COVID-19 vaccines are free for patients
COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone in Australia regardless of Medicare or visa status.
You cannot charge new or existing patients for a COVID-19 vaccine, or for an appointment to get a vaccine.
Charging a patient any costs associated with the administration of the COVID-19 vaccination (including booking fees) is a breach of the requirements under the program.
You may not charge for any other service as a prerequisite to getting a vaccination, such as requiring the patient to have a general check-up.
You (or the practice) cannot charge booking fees or patient registration fees for patients seeking a vaccination.
Medicare Benefits Schedule items
The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) funds general practices and other medical professionals to provide vaccination services through time-tiered attendance.
Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) patients
For Medicare-eligible DVA patients, general practices can use the same MBS item numbers used for the general public.
DVA clients can use their Veteran Card with usual arrangements for:
- using a Veteran Gold Card
- using a Veteran White Card if it relates to an accepted condition (Services Australia will accept the clinical judgement of the general practitioner to determine what accepted condition requires the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine).
General practices should invoice DVA for COVID-19 vaccination administered to eligible DVA patients.
Charging for consultations to discuss vaccination
You can charge patients for a consultation to discuss vaccination if they are clear when booking that they don't intend to proceed with vaccination at that time.
You must let the patient know they will be charged for the consultation beforehand.