[LINK] Your Medicare records online

[Ivan Trundle]

On 03/03/2010, at 2:50 PM, Craig Sanders wrote:

> that optometrist was not allowed to test my eyes because, according to
> medicare rules, my previous optometrist "owned" me until the two years
> were up. i could go back to the old optometrist (who would then "own" me
> for another two years) or i could wait until my "emancipation" date.

In Australia, any optometrist can test your eyes at any time - either free, or for a fee, which is entirely at the optometrist's discretion (they generally won't charge you if they can get you to buy some lenses and frames).

Here's the applicable wording from the Medicare Benefits Schedule:

"Where a patient receives a comprehensive initial consultation within 24 months of a previous comprehensive consultation provided by another optometrist an additional fee may be charged provided that the service is not direct-billed. The actual additional amount charged is a matter between the optometrist and the patient but it must not exceed an amount equal to the difference between the Schedule fees for Item 10900 and Item 10907."

http://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&qt=ItemID&q=10900

iT