Blacktown - Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology, Kempsey St, Blacktown
Charged for tests without advising me of this at time of making the appointment

I was charged $150 for Blood & Urine tests at Blacktown Pathology. When I visited the service to make the appointment, I was asked for my MediCare card and handed in my request slip. At that time, I was not notified of any charges I would have to incur. This has happened to me in the past and I have done my best to avoid the place. If I had a choice I would have not gone there this time.

I have been to many other pathology screening places and never have been charged. Apparently the nurse, who took my bloods, told me that as the specialist had not written "to be bulk billed" they could not get the refund from Medicare and so had to charge for it.

Had I known this, I would have gone to my GP and got her to give me another script for the same tests (which I was then told could have avoided the charge), but I had done a 24 hour urine sample, and was getting back to work, so was inconvenient to change my plans.

I would like to know how I can reverse this charge. Can I apply for a refund from Medicare?

Regards
Bernadette