New bulk-billing calculator launched

The Federal Government has launched a new bulk-billing calculator it says will help GPs and practice owners work out the financial implications of offering 100% bulk billed appointments.
 
The online tool is designed to differentiate between types of practice and locations, as well as differences in the proportion of billings paid to the practice and varying consultation types.
 
According to the Government, it will help work out an estimate of average annual provider and practice payments for MBS services using the new Bulk Billed Practice Incentive Payment (BBPIP).
 
After initial questions, the calculator is pre-filled with data drawn from eligible BBPIP MBS services provided by similar practices.
 
‘You can adjust these values to match your actual BBPIP MBS eligible services activity,’ the introduction states.  
 
Among the criteria used are Modified Monash Model classification, proportion of billings paid to the practice, type and number of BBPIP-eligible services provided each year, current billing practice and the percentage of services provided to concession card holders or children aged under 16.
 
In a disclaimer, the Government says the tool is ‘is only intended to provide an estimate of the payments that may be provided to you’ under the new incentives, which begin on 1 November.
 
‘The accuracy and reliability of the estimates produced by the calculator will also depend on the accuracy and reliability of data you enter into the calculator,’ the Government website states.
 
‘Before relying on the estimates generated by the calculator, you must carefully evaluate the accuracy, completeness and relevance of the estimates for your purposes, and obtain appropriate expert advice relevant to your own particular circumstances.’
 
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