Referrals

Referrals that are to be bulk billed are valid for 12 months. Anything outside that period is not valid and cannot be bulk billed.

There are some instances when a private referral can be accepted as the patient is paying privately for the examination – but these need to be checked with Admin prior to arranging the appointment.  

Please follow the procedure that any referral older than 12 months is invalid and a new referral is required on the day of the appointment otherwise:

a) the appointment will need to be cancelled and rescheduled

b) the patient can pay privately for the test and won’t be able to claim from Medicare.

It would be best if booking staff make sure referrals are current prior to arranging the appointment in the first place to avoid patient disappointment and any angst.