We are changing

Shellharbour Medical Centre commenced operation on the 9th March 2009, as a Bulk Billing Practice and has continued since that date to promote health, wellbeing and provide holistic healthcare, disease prevention and chronic disease management for all patients and the community of Shellharbour, fee free with no patient out of pocket expense.

For many years Medicare rebates have failed to keep pace with inflation and do not reflect the cost of delivering high quality general practice services; experienced reception and qualified nursing staff, medical equipment, treatment room consumables and utilities (water & electricity).

It is no longer possible (sustainable) for our practice to meet the running costs without introducing a fee for service. 

Commencing 1st December 2021 Shellharbour Medical Centre will introduce Private Billing, to become a Mixed Billing practice.

‘Private’ Billing means you will pay the GP consultation fee in full. You will then receive the relevant patient rebate from Medicare for the service you have received, subsidising part of the fee you were charged.

We will continue to bulk bill appointments for aged pension card holders and patients under 16 years of age.

DVA patients will not be affected by these changes.

All other consultations will attract a Private billing fee.

Please be assured this has not been an easy decision and we understand it is also difficult for our patients. 

We remind you this has been a necessary Practice decision and encourage you to raise your concerns in relation to the rising out of pocket costs for healthcare, with your local, state and federal members of Parliament

We take this opportunity to thank you for your understanding and support and trust you will continue to value the high level of quality care we provide to all who enter our Practice.

Yours sincerely

Management

Shellharbour Medical Centre

Please direct all enquiries to email reception@smcentre.com.au