Date: December 2023
The RACGP has provided a submission to the Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC) on the assignment of benefit process for bulk billed services.
DoHAC is formally consulting with key stakeholders on changes to modernise the process ahead of potential legislative amendments in 2024. Requirements for both face-to-face and telehealth services are being reviewed. The RACGP’s submission notes that the current process, whereby a patient must assign their Medicare rebate to a healthcare provider as full payment for a service when they are bulk billed, is onerous and a barrier to providing affordable care. The RACGP supports a shift away from paper-based forms to a fully integrated digital solution that simplifies the process for all involved.
The submission also highlighted current workflow ‘pain points’, including confusion around which form to use, inconsistent published advice, and the need to obtain patient consent after every consultation
Read the submission
RACGP Submission on the assignment of benefit process for bulk billed services (PDF)