Are you required to have your physical card with you when visiting a healthcare provider or is providing your Medicare number, or a digital card enough?
Are You Required to Have Your Medicare Card?
[Deactivated] on 29/12/2020 - 00:57
Last edited 31/12/2020 - 14:34 by 1 other user
Last edited 31/12/2020 - 14:34 by 1 other user
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Will a digital version of the Medicare card suffice?
It should be fine as they will ask for your age and address at the desk to confirm the identity.
Note: Bring the card incase
I haven’t been asked to present the card but wanted to know if it’s legal to refuse treatment if the card isn’t shown.
@xuqi: Yes, I should have phrased that better. I meant will they refuse to bill the service through Medicare.
@[Deactivated]: Medicare is meant to be for YOU to claim back (part) of the cost you incur in receiving medical care. The medical practice is doing you a favour by claiming directly from Medicare once you assign them the benefit.
They're well within their rights to refuse to claim from Medicare and to charge you the full amount. Then you can claim the rebate electronically or manually using a paper form.
The official digital version of the card is definitely enough. However, practices/ hospitals may not accept a mere photograph of the card. They may also call Medicare/ check online for verification of a number.
@[Deactivated]: Medical surgeries have no shortage of patients wanting to bulk bill. Medicare basically guarantees that they can stay open no matter what happens to the rest of the economy. They are possibly the most profitable businesses year in year out.
@whooah1979: What kind of surgeries that bulk bill (so no gap payment) and the surgeons find profitable?
@avoidfullprice: Probably the ones who service a community in which the local economic bracket would have them using bulk-billing in the first place….
If you have bulk billing and other nearby practices don't.
Busy practice may = profitable business.
@[Deactivated]: You will have to ask whooah1979 what he/she meant in his/her earlier baseless comment. I read as surgeries.
Even with GP bulk bill clinic, I have yet to see evidence they are profitable. I have seen good hearted GP remains bulk bill for the community, but how to tell they are profitable as whooah1979's suggested?
From Forfeit's comment:
Busy practice may = profitable business.
whooah1979's claim is they are possibly the most profitable, not may be profitable
how to tell they are profitable
There are many bulk billing clinics that are profitable. All aren't running just for community benefit.
@berry580: Apologies, I can see how that comment could be considered as entitled. It should have been worded better.
Don't even need that. They just need to know your Medicare number and your individual number. They can then match it to your records.
In my experience, No you don't
They wouldn’t refuse treatment, but they might charge you for it.
they might charge you for it.
Why would they accept a plastic card but not the digital copy from the Medicare app?
Higher risk of fraud I suppose?
I would think it would be the other way around. The digital card would require access to the phone which is protected with biometric authentication or a passcode. You are more likely to notice if your phone is missing and have the ability to remotely lock and wipe it. Also, phones contain much more sensitive info than a Medicare number.
@[Deactivated]: Oh, I completely missed the "from the Medicare app" part. I thought you meant just a photo.
Guess just slow uptake. Like the nsw digital driver's licence.
@John Kimble: WHEN CAN WE DO THE SAME FOR VIC DL'S?
I'M ALWAYS TRYING TO MINIMIZE MY WALLET;
GREAT TO HAVE MAJORITY ON MY PHONE@capslock janitor: https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/licences/licence-and-permit-…
Not compulsory for all.
I hear you 100%.
I went for a blood test earlier this year. Left my wallet in the car (which had my physical medicare card).
The pathologist would not accept my digital card from the medicare app.
I had to take another number after fetching my physical card. 🤦🤬
I'd assume that was a phlebotomist not a pathologist you saw
phlebotomist
Yes, you are correct. That's the correct term for the person collecting the sample.
GREAT QUESTION OP, THNXX FOR POSTING. WAS WONDERING THE SAME THING ESP ABOUT BULK-BILLING
ALSO I KNOW AN ARCHAIC CLINIC THAT ARE STILL TAKING PHYSICAL CARDS TO DO THE MANUAL PRINTY THING LOL
Why are you SCREAMING at me?
I think they can look up your card. But if you aren't sure what your current issue number is then you don't actually know your own number. You should have updated your address before they sent the new one out. If you have the old one you can calculate the current issue number based on the expiry date.
You can view your card through mygov, and then the Medicare section
Or get the Medicare app, which gives you a digital copy of your card also
Side note, went to the doctors recently and they didn't ask to sight it because I could give them the info off the digital card. Their system matches it up and all was good
Or get the Medicare app, which gives you a digital copy of your card also
I already have the Medicare app which has the digital copy.
I don’t see the point of the physical card really.
Credit to OP who had this in original post and deleted it for some reason.
for some reason.
The How to get a digital card' was still there when spackbace left that comment.
I thought that the comment was in response to that link which may have been misinterpreted as me asking how to get a digital card?
what if you lose your phone and thus your digital copy? Having a plastic card is a backup. Having everything digital isnt as crash hot as it may seem
what if you lose your phone and thus your digital copy?
Then I would just get a new phone and sign in to Medicare app.
My phone is protected with biometric authentication so if someone found it they wouldn't be able to unlock it. I can track the location of the phone, remotely lock and erase it.
If I lost my physical Medicare card then I would need to report that to Medicare and they would need to issue one with a new number to prevent identity fraud.
@[Deactivated]: you got an answer for everything hey and if the server the apps connects to crashes if the chinese drop emp bombs and theres NOT internet LOL have a great day
if the server the apps connects to crashes if the chinese drop emp bombs and theres NOT internet
Then we would have bigger problems to worry about.
you got an answer for everything hey
if the server the apps connects to crashes if the chinese drop emp bombs and theres NOT internet
Then we would have bigger problems to worry about.
Touché
Most places are going to want to see the card if you haven’t been there before - even though the digital one/just the number should suffice. I don’t think it’s ‘legally’ required but they’ll need to verify your ID and showing a Medicare card is considered sufficient in most cases. If not they could look you up by number and you could verify your identity some other way. A public hospital won’t deny treatment, but will bill you after if you if a Medicare number isn’t provided. A private provider such as a GP can deny you treatment for any reason (eg no appointments available) assuming it’s not discriminatory, unless it’s a life and death situation, in which case they’d call you an ambulance. The main reason providers will want to see it is so they don’t get caught up in Medicare fraud (which they could be fined for if audited) and to meet quality standards by verifying your identity (so photo ID is often required if there is no Medicare card)
This issue sometimes comes up with young people who don’t want their parents to know they are going to the service or people who don’t want their partner to know. If this is the case a quick chat with the receptionist should sort out the issue - but it should be remembered that when providing the number it will still appear on the statement. . Young people 14years or older can apply for their own card separate to their family. If it’s a domestic violence type situation, most places would see the person without putting it through Medicare without charge. Similarly most public drug and alcohol, sexual health and mental health services have arrangements for people to be seen as an ‘anonymous’ patient, and just wear the cost.
In all scenarios you’ll be dealing with the first point of entry to a service eg a receptionist who may or may not be fully versed in the issues of identity and billing, so it will depend a little who you get on the day.
Is there a reason why you don’t want to/can’t show the card? Or is this just hypothetical
This issue sometimes comes up with young people who don’t want their parents to know they are going to the service or people who don’t want their partner to know
Each adult on the card gets their own plastic card so partners will not know. Claim details for children over 14yrs do not appear on the parent's accounts so there's no way they can find out if the child doesn't want to.
Thanks for info. That’s great news actually (I’m a bit behind the times) it used to be that kids had to apply at 14, but I can see now it happens by default. Hopefully it encourages young people to get help when they need it.
Is there a reason why you don’t want to/can’t show the card?
I'm happy to present a digital card. I don't see the point of the plastic Medicare card. It just seems like a waste of resources to have them printed, packaged, and shipped. It then takes a week for the card to be delivered and this happens every time it expires.
They're generally only shown the first time you visit a medical practice after which it's stored on their systems. They can easily verify details from the Medicare number provided so the card doesn't seem to have much use anymore.
Yep, same goes for most physical cards. It’s surprising that they accept the physical Medicare card as ID anyway, since there is no photo. I actually did have someone see a GP using my number many years ago, still don’t know if it was just an error or identity theft.
You are the type of guy who is against a wallet. What's wrong with that Mr. apple watch guy?
Nothing is wrong with a wallet. You can continue to use a physical card if you prefer.
I don't have a copy of my card, I'm still on my mum's card (lol). Mum lives 3 hours from me so I never ever have a physical copy. It has never been an issue before. I usually just show a photo of the card or can just read off the number to them. This would be at 6+ different doctors/hospitals I've done this with and never an issue once.
Pro-tip if you're booking online even as a new customer you can just register your medicare number when you book your first appointment then generally you don't need to show them or even tell them when you rock up for your first appointment.
You can get multiple copies of a card. isn't it ?
Nope, they can manually enter the card number. I have almost never have mine on me as its shared with family and i CBF getting one for myself lol, and now I have a photo of it in Stocard just in case.
this has been the case for all different doctors I have been to, not just a regular GP /doctor that knows me.
That's the point Gigi. The physical card needs to go away.
Yep, I do this too. Not too sure about all the negative comments, I haven't carried my Medicare card in years, I just have the number stored in my phone.
I have a chronic medical condition so I regularly see a lot of different practices and I've never had a problem just reading my numbers to them. I also have the digital card but I've never actually used it
I've got a photo of my Medicare card which I show from my phone and have never been turned down. Used at doctors and optometrists
I’ve been to quite a number of doctors never showed my card. Just given them the number. I don’t even know where my Medicare card is 😬
Are you legally required to have your plastic card with you when visiting a healthcare provider?
Yes.
Last time I took one of the kids, and forgot to take my card and we were both jailed for 3 days.
Last time I took one of the kids, and forgot to take my card and we were both jailed for 3 days.
Thanks for reminding me that if I want to take one of the kids from the waiting room I can get away scott-free if I take my medicare card.
You got lucky, this one time I was waiting for a bus and this undercover policeman came and wanted to check my Medicare card but I didn't have it and I'm still in gaol. That was 5 years ago
You should have had your Australia Card on you.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/in-depth/cabinet-papers/mps…How’s the internet there?
If they gave you your own TV with a few streaming services I'd stop carrying my Medicare card and start hanging around outside cop shops.
A few days away from OzBargain would have been torture for you, jv.
If the clinic only has the simple card reader for swipy-swipy, or only has the imprinter, then you miss out on claiming the rebate on the spot.
I have not been denied a service on the occasion I forgot my physical Medicare card.
However, if you are asking whether it is your right not to present your card physically, then I don't know. Certainly it is not illegal (as ozbargainers sometimes say "I cannot find it on the internet" therefore not illegal :) )
If you're desperate and they refuse to accept a digital copy, you can pay upfront and get a receipt that can be used to claim the relevant amount back from Medicare later.
The doctors I see have been the same for many years.
They have my details on file.
And I never have to show the card.
YMMV
And I never have to show the card.
Then why do they keep sending you a new card?
Your question was whether you need a to show a physical card.
My reply was no, because the doctors I see have my card details on file and most likely want to see the new card when the old one expires.
So that is for however many years the card is valid., That's how long I don't usually show the card.
But obviously that's my doctors I see. Your individual circumstances may be different hence YMMV
Yes, my point was that the official digital card from Medicare or even just providing the number should suffice.
Some practice ask for the card as you walk in and keeps it until your appointment is over.
This is just to ensure that you report back to the counter after treatment to schedule next appointment and settle any gap charges.
Healthcare providers can easily lookup your details with a service such as HPOS. If they're unable, then either they haven't been setup to access HPOS (any decent practice would), they're not aware of how to lookup or they're lazy.
All the medical software will store your Medicare details once entered in your patient file and they're able to verify if it's valid within that software, as well as be notified upon opening your file if it's still valid.
Yes, It’s easier since the introduction of PRODA. PKI tokens were too complicated for providers.
Unfortunately PKI certificates are still required for the Medicare component of billing and accessing some other services. Fortunately that's being replaced in 2022.
The billing doesn’t require the USB tokens at least.
It’s easier since the introduction of PRODA. PKI tokens were too complicated for providers.
PRODA and PKI tokens…..for someone asking OzB if one needs to take the plastic card to see a doctor, you seem to know a lot of details on how Medicare works :-)
you seem to know a lot of details on how Medicare works :-)
I never said that I didn't :-)
Nah it's fine.
I lost my medicare card ages ago. For a while I kept going to the GP in my old neighbourhood far away because they had it on file. I had to ask them for it to tell my new GPAnd when I've had referrals, it's been printed on the letter which has sorta been enough. Not quite, but managed. eg Receptionists have been willing to guess which reference number I might be, and happy that it's gone through at all.
A couple months ago I had an actual hospital referral and got the digital card to avoid continuing this nonsense.
Because most of the receptionists at doctors are 50+ year old and still set in their old ways and need physically touch the card
Remember the number
The expiry date as wellI've just show a photo of mine to a few places this year
I use stocard. Haven't run into any issues yet
I just tell them the numbers and the expiry date. It's more than enough.
100%, isn't that the whole point of offering the digital card
Likewise with digital drivers licenses being accepted everywhere, including bar entry or ID verification for picking up online orders etc
All you need to do is go into Centrelink get a replacement Medicare card is simple
Quick question. Why do people choose to visit medics who don't bulk bill? Is there any advantage in being charged for a service which is available for free?
Yes. As a very general rule, Bulk Bill = try and get you out the door as soon as possible. Obviously, this is a huge generalization but you get what you pay for sometimes.
I had a scenario here in Qld multiple times where the GP did the consultancy bulk billed without seeing the physical or any other card and then sent me a form in the post with a request to fill in my Medicare details and send it back… Which I did and all was well.
If you're really nice we can get your details and phone Medicare to get your number. It can take ages to get it sometimes so most of the time we'll say no.
I have the number and a digital Medicare card.
phone Medicare
You can the details from HPOS if you would like to avoid phoning Medicare.
Meh, I haven't used a wallet in years. Never had an issue anywhere. Anything that’s not already digital can be scanned snd securely stored on the phone. Only csveat is when travelling to a state that requires you to carry a licence and your own state doesn't have s digital option. i.e. a Victorian driving in NSW. Although I suspect you may get away with it if you have a scanned copy and a somewhat reasonable cop.
You're meant to have your physical card preferably.
Most places accept a picture - as I doubt medicare card fraud isn't a rampant thing yet as most Australians would be entitled to one.
Remember that $2000-$5000 you pay each year for medicare in your taxes, that's to pay for these services that medicare covers.
There would be a very small proportion of the population that isn't entitled to a card.
You need to show them the card