Fees update
From 1 October 2026 Erskineville Doctors will be updating our fee schedule.
We understand that changes to healthcare fees can be concerning, particularly at a time when household costs are increasing. We want to explain what is changing, why it is necessary and how we can continue to support you.
Decades of inadequate indexation, together with the Medicare freeze between 2013 and 2020, have contributed to the significant gap between Medicare rebates and the actual cost of providing high quality general practice care.
While the Australian Government increased Medicare rebates by 2.6% from 1 July 2026, this increase does not fully address this gap.
The out-of-pocket fees the doctors charge help us maintain the services and resources patients rely on, including:
- Nurse and practice staff
- Medical equipment and technology
- Practice administration and management
- Clinical supplies and consumables
- Compliance and accreditation
Our fee changes are intended to help us continue operating a sustainable practice whilst maintaining the quality and continuity of care our patients expect.
New tiered fee structure for longer consultations
Our current fee structure follows Medicares consultation items. However, we believe this does not adequately reflect the time required for longer and more complex consultations.
From 1 October, longer consultations will have tiered, time-based fee structure:
| Duration | Up Front Fee | Medicare Rebate | Out-of-pocket Cost | Out-of-pocket cost if you have reached the EMSN |
| 6 – 19 min. | $105.00 | $45.05 | $59.95 | $11.99 |
| 20 – 29 min. | $165.00 | $87.10 | $77.90 | $15.58 |
| 31- 40 min. | $190.00 | $87.10 | $102.90 | $20.58 |
| 41 – 49 min. | $235.00 | $128.35 | $101.65 | $20.33 |
| 50 – 59 min. | $260.00 | $128.35 | $131.65 | $26.33 |
Your consultation fee will be based on the duration of your appointment. This approach recognises, that some patients need more time with their GP, particularly those managing complex or chronic health conditions, or discussing multiple health concerns.
Note, that whilst most fees are based on the length of your consultation and the complexity of presenting issues, fees for the preparation of Chronic Disease Management Plans and certain procedures are service based. Your doctor will discuss these fees with you before proceeding.
Saturday and Public Holiday fees
Our Saturday consultation fees have increased by approximately $20. This adjustment helps cover the additional costs associated with providing services and reflects the recommendations from the Australian Medical Association (AMA).
Please note, bulk billing is not offered on the weekend or public holidays.
Removal of credit card surcharging from online payments
As you may be aware, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has confirmed that card surcharging will be removed across all designated card networks from 1 October 2026. This applies to Eftpos, Mastercard, Visa, and American Express, all of which have announced that surcharging will no longer be permitted from that date.
Whilst we have never charged a card surcharge for payments made in person or over the phone, previously there has been a charge for payments made online. This surcharge was removed in August 2026 to accommodate this regulatory change.
For more information, please visit the fees page.