90 day pay doctor cheque scheme - general practitioners
From July 2001, Medicare Australia will be able to automatically cancel Medicare cheques made payable to an eligible General Practitioner via the claimant when they remain unpresented after 90 days, and pay benefits directly into GPs' financial institution accounts. Eligible GPs will need to apply to Medicare Australia to register for the 90 Day Pay Doctor Cheque Scheme.
To participate in this Scheme, eligible GPs must complete the application form and return it to Medicare Australia either by facsimile (08) 8274 9307 or to GPO Box 570, Adelaide SA 5001.
90 day pay doctor cheque scheme – specialists and consultant physicians
From November 2008, specialists and consultant physicians will have access to the 90 day pay doctor cheque scheme, where an unpaid patient claim is transmitted electronically to Medicare Australia.
There will not be any registration requirements to access the scheme for eligible providers (including general practitioners) where the unpaid patient claim is transmitted electronically.
The scheme does not extend to optometrists, allied health professional and dentists.
It should be noted that Medicare Australia will not be held liable for any bank fees/charges incurred where the provider presents a cheque 90 days or more after the issue date, and that cheque incurs dishonour bank charges.
Should you require any further information about the scheme please contact us on 1800 032 259.
Pay doctor guide
'Pay Doctor via Claimant Cheques A Guide for General Practice
' is a new guide for practice managers in GP surgeries. It is designed to help them process pay doctor cheques.
The guide was developed by the Department of Health and Ageing and the Australian Association of Practice Managers.
Some documents on this page may require the free Adobe PDF reader.
Last updated: 20 August, 2008