This affects all bulk-billed appointments.
Before July 1, 2026
After July 1, 2026
Why are these changes being introduced?
These changes have been introduced to strengthen compliance requirements around bulk billed services, support the integrity of the Medicare system and ensure patient consent is captured consistently. They also help improve billing accuracy and provide practices with clearer documentation and records should they be required for auditing purposes.
Record Keeping: Practices must keep a copy of all completed Assignment of Benefit (AoB) agreements for at least 2 years.
NO CONSENT, NO BULK BILLING. If a patient does not provide Assignment of Benefit consent, the appointment cannot be bulk billed and private fees may apply.
In order for us to bulk bill your appointment, you will need to provide consent for Medicare to pay your provider directly. This is called Assignment of Benefit, and from 1 July, consent must be obtained at every visit.
1. You’ll be asked to sign a form
Our team will ask you to complete a short consent form for every bulk-billed appointment. This can be done digitally via an SMS link or paper form in practice.
appointment. This can be done digitally via an SMS link or paper form in practice.
2. Sign before, during or after your visit
You can give consent at the time of booking, while you’re here, or right after your appointment, whatever works best for you.
3. Each visit requires a new Assignment of Benefit form
You’ll need to provide a new Assignment of Benefit consent each time you’re bulk billed.
If you don’t complete the Assignment of Benefit form, we can’t bulk bill your appointment and private fees will apply. Please let us know if you have any questions.