At Woodville South GP, our priority is high-quality, patient-centred care. From 1st February 2026, we will be moving to private billing for most consultations, except for DVA Gold Card holders, Pensioners over 70 years old and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders with a current health assessment.
What’s Changing?
Standard and long consultations will now be privately billed.
Health Assessments and Chronic Disease Management Plans will continue to be bulk billed.
For many of our patients living with long-term conditions, this means 3–4 of your appointments each year remain fully bulk billed. With the average patient visiting us around 6 times per year, you may find you are only paying privately for 2–3 visits.
The annual cost is likely less than other everyday services or products your recieve such as:
- a prepaid phone plan
- a call out from your plumber or electrician
- a Netflix or streaming subcription
- 4-5 packs of cigarettes
- 2-3 slabs of beer
Why the Change?
Medicare rebates no longer cover the cost of delivering quality care. The recent bulk billing incentives from the goverment mainly rewards shorter consultations of 6-10 minutes.
Private billing allows us to provide longer consultations and continuity of care, so you’re less likely to be rushed out the door.
This ensures we can support and retain excellent doctors, nurses, and staff.
What This Means for You
You’ll need to pay the consultation fee on the day for privately billed visits.
Rebates are processed back to your Medicare-linked bank account on the same day.
Our reception team can guide you through the process and answer your questions.
- Make the most of Chronic Condition Care Plans and Health Assessments to receive our most comprehensive care, whilst keeping your costs down. (Win-win!)
- Medicare safety nets will help cap your out of pocket expenses.
- Find out more on how to save on your health care costs.
We thank you for your understanding and support. Together, we can keep delivering high quality healthcare for the ages.