At Dr Tony Heilberg Dentistry, we welcome patients from all health funds. For your convenience, you can claim your rebate on the spot through our HICAPS terminal.
However, we are not listed as a ‘preferred provider’ for any specific health fund. Understandably, patients sometimes ask why. Isn’t being a preferred provider supposed to mean cheaper or better dental care?
Here’s what the term really means, and why we believe staying independent is in your best interest.
What is a ‘preferred provider’?
The term ‘preferred provider’ can be confusing. It does not mean that a dentist is more qualified or provides better care.
A preferred provider is simply a dentist or dental practice that has entered into a contract with a health insurance company. Under that contract, the practice agrees to charge set fees for specific services to members of that health fund. In return, the health fund may list the dentist as one of their “preferred” clinics and may offer incentives such as lower out-of-pocket costs to their members who choose to attend.
Some health funds also own and operate their own dental clinics, where dentists are employed directly by the fund. This adds another layer to the discussion around independence and quality of care.
Why we are not a preferred provider
At Dr Tony Heilberg Dentistry, we have made a conscious decision to remain completely independent from all health funds. Here’s why that matters:
Your treatment comes first. We will never let a third party influence your care. Our advice and treatment plans are based on your health needs, not on a contract.
We never compromise on quality. Contracts with health funds usually require discounted fees. That can lead to pressures that may reduce appointment time, limit materials used, or restrict personalised care. We are not willing to make those compromises.
You receive personal attention. We take the time to understand you and your concerns. We do not rush appointments, and we focus on making sure you feel comfortable, informed, and confident in your treatment.
We are transparent and ethical. Our fees reflect the quality of the service, time, and materials we use. You will always know what to expect, and we will help you understand how your health fund rebates work.
What about cost savings?
Health funds sometimes promote lower or no-gap fees if you see one of their contracted dentists. However, this is not always the case and does not guarantee a better outcome.
The Australian Dental Association (ADA) has raised concerns about this model for years. They argue that it can limit your freedom to choose your own dentist and creates an unfair rebate system.
Patients with the same level of cover may receive different rebates depending on which clinic they attend, even if the same treatment is provided. That is not a fair or transparent system.
In fact, the ADA has publicly called for these schemes to be dismantled, and for rebates to be equal for all patients under the same policy.
Concerns about health funds owning dental practices
When health insurers operate their own dental clinics, it raises concerns about conflicts of interest. These companies set your policy, determine your rebate, and may also employ the dentist you see.
This arrangement can compromise your ability to receive truly independent clinical advice. The Australian Dental Association has described this situation as ethically questionable, because it is not always clear to patients how much control the insurer has over the care being delivered.
Your choice matters
At Dr Tony Heilberg Dentistry, we believe that you should be free to choose your dentist based on trust, comfort, and quality of care, not based on a health fund’s contract list.
You are still able to claim your rebate at our practice immediately after your appointment using HICAPS, no matter which health fund you belong to.
We are committed to providing exceptional care, personalised attention, and honest advice to every patient. That is what we stand for.
Questions? We are happy to help
If you are unsure about how your health fund works, or what your rebate will be, our team can guide you. We want you to feel informed, confident, and never pressured.
We are proud to provide dental care that puts you first. Always.
