What is Private Billing as a General Practitioner?

This is a FAQ BLOG and you can refer to our Medicare blog here.

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Date Updated: 2025-11-11

GPs can make the decision to privately bill their patients instead of accessing Medicare Benefits. This means they can work in any area without having to abide by the restrictions of 19AA and/or 19AB. There are some important aspects to be aware of before you start privately billing that we have discussed below.

How does Private Billing work?

Private billing means that patients pay for medical services at their own expense and do not receive Medicare rebates.

Do I need to inform patients?

Yes, patients need to be informed before the consultation or service that the GP privately bills because they will be paying out of pocket.

As Services Australia stated, “you [as the GP] must let patients know they won’t get a Medicare benefit before you provide a service to them. It’s an offence to provide a service without doing this.”

Will I be able to access Medicare in the future?

If you are able to meet your restrictions or become unrestricted, you will be able to access Medicare Benefits again.

How do I refer patients and request diagnostic tests?

To refer patients to a Specialist or order diagnostic tests, you will need to apply for a ‘Refer and Request’ Provider Number. You will not need to meet your restrictions to receive this Provider Number.

To apply, you will fill out the normal HW019 form and under Questions 25 tick the ‘Refer and request only’ option.

Read more about Refer and Request Medicare Provider Numbers here.

We Can Help You

Here at People Medical Consulting, we have a passion for guiding medical practitioners through their career pathways to Australia. We have extensive experience in assisting medical facilities in recruiting doctors from local and overseas who will best suit their requirements.

We provide Document Assistance for those requiring support for their PESCI with IME, ACRRM or RACGP, registration and all other mandatory AHPRA requirements, fellowship program related forms and letters, application for Medicare provider and prescriber numbers, application for 19AB or 19AA exemptions and preparation of employment documents.

If you want to talk to someone about your pathway or practice management—book a consultation with us below, or if you need Recruitment or Document Assistance, contact us at help@peoplemedical.com.au or click the buttons below. We’d be glad to help you!

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Information from this blog has been taken directly from:

If I am privately billing, will my experience count towards Fellowship?