In short: MyMedicare is a free, voluntary way to register with your regular GP practice, so your care team knows you have chosen them. Bulk billing is when a healthcare provider bills Medicare directly and accepts the Medicare benefit as full payment, leaving you with no out-of-pocket cost for that service. The two work together to support continuity of care.
What Is MyMedicare?
MyMedicare is a voluntary registration that links you with your regular general practice and a preferred GP. It is free to register, and it formalises the relationship between you and your usual care team.
The idea behind MyMedicare is simple: research shows that seeing the same practice and GP over time — known as continuity of care — leads to better health outcomes. By registering, you tell your practice that you have chosen them as your regular care team, which helps them coordinate your care.
What Are the Benefits of Registering?
Registering with MyMedicare can give you access to:
- Greater continuity of care with a practice and GP who know your history
- Longer Medicare-funded telephone telehealth consultations with your registered GP
- Better coordination of care, particularly if you have ongoing or complex health needs
- Links to other programs designed to support people who see their GP regularly
Registration is voluntary, and you can change your registered practice if your circumstances change.
How Do I Register for MyMedicare?
You can register in a few ways:
- Through your Medicare online account via myGov
- Using the Express Plus Medicare mobile app
- At your practice — our reception team can help you start the process
To register, you generally need to have visited the practice so there is an existing relationship. If you would like to register with us, just ask our reception team or your GP at your next visit.
What Is Bulk Billing?
Bulk billing is a payment arrangement where your healthcare provider bills Medicare directly for a service and accepts the Medicare benefit as full payment. When a service is bulk billed, you are not charged an out-of-pocket fee for that service.
It is helpful to understand a few points about bulk billing:
- Bulk billing applies per service, and whether a service is bulk billed is at the provider's discretion
- A practice may bulk bill some patients or services and charge a fee for others
- When a service is not bulk billed, you pay the provider's fee and Medicare pays a rebate towards it, so you may have a "gap" to pay
The Australian Government has introduced incentives, such as the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program, to support practices to bulk bill more services — but arrangements still vary between practices and over time.
How Does This Affect What I Pay?
Whether you have an out-of-pocket cost depends on whether a particular service is bulk billed. Many practices bulk bill certain patients or services (for example children, concession card holders, or specific Medicare items) while charging a fee for others.
The clearest way to know what to expect is to ask. Our billing and fees page explains our current arrangements, and our reception team can tell you whether your appointment will be bulk billed when you book.
How MyMedicare and Bulk Billing Work Together
MyMedicare and bulk billing are separate things, but both support accessible, ongoing care. MyMedicare strengthens your connection with a regular practice, while bulk billing affects what you pay for individual services. Registering with MyMedicare does not automatically change the fees for a service, but it can unlock benefits such as longer telehealth consultations and better-coordinated care with the GP who knows you best.
MyMedicare and Billing at Our Truganina Clinic
At Reliance Medical Centre, we can help you register for MyMedicare and explain our billing arrangements so there are no surprises. If you would like to make our clinic your regular practice, or you have questions about costs, we are happy to help.
To book an appointment or ask about MyMedicare, book online or call us on (03) 9958 6699.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MyMedicare and is it free?
MyMedicare is a voluntary registration that links you with your regular general practice and a preferred GP. It is free to register. By registering, you tell your practice you have chosen them as your regular care team, which supports continuity of care and can give you access to benefits such as longer Medicare-funded telehealth consultations.
How do I register for MyMedicare?
You can register through your Medicare online account via myGov, using the Express Plus Medicare app, or at your practice with help from reception. You generally need to have an existing relationship with the practice — for example by having visited before. Our reception team can help you get started at your next appointment.
What does bulk billing mean?
Bulk billing is when a healthcare provider bills Medicare directly for a service and accepts the Medicare benefit as full payment, so you pay no out-of-pocket fee for that service. Bulk billing applies per service and is at the provider's discretion, so a practice may bulk bill some patients or services and charge a fee for others.
Does registering for MyMedicare mean my appointments are bulk billed?
Not automatically. MyMedicare and bulk billing are separate things. Registering for MyMedicare strengthens your link with a regular practice and can unlock benefits like longer telehealth consultations, but whether a particular service is bulk billed depends on the practice's billing arrangements. It is best to confirm costs with the clinic when you book.
Will I be charged a fee if my appointment isn't bulk billed?
If a service is not bulk billed, you pay the provider's fee and Medicare pays a rebate towards it, so you may have a "gap" amount to pay. The amount depends on the provider's fee. Our reception team can tell you whether your appointment will be bulk billed and what any cost would be before your visit.
Can I change my registered practice later?
Yes. MyMedicare registration is voluntary and you can change your registered practice if your circumstances change — for example if you move or decide to see a different regular GP. You can update your registration through your Medicare online account, the Express Plus Medicare app, or with help from your new practice.
Trusted Sources for Further Reading
- Department of Health, Disability and Ageing — MyMedicare and Information for MyMedicare patients
- Department of Health, Disability and Ageing — Bulk billing incentives in general practice
- Healthdirect Australia — Bulk billing for medical services
- Services Australia — Medicare
This article is for general information only and does not replace professional or financial advice. Medicare, MyMedicare and bulk billing arrangements can change over time. For current details about your care and costs, please speak with our reception team or your GP.
