Accreditation practice pointer: patients are informed about out-of-pocket costs

C1.5 A Our patients are informed about out-of-pocket costs for healthcare they receive from our practice.

RACGP Standards for general practice

Clinicians must ensure patients are informed about any additional costs relating to their healthcare before beginning any treatments or procedures. Such information enables patients to make sound decisions about their healthcare. 

GPs can ensure patients understand all discussion about additional costs to their healthcare by delivering the information in plain English, verbal and / or written. When language is a barrier to additional costs, the patient might need an interpreter or materials in their preferred language. 

Should a patient decline a referral or test because of cost, then a GP can provide information on public services. 

General practice might also ensure patients are aware of any out-of-pocket costs for their primary healthcare by:

• placing information about the practice’s billing policy on your website

• displaying billing information in waiting areas

• explaining the billing policy in person to patients.