From memory, it was all bulk-billed. I can't remember exactly what was tested - rubella, HIV, Hep etc. It was a standard test the GP ordered. Went through Melbourne pathology.
I haven't had any pre preg blood tests, but all the other ones I have had while preg have been bulk billed other than the NT tests...
I don't understand how you say that you were told there would be no out of pocket expences but you'd get a rebate from MedicarE? To get a rebate you usually need to pay for what you're having, and MC never (well, not that I have ever come across) refund a full amount unless they are directly bulk billed by your GP.
I rang the accounts department and was notified that I was charged the private fee because the dr did not tick the box on the pathology request slip. By ticking this box the dr is indicating that the pathology test is to be bulk billed.
So for those of you thinking of a pre pregnancy test, check with your doctor if the pathology test ordered is bulk billed.
In my case all the test could have been bulk billed, however because the doctor did not tick the box, I was charged the private fee which in total is more than twice the amount that Medicare would reimburse. Does not make sense to me.
If you use a private pathology and the dr does not mark the bulk bill box, then they are entitled to charge you.
It is a lot of mucking around, but if the dr usually bulk bills patients with that pathology company, the dr can ring and say he made a mistake and it should have been bulk billed. (I used to work for a private pathology in accounts and got heaps of those calls).
BellyBelly Life Subscriber
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks