OSHCstudents – How are doctors’ fee set? How much of the doctor’s bill will OSHC cover? Find out how doctors’ fees are set in Australia so that you can fully prepare yourself if you need to visit a doctor.
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In Australia, doctors are free to decide how much to charge for their services.
Fees vary because doctors have to take into account their particular costs in delivering services and may have differing views about what represents a reasonable return for their time and skill.
You have the right to ask for an estimate of fees before you receive the service or agree to a proposed treatment. Wherever practical, doctors should be prepared to
discuss their charges before providing their services. This information should preferably be provided in writing.
There will be circumstances (for example, emergency admissions) where it will not be possible for your doctor to obtain your informed financial consent (IFC) before the service is provided. In these cases, information should be provided to you or a representative acting in your interests as soon as possible.
How much of the doctor’s bill will OSHC cover?
The Australian Government sets a Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee for most services.
OSHC pays a benefit of 100% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee for medical services provided in hospital
However doctors can charge their patients more than the MBS fee if they choose, and many do. ‘Gaps’ or ‘out-of-pocket costs’ are the difference between what you’re charged, and what Medicare and your insurer (if you have one), will pay for your treatment.
How to reduce unexpected gap fees
You are international students, foreigners arrive to Australia and Australian citizens traveling abroad are looking at OSHC, OVHC, travel insurance, please contact OSHCstudents Team at email: info@oshcstudents.com and our partners for further information and assistance.
OSHCstudents (source: Ombudsman)
