Billing

All patients are advised of the total cost of their exam before their exam is performed.

By calling our Patient Services Department on 132 336 at anytime, one of our friendly consultants will provide you with an accurate and up-to-date price on any examination you require.

If you hold a current Government Pension Card or a Government Healthcare Card then you will be bulk billed for the vast majority of examinations performed by Hunter Imaging Group.

	Government Pension Card
	Government Healthcare Card

For more information as to whether you are eligible for one of these Government concession cards simply visit the Centrelink website.

The information below is provided as a guide to how we bill you and how Medicare contributes to the cost of your examination.

Patient Category	Out of Pocket Expense	Billing Category
Government Pension or Healthcare Card Holders (Outpatient)	No*	Bulk Billed*
Private Patient (Outpatient)	Yes	Private Fee
Privately Insured Hospital Inpatient	No	Schedule Fee
Non-Insured Hospital Inpatient	Yes	Schedule Fee

*With the exception of early preganacy ultrasounds and some specialised interventional procedures.

**Glossary of Terms**
Term	Definition
Out-of-pocket Expense	The out-of-pocket expense is the difference between the Medicare rebate and the fee charged, see 'Gap'
Bulk Billed	A patient who is bulk billed is not charged on the day therefore will incur no out of pocket expense. The Medicare rebate is submitted direct with Medicare Australia.
Schedule Fee	This fee is set by the Medicare Benefits Schedule and can be used as a guide for organisations to set their private fee.
Private Fee	This is the private fee that has been set by the organisation performing the examination.
Gap	The gap is the difference between the Medicare rebate and the fee charged, see 'Out-of-Pocket Expense'
Medicare Benefits Schedule	This document, produced by the Federal Government outlines the rules and regulations for obtaining a Medicare rebate, the rebate amount and the Scheule Fee amount.

Medicare - How It works...

For each examination there is a Medicare Benefits Schedule Fee (outlined in the Medicare Benefits Schedule - MBS) which is set by Medicare Australia. The MBS is a complex set of rules and regulations, set by Medicare Australia. There are numerous exceptions with some examinations not receiving a rebate at all. Our friendly consultants at Patient Services can assist with any further enquiries you may have.

For More information on the MBS visit the Medicare Australia website.

The information provided is correct at time of publication and subject to change without notice.