Claiming choices
The Medicare claiming channel your practice chooses can make a big difference to productivity, cash-flow and patient service. Medicare Australia understands that practices have different needs, which is why we’re offering more ways to make Medicare claims. In this section, you’ll find information to help you compare the different Medicare claiming options available, and work out which is the right one for you and your patients.
Did you know… allied health professionals, dentists and dental specialists are able to submit claims electronically using either Medicare Easyclaim or Medicare Online.
- Tell me more about:
- Medicare Online (patient and bulk bill claims)
- Medicare Easyclaim (patient and bulk bill claims)
- Stand-alone (does not require PC or Internet connection)
- Integrated (‘talks to’ practice management software)
- Paper claiming (patient and bulk bill claims)
- Registering for quick EFT payment [PDF, 190Kb]
Complete this form to register your bank account details for EFT payments
- Easy ways to help your patients claim
- More information for practice managers:
How different channels compare
Help your patients claim on the spot at your practice
The claiming channel your practice selects can make a big difference to your business’ cash flow and customer service.
80 per cent of patients expect the system to be in place at their doctor’s surgery within the next 12 months.
Patients are now being encouraged to register their bank account details with Medicare Australia so there is no need for you to collect these details.
Electronic patient claiming
Instead of completing a form, practice staff can send patient claim information directly to us through a secure internet connection using Medicare Online. Rebates are paid directly into the patient’s nominated cheque or savings account within two to three working days (sometimes even sooner). Claims submitted using Medicare Online can also be paid by cheque. If the claim information is sent using Medicare Easyclaim, patient rebates are paid directly into the patient’s nominated cheque or savings account that day.
Find out more about these claiming channels:
Did you know… if you already use Medicare Online, it’s easy to ‘switch on’ patient claiming. To find out more, contact your software vendor or call 1800 700 199 to talk to one of our Business Development Officers.
Did you know… practices using Medicare Online for patient claiming don’t have to ask their patients for their bank account details. Patients can register their bank details with us instead and still claim their rebate on the spot at your practice.
Did you know… Medicare Online lets you submit patient claims even if you don't have the patient’s bank account details. Simply select 'cheque' as the payment method and we will take care of the rest.
More information
Find out more about patient claiming through Medicare Online and Medicare Easyclaim, or call 1800 700 199 to talk to one of our Business Development Officers.
Electronic Medicare claiming testimonials
Electronic Medicare claiming makes a difference to productivity, cash flow and patient service.
Below are two testimonials that show that electronic Medicare claiming really does make it 'better for your patients and better for your business'.
'Medicare Online makes good business sense. It provides an integrated solution for patient claiming including paid claims, bulk bill and Veterans' affairs. With ECLIPSE, an extension of Medicare Online, you can have direct communication with Medicare Australia and private health funds all in the one transaction. Your practice will reap the benefits of fewer rejections, increased cash flow and streamlined billing processes, and your patients will appreciate the service.'
Colleen Sullivan
Practice Consultant and past National and State President, AAPM
'Four years ago we introduced Medicare Online to our practice. It has proved to be a rewarding decision for both our practice and our patients. Initially, I was concerned that there would be problems introducing a new system. Once we had settled in, and trained the staff, the claiming process ran very smoothly. Importantly, it has not increased the workload for our reception staff.'
Jan Chaffey
Practice Manager, Camp Hill Medical Centre and past National and State President, AAPM
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Last updated: 29 September, 2010