Paying for the blood test

I have not had to pay for any of my tests. My surgeon just puts bulk bill on the form.
However when I had tests done on a cyst they forgot to bulk bill it and I just sent the bill to my helth fund and they covered it.

Mine was around $300 ... I got the bill in the mail and nearly had a heart attack! I took the bill back to them (Dorevitch) and they took my Medicare card details again and sent it off ... haven't heard back since.

mine also stated "bulk bill " please I dont know why they all dont ask for this if you are a private patient paying an out of pocket expense .It seems teh least that a surgeon can do.

My first blood work was the same; over $400; with a small refund from Medicare. The last one I had at the Public Hospital (instead of Private) was then bulk billed and not a cent out of pocket.

My blood test request from the specialist does say 'Bulk bill please' on it, it has obviously worked as I have never been charged.

Thanks for the info guys....I will know for next time ;)

I was charged $220 for my first blood tests via my surgeon. The Pathologist said it was because they came from a Specialist. I spoke to my Surgeon about it, and he simply puts 'bulk bill please' on the pathology request. I have not been charged since.

Another way around it is to get a copy of the blood tests you require, and get them via your GP, and ask for a copy of the results to be sent to the surgeon. No charge from a GP. Especially if they are just the usual cholesterol, diabetes, liver function etc.

The first lot of bloods I had post-op I was charged $550!!
Thats before Medicare.

I was shocked.
Rang and questioned them.

Now this is NSW, but apparently pathology requested by specialist you are charged for, GP's you are bulk billed....go figure!!!!

You need to find a pathologist that bulk bills.
I now travel to a neighbouring town (35 klms) to avoid this huge cost every 6 months.

I had mine yesterday and the bill was $311.80!! I had to pay upfront but the pathology lady said medicare would cover some

and the maximum out of pocket i would cop is approx $90. I havent been to Medicare yet.

Im in Townsville so I guess its the same where you are?

All of my blood tests have been bulk billed.

Sorry you have had to pay this extra cost.

So far I have had the first appt with the surgeon (Mr Epari), a follow up appt with his GP and the accompanying blood test.... $283 for bloods !!! ouch!

Have other people had to pay? Can I get a partial refund from medicare?

Thanks :)