Important Notice – Fee Changes Effective 1 July
From 1 July, Blackbutt Clinical Centre will be increasing our fees by 5%. On the same date, the Medicare rebate will increase by 2.6%.
What’s Changing from 1 July
- New care plans will incur an out-of-pocket fee.
- Reviews of existing care plans will continue to be bulk billed.
Why Fees Are Increasing
This adjustment is necessary to help offset the rising costs of running the practice, including:
- Award-related wage increases for staff
- Credit card and merchant surcharges
- The removal of certain item numbers that no longer attract a Medicare rebate
- Increases in the cost of goods and services essential to delivering quality care
Thank You for Your Support
We sincerely appreciate your understanding and ongoing loyalty to Blackbutt Clinical Centre. Providing high-quality, accessible healthcare for our community remains our top priority.
If you are concerned about the rising cost of healthcare in Australia, we encourage you to raise these concerns directly with your local Member of Parliament and other relevant representatives.
Important News
Important Notice – Fee Changes Effective 1 July
From 1 July, Blackbutt Clinical Centre will be increasing our fees by 5%. On the same date, the Medicare rebate will increase by 2.6%.
We’ve Listened to Your Feedback
Recently, we conducted a patient experience survey to better understand what we are doing well and where we can improve. We would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their feedback.
Welcoming Dr Andrew French to Blackbutt Doctors
Blackbutt Clinical Centre is pleased to welcome Dr Andrew French to our growing team of dedicated general practitioners.
Important Centre Update – Bulk Billing
From 1 November, you may encounter media coverage suggesting that general practices are “returning to bulk billing.” We wish to be transparent—this change does not apply to our clinic.
Changes to Mental Health Appointments Under Medicare
Medicare is introducing updates to the Better Access mental health program to help improve continuity of care and support ongoing patient wellbeing.
Breast Screening and Breast Density
Understanding Breast Density: What You Need to Know
AI transcription for note-taking during consultations.
Starting Monday, August 5th, our general practice will implement AI transcription for note-taking during consultations.
Infectious Symptoms Clinic Ceasing
From Monday the 20th of March 2023 there will be a different way to manage clinic appointments.
Blackbutt Clinical Centre win PHN’s ‘Supporting Patients Through Technology’ Award
Blackbutt were awarded for ” Supporting Patients Through Technology” last night at the Primary Health Networks’ Primary Care Quality and Innovation Awards 2021.
Changes to Billing for TeleHealth Appointments
Important patient information regarding changes in billing for TeleHealth appointments.
Being connected to your health has never been easier!
At Blackbutt Doctors, we are incorporating technology to make communication about your health as easy and convenient as possible.
Sleep and Insomnia
Sleep disorders are a very common reason for presentation to the GP. Sleep is so important to your physical and mental health so it’s crucial that if you are consistently having trouble sleeping that you discuss this with your GP.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Flu Vaccination
With flu season on the horizon it’s important to get educated about how to best minimise your chance of contracting and spreading the flu, and vaccination is the best way to do this!
Are you using a Proton Pump Inhibitor?
Proton pump inhibitors (you might know them by the names of Somac or Nexium), are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the Australian community.
Cervical Screening has changed
As many of you will already be aware, from December 2017 Australia changed the program for screening for cervical cancer.
Why it’s important to identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander patient
Identifying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients is important because it makes a difference to clinical care.
Do you need a skin lesion looked at or removed?
Which ever doctor you choose here at Blackbutt, they will be very happy to give you thorough skin check.
Do you need an IUD inserted and/or removed?
IUD’s are safe, cheap and effective contraception, and work well to control heavy periods.
Quit Smoking – Preparation is the key!
The more prepared and motivated you are, the more likely you are to succeed in quitting. Developing a quit plan can help. The benefits that you have to gain as a non-smoker outweigh the short-term difficulties of quitting.
Dealing with Depression and Anxiety
Talking to your GP about a change in your mental health is a very good place to start to get you on the road to recovery. GPs care for many people who are feeling low or distressed. They can help you find a way back to a better frame of mind.
Dealing with the Flu
Influenza is caused by a virus. Most people recover after a few days, but in some it can be life-threatening. To avoid influenza, have an annual influenza vaccination. If you have influenza, cover your coughs and sneezes, wash your hands before touching others, and stay at home.