7 Must-Know Things about Bulk Billing Eye Tests in Australia

7 Must-Know Things about Bulk Billing Eye Tests in Australia

Do you know that there are some instances when the Australian government pays for your eye test? Yes, you walk into an eye test clinic and pay nothing- this is what is known as bulk billing. With bulk billing, you don't need any private health insurance. Like most of us, you must have taken advantage of Australian bulk billing eye tests at some point in your life.

If you have ever had an eye complication that made you see your local optometrist and you didn't pay, there is a likelihood you were bulk-billed. While bulk-billing is common in Australian healthcare, most residents are not aware of it, and therefore they are unable to take the benefits that it offers. Read on to learn more.

1. What is Bulk-Billing?

A bulk billed eye test in Australia is when a Medicare registered health Optometrist accepts payment with Medicare benefits as eye examination full payment. It means that the Optometrists agrees with the rate that is included in the Medicare benefits. The patient account allows the doctor to charge you a fee which you can claim back a portion of Medicare Benefits Schedule through the Medicare program.

2. Who is Eligible to be Bulk-billed?

If you are an Australian, or you live in Australia, you are eligible to be bulk-billed. You must have a valid Medicare card to access this service. Also, citizens of all Commonwealth countries are eligible for bulk billed eye test. Other categories eligible for this program include Australian adopted children, permanent visa holders, and New Zealand, citizens. Overseas visitors and students with valid student's visa can be eligible for this program. Even though it is the government initiative, a specialist or a doctor can accept or decline to offer services on bulk-billing conditions. Therefore, it is up to you to seek eye care services from professionals who accept the bulk-billing program.

3. How does Bulk-billing Works?

As long as you seek eye care services from doctors who accept bulk-billing, it is an easy process. One way is to claim the Medicare benefits from the office of your doctor. The other way is to claim those benefits through Medicare mobile app online or to request them through a mail.

4. Who offers Bulk-billing?

It is good to note that not every eye professional offers bulk-billed eye test. There are various approaches that you can use to know whether the healthcare institution offers bulk-billing services.

5. Does Concession or Health Care Card help?

The Australian government came up with measures of ensuring that the bulk-billing rates are increased. In so doing, Medicare started offering an extra payment to doctors in all the eligible areas such as eye tests provided that they bulk-bill the patients. This allowed citizens who are health care cardholders to benefit from bulk billed eye tests in Australia. If you are under 16 years, you will get the benefits, even if you are not a cardholder. Therefore, it is upon you to let your doctor know if you hold any card.

6. Offers Quality Eye Test Services

Is there anyone who wants low-quality eye test services? Others simply can not afford expensive but quality eye tests. The Medicare services pay everything on your behalf irrespective of the cost regardless of the cost.

7. Are all Eye Tests the Same

All eye tests aim to measure your new spectacle prescriptions and examine your eyes for diseases. Though bulk-billing, we can say that almost all eye tests are the same. Truly, Australian eye test bulk billing is an equalizer.

Those between 26 and 64 years should have at least two years of eye check-up period interval. With bulk billed or not, your eye health is essential.