Help visiting a Dr

[hubbert0403]

Hi guys, after having an op prior to leaving the UK I need to check everything is going well but I do no have a clue how to go about seeing a Dr, ie do I register, do I pay (hubby has health insurance for us both through work), can I just see an Orthopedic Dr if so how.

Any info would be appreciated

[Tim and Pam]

hi Hubbert.

You can make an appointment at a General Practice to see a Doctor. If you have a medicare card, some places Bulk Bill which means you don't pay anything. If you don't have a medicare card, you'll need to pay for the visit. Depending on whether your health insurance will cover the visit, you then claim it from them.

You will need to get a referral from the GP to see the Orthopaedic Dr. If you have notes from the UK, it would be a good idea to take them with you when you see the GP.

I hope this helps.

I work at a Dr's surgery so happy to help answer any other questions

[whoiam]

 

Hi guys, after having an op prior to leaving the UK I need to check everything is going well but I do no have a clue how to go about seeing a Dr, ie do I register, do I pay (hubby has health insurance for us both through work), can I just see an Orthopedic Dr if so how.Any info would be appreciated

Hi there, I don't know where you live but from what my GP OH says it works like this. You need to go and see a GP and he then refers you to the Orthopod of your choice. If the doctor bulk bills then you won't have any extra to pay but if its private billed then I think a top up applies. Consultants need the patient re referred every year. Billing with Consultants is quite different I think as most see patients privately I am told, except for when you go into the hosp as an inpatient.

[Guest Willa25]

Hi,

probably posted in wrong section,but just quick question. We have recently moved here from Ireland and need to find a doctor. We have three kids, 2 under 15.A lot of doctors seem to bulk bill under 15's, but is there any that bulk bills all age groups.We have only one income at the minute and not having medical fees would make it a bit easier.As I have suspected IGA Nephropathy, I require regular check ups and blood tests to keep an eye on it. Are there any disadvantages to going to a doctor that bulk bills for all.?

Thanks

[Quoll]

Hi,

probably posted in wrong section,but just quick question. We have recently moved here from Ireland and need to find a doctor. We have three kids, 2 under 15.A lot of doctors seem to bulk bill under 15's, but is there any that bulk bills all age groups.We have only one income at the minute and not having medical fees would make it a bit easier.As I have suspected IGA Nephropathy, I require regular check ups and blood tests to keep an eye on it. Are there any disadvantages to going to a doctor that bulk bills for all.?

Thanks

 

 

Bulk billing was originally designed for people who couldnt afford the co-payment - low income, benefits etc. but it seems that many new migrants think it is their right whereas it is in fact a copay system - one visit doesnt cost that much. A disadvantage may be that you dont get continuity of care - bulk billing doctors are often found in the bigger city medical centres where you get who you are given. In some places it is nigh on impossible to find a bulk billing doctor

[Quoll]

Hi guys, after having an op prior to leaving the UK I need to check everything is going well but I do no have a clue how to go about seeing a Dr, ie do I register, do I pay (hubby has health insurance for us both through work), can I just see an Orthopedic Dr if so how.

Any info would be appreciated

 

You do realize that health insurance only covers hospital visits so you will have to pay for the specialist's service in his rooms (less a bit provided by medicare). It might also be that if there is any follow up required which does necessitate hospital admission, that you may not be covered by your private insurance because this will be a pre-existing condition. You just approach a GP surgery and ask if they are taking new patients and the GP will give you a referral to an Orthopod if you need one.