[Tralep]

Medical administration cost varies​

Just a question, has anyone else encountered this. I had a medical appointment yesterday with was $250 rebate only $84. However I had to pay $12.50 administration cost. It works on percentage. The more your appointment cost the more administration cost. Sure this is wrong. Administration should not be added extra and surely it would be a set fee.

 

[Parrot]

No I have not encountered this however was the $12.50 administration cost billed separately or
Absorbed in the $250.00 .? Either way have you tried asking the AMA if this is correct? They would
definitely give you an explanation that would put your mind at ease.

 

[Tralep]

It was billed separate. So appointment cost $162.50

 

[Tralep]

Good idea to contact ama

 

[maddiem]

My drs charge a $10 card fee. If your app costs $48 or $148, you are charged $10 if you pay by card. Cash has no charge!!

 

[Witty]

My drs charge a $10 card fee. If your app costs $48 or $148, you are charged $10 if you pay by card. Cash has no charge!!

What is the $10 for. Card fees are not that high. Our chemist only charges about 7c when paying for scripts.

 

[mylittletibbies]

I thought they were not allowed to charge more than the bank charged them.

 

[Tralep]

My drs charge a $10 card fee. If your app costs $48 or $148, you are charged $10 if you pay by card. Cash has no charge!!

Wow that is huge card fee. This should not be allowed

 

[maddiem]

I agree. I just have cash. Not even sure other patients know about it. Apparently they can charge "reasonable" cost but have to display their charge in a prominent position where it can be seen.

 

[mylittletibbies]

According to the ACCC website businesses are allowed to charge a surcharge but it is not allowed to be more than what that service costs them.
Therefore that Dr is committing an offence and should be reported.

 

[mylittletibbies]

My drs charge a $10 card fee. If your app costs $48 or $148, you are charged $10 if you pay by card. Cash has no charge!!

That is illegal. They are not allowed to charge more than that service costs them.

 

[maddiem]

According to the ACCC website businesses are allowed to charge a surcharge but it is not allowed to be more than what that service costs them.
Therefore that Dr is committing an offence and should be reported.

That is interesting. Will discuss it with my dr when I see her next week. She didn't even know they are charging. Otherwise I will just pay cash, and as they don't have a till, receptionist put it in an envelope, they run the risk of cash on premises.

 

[Luckyus]

So some doctors, it looks like have the joined the.
Robbing Bastard Club?

 

[Luckyus]

Chap gets home from the doctors.
His wife asks, how he got on.
He said the gave him a prescription for Steroids?
Anabolic, she asks?
No he said, just Steroids!!

 

[mylittletibbies]

That is interesting. Will discuss it with my dr when I see her next week. She didn't even know they are charging. Otherwise I will just pay cash, and as they don't have a till, receptionist put it in an envelope, they run the risk of cash on premises.

Do they class it as a card surcharge.
Some places charge an administration fee, not sure about that?
Either way it's a rip off. They charge enough as it is. Glad I've got a bulk billing doctor.

 

[Leenie]

At our GP they now charge a $50 fee if an appointment is not kept ,or not notified at least an hour before the app. I think this is fair people have a habit of not turning up for app’s. We now only have 2 Dr’s as two have retired and there is at least a 3 week wait for an app.

 

[tekkac]

More ripoffs

 

[Leenie]

More ripoffs

Well you have to educate people if you make an appointment and can’t keep ,you should have the decency to let them know ,others could be wanting one and can’t because people are selfish.

 

[mylittletibbies]

At our GP they now charge a $50 fee if an appointment is not kept ,or not notified at least an hour before the app. I think this is fair people have a habit of not turning up for app’s. We now only have 2 Dr’s as two have retired and there is at least a 3 week wait for an app.

I think that's fair enough. It's the height of rudeness to just not turn up without advising.

 

[Leenie]

I have had tradesmen not come at the appointed time, or turn up hours later , or not at all, no consideration for what you may have planned for the day. I write them off and find ones I can .trust to turn upon on time. It’s not too much to ask.