One of the most wonderful things about Australia's healthcare is the government-funded Medicare system. This scheme makes it possible for everyone to access affordable treatment when they fall ill. When you visit the hospital and you do not want to pay for your medical expenses out of your pockets, you can simply give the GP your Medicare card, and if they are part of the Medicare bulk-billing system, they will bill the Medicare provider. Here are the differences which exist between bulk and private billing and how each can work in your favour.
Eligibility Criteria for Bulk Billing
Several factors will determine if you are eligible for bulk billing. First, you need to be enrolled in the national Medicare system, and you should have a Medicare card. Second, you have to understand that not all medical costs are covered by bulk billing. Some of the costs covered by bulk billing include doctors' fees and consultation fees, eye tests, lab tests and most surgical procedures.
Benefits of Bulk Billing
One of the main benefits of bulk billing is that it covers your medical expenses, even when you are short on money. Clinics and doctors who offer bulk billing are also trusted and considered to be highly proficient. As a result, they tend to prescribe the best medications for different conditions, which means that your health is very safe in their hands. The system is also flexible in that if you do not have enough to cover your medical expenses at the moment, the doctor can bill you later so you will get treatment even when you are low on resources.
Choosing Private Billing
One important thing to note about private billing is that you have to pay for most if not all of your medical expenditure out of your pocket. There are a few practitioners who allow mixed billing, whereby a bit is paid through the Medicare system and the rest through private means. However, private billing really does not offer you any benefits, especially if you are already enrolled in the Medicare system. Getting into bulk billing is a viable way to save money.
These are the crucial things you need to understand the difference between the bulk and private billing systems. The most crucial thing to remember is that as long as the clinic you visit has a wide range of options, you will not need to struggle with medical bills.
