18/06/2026
Dear Patients and Carers,
We would like to inform you of an important change to Medicare billing requirements that will take effect on July 1, 2026.
Under the updated Medicare requirements, patients whose consultations are billed directly to Medicare (bulk-billed services) will need to provide their consent for each consultation. This means that for every face-to-face and eligible telehealth consultation billed to Medicare on your behalf, you will be required to sign an Assignment of Benefit form.
The Assignment of Benefit form allows you to agree to transfer your Medicare rebate to the doctor or practice as payment for the services provided. While this process has always existed, Medicare is strengthening the requirements for documenting patient consent.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU:
- You will need to sign a Medicare Assignment of Benefit declaration for each face-to-face and eligible telehealth consultation that is bulk-billed.
- This may be completed electronically or on paper, depending on the circumstances of your appointment.
- The process takes only a moment and helps ensure compliance with Medicare requirements.
- If you choose not to assign your Medicare benefit to the practice, your consultation will be treated as a private billing consultation. In this case, you will need to pay the consultation fee at the time of your appointment and claim any Medicare rebate directly from Medicare.
These changes apply to all medical practices and healthcare providers who bulk bill Medicare services.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we implement these new requirements. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have and assist you with this process during your visit.
