Gastroenterology consultation and procedures are first discussed with the patient’s General Practitioner (GP) or Family Medical Physician. When the patient and GP agree that a Gastroenterology review is required, the GP generates a referral to the specialist.  A printed letter is traditionally given to the patient, which includes a phone number to call the specialist for an appointment (9525 4222 for Gastroenterology Associates Miranda). Alternatively, this letter can be scanned/emailed to the specialist at reception@gamiranda.com.au -the practice staff will then contact the patient to make an appointment-ensure to include your telephone number in this email. The GP could transmit the referral via Healthlink (a secure messaging system), email or fax, where again the practice staff will contact the patient to make an appointment time/date.

Gastroenterology Associates Miranda is a private practice where most patients will pay a fee additional to the Medicare rebate. A current referral from GP or another specialist is required to be rebated through Medicare. The fee for a “New Consultation” is currently $320 or $420 depending on the length and complexity of the consultation. The “out of pocket” for both items after the Medicare rebate is approximately $194. Payment of the whole fee is required on the day of the consultation either by EFTPOS, Mastercard/VISA or cash. Amex and personal cheques are not accepted. The Medicare rebate will be electronically deposited in your Medicare linked bank account-usually by the next business day. If there isn’t a linked bank account, Medicare will post a cheque. Contact Medicare to link a bank account.

Local alternatives to a private practice consultation are: the Gastroenterology Clinic at Sutherland Hospital (Ph 9540 7624, Fax 9540 8754 or email SESLHD-Sutherland-GastroClinic@health.nsw.gov.au) or the local public hospital Emergency Department.

Unfortunately the Medicare (government) rebates have not risen with inflation nor the costs of operating a private practice. To continue to reasonably offer an effective and efficient service, fees above the Medicare rebate is required. Reduced fees or bulk billing might be considered for marked financial hardship and usually at the request of the referring doctor. Private Health funds do not cover out of hospital medical consultation. Feedback to state and federal politicians about Medicare and other government health services is encouraged.