Frequently Asked Question

​The principle behind Medicare was that people’s medical treatment should be paid for by the government via taxation.
Unfortunately, as with all ideals, reality has proven more difficult.
This is because the cost of treatment and the scope of treatment possible is spiralling ever upwards.

Your billing goes to the whole care team. A percentage of your doctor’s earnings become the earnings of your other care team members such as the medical receptionist, medical practice assistant, practice nurse, and practice manager. Further towards the rent, electricity bills, cost of medical equipment, computer infrastructure, etc.

Bulk billing means is that the health care practitioner agrees to accept the Medicare rebate from the government directly as full payment. Unfortunately, the Medicare rebates that the government sets have never risen in line with the real costs of providing the medical services in an attempt to make the tax books balance. As a result, it is hard for bulk billing practices to survive. Generally speaking, these practices can only cover their costs if they are seeing a large number of patients per day. These practices work on a quick in and out basis with limited doctor contact. Known also as 6-minute medicine.

There are two Medicare systems provided to help you afford our private care more easily:

Medicare Safety Net and Medicare Online Claiming

Medicare Safety Net

If you need to see doctors or have tests regularly you could end up with high medical costs—the Medicare Safety Net is designed to help you when you need it most. It means that once you reach a safety net threshold, visits to your doctor or having tests may end up costing you less.

80% of out-of-pocket costs- the difference between the Medicare benefit and what your doctor charges you – is then rebated to you as well.

All families and couples need to register. Even if all your family members are listed on your Medicare card you still need to register for the safety net.

Each family member needs to be identified so their medical costs can be counted toward your family’s safety net.
You only need to register your family once.

Registering is free.

Individuals are automatically registered—just keep your contact details up-to-date with Medicare.

Individuals, families, and couples are all eligible for the same threshold amounts. If you register as a family or couple your medical costs are combined so that you are more likely to reach the thresholds sooner.

For more info go to Medicare Safety Net

Medicare Online Claiming

You can claim your Medicare benefit and have it paid into your bank account by us.

After you have paid for your private care, we can make an electronic claim for you. Medicare will process the claim as soon as possible and pay your Medicare benefit into the bank account you’ve registered with them, usually within 24 hours.

In other words, in effect, you are only paying the gap, the difference between our fee and the Medicare rebate.

Off-Street Parking is available at the rear of the medical centre, including Access for People with Physical Disabilities. Please ring the bell at the back door on your arrival. Disabled toilet facilities are also available.

Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice and non or late attendance may incur a non-refundable cancellation fee. Please notify reception staff as soon as you know if you are unable to attend an appointment.

A contact list of translator and interpreter services and services for patients with a disability is maintained, updated regularly and readily available to all staff at reception.

These include:
National Relay Service (NRS) 1800 555 727
Translation and Interpreter Service (TIS) Doctors Priority Line 1300 131 450

This practice is committed to protecting your personal health information. All staff must sign a confidentiality clause, and if you feel that this has been breached at any time, please discuss this with your doctor. Medical records are held securely at Cairns West Medical Centre and are structured to best meet your health needs. If you wish your information to be transferred to another doctor, it is necessary for you to first sign a release declaration from the other doctor and then a copy of any relevant information will be sent to the new doctor (with the original kept at Cairns West Medical Centre). Medical reports for solicitors and Insurance companies will only be done if appropriate consent has been arranged and payment is received up front. If you wish to have a copy of your information, it is recommended (and may be required by your doctor) to book an appointment to adequately explain your medical information. Privacy policy leaflets are available on request or refer to our website.

You have a right to access timely, safe and quality care from your GP. You have a right to a safe, secure and supportive healthcare environment. You have a right to a general practice environment that respects your healthcare needs. You have a right to an open two-way communication partnership with your GP. You have a right to be included in decisions and choices about your care. You have a right to privacy and confidentiality of your personal information. You have a right to comment on your care and have your concerns addressed. If you feel your rights are not supported, we would appreciate your feedback.

This practice is always willing to listen to any suggestions or comments that you may have to improve patient care. Please talk to the Staff / Doctor, or add a comment to the Suggestion Box. If you have a complaint that you feel has not been sufficiently addressed through this mechanism, please ask for a complaints form.
Formal and independent complaints may be directed to: the Office of the Health Ombudsman
133 OHO (133 646) or info@oho.qld.gov.au | www.oho.qld.gov.au | PO Box 13281, George Street, Brisbane