whether to proceed or discuss alternative options with your doctor.
Why can’t you bulk bill procedures and paperwork like you do consultations?
The government’s bulk billing program has strict rules about what services are covered. It includes basic consultations and specific Medicare items. Procedures, administrative tasks, and paperwork are either not covered by Medicare at all, or the Medicare rebate does not cover the cost to deliver the service.
For example, removing a skin lesion might take 15 minutes and require specialised equipment and supplies, but Medicare only provides a small rebate that doesn’t cover our costs. Similarly, completing insurance paperwork can take 30 minutes, but it receives no Medicare funding at all.
Can I still claim Medicare rebates for services that aren’t bulk billed?
Yes, for any services that incur a private fee, we will process your Medicare claim for you, and you’ll receive the government rebate directly into your bank account, usually within 24 hours.
Why are some Practices bulk billing and others are not?
Each Practice makes the decision that works best for their circumstances. The new government incentives make bulk billing viable for some Practices, but not all Practices find the program suitable for their specific situation or patient needs.
What happens if the government changes the program?
We are committed to bulk billing for as long as the program remains financially sustainable for our Practice. If there are significant changes to the program that affect our ability to participate, we will give you plenty of advance notice and explain any changes to our billing policy.
How do I know which services are covered?
Our reception team is trained to inform you about any costs when you book your appointment. You can also ask your doctor during your consultation if you’re unsure about whether a particular service or procedure is covered by bulk billing.
Is this better than the old system?
For most patients, yes! Most services you need will now be available at no cost to you. This removes the financial barrier to accessing healthcare and means you can focus on your health rather than worrying about costs.
What if I have a complex health condition that requires lots of appointments?
This is where the new system really benefits patients. All your standard consultations for managing chronic conditions, including care plan reviews and regular check-ups, will be bulk billed. This makes ongoing healthcare much more affordable for patients with complex health needs.
I thought bulk billing meant everything would be free.
This is a common misunderstanding. “Bulk billing” applies to specific Medicare services, primarily basic consultations. The government’s program doesn’t cover the full range of services GPs provide. Think of it this way: we bulk bill the consultation where we talk about your health, but if you need us to do something (a procedure, paperwork, etc.), that will likely incur a fee.
What about medical certificates – aren’t they part of the consultation?
Medical certificates can be provided as part of a bulk-billed consultation where your illness prevents you from doing your usual work. However, certificates for longer periods, backdated certificates, or certificates for non-medical reasons (like gym exemptions) require additional time and documentation, and these incur a private (no Medicare rebate) fee.
Can I just book multiple bulk-billed consultations instead of paying for procedures?
No. If you need a procedure (like a skin lesion removal), this must be booked and billed as a procedure appointment. We cannot provide procedural services under the guise of a consultation appointment, as this would be inappropriate billing and potentially fraudulent.
Why are the fees so high for simple paperwork?
What might seem like “simple paperwork” often requires significant time, medical knowledge, and legal responsibility from your doctor. Insurance reports, employment medicals, and detailed medical summaries require careful review of your medical history, consideration of medical implications, and carry professional liability. The fees reflect the time, expertise, and responsibility involved as it would apply for other professional services like your accountant or lawyer.
Will you tell me about the fees before I book?
Yes, our reception team will inform you of any fees when you book your appointment. However, please understand that if you request additional services during your consultation (like asking for a procedure or paperwork that wasn’t mentioned when booking), these will incur additional charges that we’ll discuss with you at the time.