Paper-based claiming

Since 1984 Medicare Australia has offered medical practices a paper-based claiming channel. Today about 20 per cent of bulk bill claims (excluding pathology) are paper-based.

Medicare Australia will continue to support paper-based claiming. However, practices are strongly encouraged to consider switching to electronic claiming instead, and take advantage of benefits like faster payment and less paperwork.

Not ready to make the switch to electronic claiming? Register for faster payment instead

As a first step, you could simply submit an application form to register your practice for electronic claiming.

Simply fill out the Application for EFT payments for Medicare bulk bill and all DVA claims.

You can still make paper-based claims, but Medicare benefits will be paid directly into your nominated bank account, rather than waiting for a cheque to be sent to your address.

Why switch to electronic claiming?

Less paperwork, faster payment.

We have spoken to thousands of practice managers, and 'less paperwork, faster payment' are the two main reasons they are switching to electronic claiming.

Electronic claiming removes the need to batch your bulk bill claims at the end of the day. It also simplifies your banking, with funds paid by Medicare Australia in the practitioner’s nominated bank account within two to three working days (instead of waiting up to 14 days for a cheque).

There are lots of other reasons practices choose electronic claiming, including that it offers:

1. more certainty around lodgement of ‘pay doctor’ cheques
2. automatic concession entitlement checking
3. an easier way to help patients make their claims on-the-spot
4. extensive support from Medicare Australia and technology providers. 

Support package for electronic Medicare claiming

Find out more about the support package for general practitioners and specialists switching to electronic Medicare claiming.

Different choices for different needs

Practices have the choice of two electronic claiming channels, depending on their needs:

• Medicare Online (internet-based)
• Medicare Easyclaim (EFTPOS-based)
  1. Stand-alone (does not require PC or Internet connection)
  2. Integrated (‘talks to’ practice management software)
• Compare electronic claiming channels

Last updated: 18 February, 2009