|
Payment of Fees
| Automatic
Payments | Overdue
Accounts
We
try to keep our charges as low as possible. However,
we realise that a trip to the doctor may be an
unplanned event and pose financial difficulties for
those on a limited income.
Therefore
we provide you with a number of different ways to pay
your account. If you have a problem, or have any
concerns, then please let us know .
Health is more important than money, and we would be
very concerned if any patient deferred medical
treatment for financial reasons.
In
general, most consultations and services provided by
the doctors and nurses will be charged to you.
The
following services are fully funded, meaning that
there is no charge to you:
-
Children
aged under 6yrs consultations with a doctor
-
Childrens'
immunisations
-
Influenza
vaccinations (for those 65 and over, and
sufferers of certain chronic illnesses)
-
Maternity
care (non-specialist)
If
you suffer from a chronic illness (long-term), you may
be eligible for a Disability Allowance to help
pay for your ongoing medical costs. If you think this
may apply to you please ask your doctor.
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For
your convenience, we offer the following payment
methods:
-
Cash
/ Cheque
-
EFTPOS
-
Automatic
Payment
In
general most patients pay their fee at the reception
desk as they leave. If you are unable to pay on
the day an invoice can be given to you before you
leave. Payment of this should be by th 20th of the
month. If
the account remains unpaid at this time, a small
administration charge is added and a statement is
mailed to you.
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If
you are on a tight budget or just prefer the ease
automatic payments, then this option is for you. By
setting up an authority with our office administrator,
you can spread your account over a longer period as a
series of smaller, regular payments.
It
is also possible to let your account go in to credit.
Accounts managed by an automatic payment authority are
not charged an administration fee at the end of the
month.
Please
note that while we do not charge a fee to initiate
this authority, your bank may do so.
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As long
as we have some assurance that you are making an
effort to pay your account, the matter will not need
to be pursued. Often, the most convenient way of
showing us your commitment is simply to have an
automatic payment set up.
We
reserve the right to forward your debt to a
collection agency if your account remains outstanding
with no attempt to come to an arrangement. If this
action is taken, you will incur additional collection
costs,typically 15 - 25% OF THE OUTSTANDING AMOUNT, and may also have your credit rating affected.
If you
have any concern about your ability to repay your
account then you should contact our Practice Manager
immediately.
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