Is Telehealth Bulk Billed?

Telehealth has transformed how Aussies access healthcare, providing more flexible and quicker ways to connect with doctors and other healthcare providers for certain conditions. As more people opt for online consultations, a common question arises: Is telehealth bulk billed?  

 The answer depends on several factors, including the provider, the type of service, and your eligibility under Medicare. 
 
In this article, we’ll look at what bulk billing is, how it works in a telehealth setting, who qualifies, and what you can expect during a bulk-billed online consultation. 

Bulk billing is a payment option under the Australian Medicare system, which allows healthcare providers to bill Medicare directly for their services – ie the government pays the full amount of the consultation and the patient pays nothing. This means that the patient pays “nothing out-of-pocket” for the consultation.  
 
The aim is to make healthcare more accessible by eliminating the need for upfront payments or private health insurance for basic services. 
 
When a service is bulk billed, the doctor agrees to accept the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee as full payment for the service provided. This is commonly applied to some general practitioner (GP) visits, pathology tests, and diagnostic imaging. The reason why many GPs do not bulk bill, is that the fee that they can claim from the government through Medicare can be very low, and at times can be unprofitable for them to deliver this service. Therefore many doctors choose a fee that is higher than the bulk billed rate and the patient must pay the gap fee. As an example, my GP charges $50 for a five minute telehealth consultation, and the rebate from Medicare for that is consultation is approximately $20 – and therefore I was out-of-pocket. $30. In that situation, I paid $50 and my GP put the claim for me directly to Medicare and within 24 hours I was rebated $20 from the government. 

Since the introduction of broader telehealth access during the COVID-19 pandemic, many telehealth services have become eligible for bulk billing [1] through Medicare. When a service is bulk billed, it means the doctor is willing to accept the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee as the complete payment for the service they provide. This setup is commonly found in visits to general practitioners (GPs), as well as for pathology tests and diagnostic imaging. 

With the expansion of telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these consultations have also become eligible for bulk billing through Medicare. This means that you might be able to have your video or phone appointments with your GP fully covered. 
 
However, not every telehealth service will automatically be bulk billed. Whether you get bulk billing or not can depend on the policies of the healthcare provider and your eligibility under certain Medicare rules.   

To qualify for bulk-billed telehealth services, you generally need to meet specific criteria set by the Medicare Benefits Schedule. One key point is that you must have a valid Medicare card. 
 
For example, some platforms, such as GP2U Telehealth or private practices, may charge a gap fee, while others might provide fully bulk-billed services for specific appointment types.  

Bulk billing for telehealth is generally available to individuals who meet specific criteria under the Medicare Benefits Schedule.  
 
According to the Australian Government Department [1] of Aged Care and Care, here are some common eligibility points: 

• You must hold a valid Medicare card. 
• The appointment must be with a provider who offers eligible MBS telehealth items. 
• The telehealth service should meet certain conditions (e.g., being a GP consult, mental health session, or follow-up appointment). 
• You may need to have an existing relationship with the provider (e.g., having seen them in person within the last 12 months), though this requirement may be waived for certain services. 

Note: Children, pensioners, concession card holders, and patients in rural or remote areas are more likely to qualify for bulk-billed services, as many providers prioritise these groups. 

Some Australian telehealth platforms and GPs offer fully bulk-billed services, particularly for standard GP consultations. Here are a few examples provided by the Australian Government [2] of common services that may be bulk billed: 

• General health consultations   
• Prescriptions and repeat prescriptions   
• Referrals to specialists   
• Mental health care plans and reviews   
• Follow-up appointments   

It’s important to note that not all services (especially more specialised consultations) are eligible for bulk billing. Some telehealth providers may charge fees for services such as medical certificates, specialist advice, or urgent prescriptions. 

Note: Always check directly with the provider before booking to confirm the availability of bulk billing. 

Before booking your appointment, here are some simple ways to find out if a telehealth service is bulk billed: 

• Look on the provider’s website: Most platforms clearly state whether their services are bulk billed or if fees apply. 
• Contact the provider directly: Call or message the clinic to confirm billing options and whether you qualify for bulk billing. 
• Check for Medicare item numbers: If the service corresponds to a Medicare item number for telehealth, it may be eligible for bulk billing, provided the provider accepts the MBS fee. 

If a provider does not offer bulk billing, you may be required to pay an “out-of-pocket cost”, also known as a “gap fee.” In some cases, you might be able to claim a “partial rebate” from Medicare, depending on the service type and provider. 
 
Private telehealth platforms often provide price transparency and may list both the total fee and any expected Medicare rebate. 

• Bulk billing allows eligible patients to access telehealth services with no out-of-pocket costs, provided the provider bills Medicare directly. 
• Many GP-level telehealth services are bulk billed, but not all providers or services are eligible. 
• Eligibility depends on Medicare rules, provider policies, and sometimes your existing relationship with the clinic. 
• Always check with the provider to confirm whether your telehealth appointment is bulk billed. 

 This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any personal health concerns or medical conditions. 

[1] https://www.mbsonline.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/Factsheet-TempBB 
[2] https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/bulk-billing?context=60092&utm