Fee increase from 30th September 2024

Fee increase of $3.00 on all private consultations from Monday 30th September 2024 to cover additional regulatory and compliance costs in NSW

Regulatory changes in NSW have meant our costs have increased. Ochre Health and the NSW doctors who contract us for support services have agreed to increase fees to meet these additional costs. As of Monday 30^th September 2024, fees on all private consultations (consultations not bulk-billed) increase by $3.00 to cover these additional regulatory and compliance costs. This component of the total consultation fee is not a Medicare item and it is therefore not rebateable. We will continue to monitor the NSW regulatory and compliance landscape and we will reduce fees if and when these regulations no longer apply.

What are private consultations and how are they different from bulk-billed consultations?

Private consultations are all consultations for which a patient is charged a fee that is higher than the Medicare rebate. Bulk-billed consultations are those for which a patient is not charged any “out-of-pocket” fee. The fee increase applies to all private consultations and not to any bulk-billed consultations.

Does the fee increase also apply to telehealth consultations?

Yes, the fee increase applies to all private consultations, whether they are in-person or telehealth consultations. The fee increase does not apply to bulk-billed telehealth consultations.

How has the fee increase been calculated?

The fee increase has been agreed by doctors following a consultation process to assess the impact of the regulatory changes. The fee increase only relates to additional regulatory and compliance costs in NSW and does not directly benefit Ochre Health or your doctor.

Why is this an issue now?

Regulatory requirements in NSW have been evolving over several years. Ochre Health has sought, where possible, to absorb these costs to minimise the impact on the doctors we support and their patients.  This, however, is no longer sustainable.

Is the fee increase fair in the current cost-of-living crisis and what can you do?

We share patients’ concerns about cost-of-living pressures and we have explored a range of options to address the increased costs, including lobbying the NSW Government to remove or limit the increased regulatory and compliance costs.  Our efforts have only been partially successful to date and, to maintain the same standard of support to doctors and the quality of care they provide, the additional costs now need to be passed on.

Ochre Health stands with doctors and general practice operators around Australia in pushing to keep health care as affordable as possible. If you would like to support medical practices and your doctor on the issue of health care affordability, we urge you to contact your local Member the NSW Parliament to express your comments or concerns. Click here for a list of Members and their contact details.