Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide advice to patients regarding fee structures and process referrals, as well as prepare and process medical accounts for a range of patients.
This unit applies to individuals who apply a broad range of competencies in various medical administration contexts. They may exercise discretion and judgement using appropriate knowledge to provide technical advice and support to a team.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Provide advice to patients about fee structure | 1.1 Identify and advise patients of fee schedule for different services 1.2 Advise patients regarding entitlements and rebates 1.3 Schedule medical appointments using appropriate booking and account systems |
2. Process referrals to specialist practitioners | 2.1 Check referrals to ensure validity 2.2 Follow correct procedures for referral 2.3 File referral letters according to legislation and workplace policies and procedures |
3. Prepare medical accounts for bulk billed and private patients | 3.1 Accurately follow procedures for billing based on account type 3.2 Identify and cost procedures which are not eligible for Medicate rebate 3.3 Select and complete appropriate account and billing documentation according to workplace and legislative requirements 3.4 Follow procedures for preparing Veterans’ Affairs, workers’ compensation and motor vehicle third party accounts accurately 3.5 Forward medical account to designated person or organisation according to legislation and account processing procedures |
4. Process accounts | 4.1 Receive and document payments 4.2 Prepare and issue receipts to person or authority according to legislation and workplace policies and procedures 4.3 Reconcile Medicare payments with claims made by the medical practice 4.4 Follow up overdue accounts 4.5 Provide and store financial records and data in accordance with policies and procedures of the workplace |
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1-3.5, 4.1-4.5 | Recognises text within job specifications and work processes related to the processing and preparation of medical accounts |
Writing | 1.3, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1-3.5, 4.1-4.5 | Records and uses appropriate written communication when preparing medical accounts and in various other medical administration contexts |
Oral Communication | 1.1, 1.2, 4.4 | Uses everyday language with patients to provide advice relating to the fee structure for different services as well as following up overdue accounts |
Numeracy | 1.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 | Uses basic mathematical calculations and arranges sequential numerical information when dealing with fees and processing medical accounts |
Navigate the world of work | 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 4.2, 4.5 | Recognises and responds to organisational and legislative requirements for tasks |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.3, 3.1, 3.3, 3.5, 4.1-4.5 | Plans and organises workload and commitments to ensure work is completed in a timely manner Uses digitally based systems and technologies to access, organise and present information |
Sectors
Administration – Medical Services Administration