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Broadband for Health
Call 1300 553 700 GPs/ACCHS


Program Update

The Broadband for Health Program ceased on 31 December 2007.  Due to the cessation of the Program, any Incentive Claim Forms received by Medicare Australia after 5 pm on 31 December 2007 will not be processed. Claims lodged prior to that date have 12 months until they expire.

Pacnet is still able to assist health practitioners after the expiry of their BFH contract.  For more information please call one of our business communications specialists on 1300 553 700 or email us at health.au@pacnet.com

 

  • Overview
  • Benefits
  • Plans
  • Resources
  • Subsidy Claim
  • Contacts


Broadband for Health Program (BFH)

The Australian Government Broadband for Health Program (BFH) has helped numerous GPs and Urban Divisions of Practise connect their practices with a tailored and secure network solution that qualifies for the Government subsidy. Pacnet is pleased to have been an approved supplier of broadband services by the Australian Government.

Through our health experience, we understand the challenges facing GPs and Urban Divisions today. That’s why we are dedicated to providing secure and advanced communications for the health sector that assist in the delivery of better patient care. If IT resources are limited, we can even provide fully managed and maintained solutions.

"Securing patient data is of upmost importance. Pacnet’s Broadband for Health plans include Cisco routers and a managed security option, providing high levels of security and
reliability to GPs."

Alberto Tinazzi, broadband for Health Implementation Officer, Alliance of NSW Division

With Pacnet, expect high-quality Internet solutions, excellent technical support and above all, value!

If you would like to know more, why not speak to one of our health specialists? Simply call us on our Health hotline:

1300 553 700

Alternatively, email us at health@pacific.net.au or contact your Pacnet Partner.

About Pacnet

Pacnet is a leading business focused Australian Internet Communications Service Provider (ICSP). We are committed to delivering value and high quality Internet solutions to customers. We are focused of meeting the needs of the Small to Medium Business (SMB) market.

Pacnet has a proven track record in the health industry and it was recently selected by the Hunter Urban Division of General Practice (HUDGP) to connect its 170 general practices in the Hunter area of NSW because of its focus on GP’s needs of high service standards, quality and security.

"Pacnet was chosen because they showed a great commitment to general practice and doctors’ specific needs. In giving our GPs easy and fast access to secure clinical communication we required a reliable and responsive partner, Pacnet is that partner.”

Dr Arn Sprogis, Executive Director, HUDGP

Pacnet was recognised for its work performed in partnership with the Hunter Urban Division of General Practice (HUDGP) to deliver tailored broadband plans to 90 of its GPs by being awarded the Australian Telecommunications Users Group (ATUG) Award for Best Broadband Solution in the Hunter Valley 2005.

Pacnet enhances the workstyles and lifestyles of small business Internet users, providing a range of comprehensive solutions. Its services include: Broadband DSL, leased lines, ISDN, web-hosting, collocation, private networks and dial-up. Pacnet supplies a range of value-added services including firewall security, network monitoring and roaming solutions to assist businesses in the complex, always connected world of today. Free protection from spam and viruses is also offered so Pacnet customers have an enjoyable and safe Internet experience.

To ensure customers receive uninterrupted Internet services with optimal uptime, Pacnet has developed a highly reliable and stable network that provides full redundancy backed by technical expertise, engineering excellence and support from a 24x7 Network Operations Centre (NOC) and dedicated Customer Support team.

Pacnet is committed to excellence. In 2003, it was the first Australian ISP to become a Certified Customer Service Organisation under the International Customer Service Standard (ICSS). This accreditation provides independent public recognition that Pacific Internet has met international quality standards and is a truly customer focused organisation.

Cementing its reputation as a leading customer focused organisation, Pacnet has won prestigious Industry awards for its service and support.

If you would like to know more, why not speak to one of our health specialists? Simply call us on our Health hotline:

1300 553 700

Alternatively, email us at health@pacific.net.au or contact your Pacnet Partner.


The Broadband for Health initiative is a three-year program that will deliver the benefits of broadband technology to eligible General Practices, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) and pharmacies.

First Aid for your Internet

Imagine the possibilities - Increased time efficiency and better patient care. Broadband will benefit both consumers and health care providers with improved communications between doctors and other health providers. Rapid, online delivery of results, referrals and requests such as pathology results and hospital discharge summaries, will also be assisted.

  • Protect sensitive data
  • Receive results and reports faster
  • Access PBS, journals, professional online websites quickly
  • Take care of online batching, bills, payroll faster
  • Reduce business costs including phone costs
  • Prepare for growth and future technologies like VoIP and VPNS

Broadband will not only open the door to valuable information and help to streamline clinical and administrative processes, but it also allows you to participate in a range of e-health and e-business activities.

Medicare Online HealthConnect trials
Secure online government transactions Clinical messaging
Clinical decision support Secure online patient records
Secure email Online knowledge bases
Online banking e-ordering/requests

If you would like to know more, why not speak to one of our health specialists? Simply call us on our Health hotline:

1300 553 700

Alternatively, email us at health@pacific.net.au or contact your Pacnet Partner.


Plan
Speed1
Monthly
fee2
Annual
fee2
Set-up
fee
Modem
fee
Included
data3
Health Plus SecureSite 1500
1500/256
$240.00
$2,880
$0
$0
22GB
Health Plus SecureSite 512/512
512/512
$240.00
$2,880
$0
$0
16GB
Health Plus 1500
1500/256
$142.25
$1,707
$0
$0
22GB
Health Plus 512/512
512/512
$142.25
$1,707
$0
$0
16GB
Conditions apply
All prices exclude GST and include set-up fee and Cisco ISR (router) fee.

Take comfort in knowing that your Internet service is in safe hands! Pacnet’s Health Plus SecureSite plans are Australia’s first fully managed, subsidised and highly secure business grade network solution for GPs. Suitable for for practices with limited IT resources.

All Health Plus SecureSite plans include services and support that are hard to beat, these include:

Tick Pacnet Health Plus DSL plans are subsidised by the BFH incentive payment 2
Tick Business grade, fast Internet connections Tick
Tick FREE 24x7 priority business grade technical support
Tick A highly reliable service – 99.9% network uptime performance goal
Tick FREE back-up connection to use during outages to keep you online
Tick FREE email virus scan and spam filter to protect your computer
Tick Safe, fast and easy to install
Tick Always on connection - No need to dial up, no second line needed. You can use your telephone and the Internet at the same time
Tick High speed data transfer and Internet connection - up to 30 times faster than dial-up4
Tick High levels of included data and low excess rates to help you manage your budget
Tick 99% Service Level Guarantee - If the DSL network availability falls below 99% during a calendar month, you will receive a percentage rebate off your monthly subscription fee
Tick FREE multiple static IP addresses5 allowing you to access your machine remotely, or host information for others to access
Tick FREE dial-up connection to use at home, valued at $299.406

If you would like to know more, why not speak to one of our health specialists? Simply call us on our Health hotline:

1300 553 700

Alternatively, email us at health@pacific.net.au or contact your Pacnet Partner.

What to look for when selecting a plan

Before you sign up for the subsidy, there are a few things you should know. You may have more than one supplier to choose from so how do you decide which service provider to go with?

All the plans that have been approved as eligible for the subsidy have to comply to a certain standard as specified by the Government. They are all business grade broadband products that have greater speeds and greater security than normal residential broadband products. All products must have a minimum allowance of 3Gb of download data.

Find out about free add-ons
The incentive payment subsidises the basic service fee, hardware and set-up costs. Service providers may offer approved additional products but there may be an extra cost depending on the rebate cover you are eligible for. The subsidy does not cover GST or excess data charges. Pacnet’s Health plans include the following free add-ons:

Tick FREE unlimited dial-up connection to access the Internet from your home or whilst traveling
Tick FREE back-up connection to use during outages to keep you online
Tick FREE modem or router and set-up
Tick FREE 24x7 business grade technical support
Tick FREE email virus scan and spam filter to protect your computer

How much of my service is actually subsidised?
A major change to BFHP Phase 2 is the introduction of a maximum subsidy rebate that each eligible practice may receive, based on the Rural, Remote and Metropolitan Area (RRMA) classification system. The subsidy is broken down into several levels of capped rebate available in specific geographic locations.

Eligible practices are not able to pocket the difference between their eligible rebate and the approved service(s) they choose.

Practices will also have to pay the additional costs outside of the rebate they are eligible for, if they choose more expensive approved service(s).

If additional services are not taken up at the time of signing a contract, the practice will not be able to receive a rebate for these if added later.

Practice locations are free to select from any of the qualified services, but they will be responsible for meeting any service costs over and above the subsidy level where their preferred service is more expensive than the subsidy.

What happens when the subsidy stops?
Don’t lock yourself into a contract that is longer than 12 months. The subsidy only covers the first 12 months of your contract. You have the automatic right to continue with your service after the first 12 months with the same terms as the initial contract.

Find out about excess charges and download/upload limits
The cheapest monthly service fee is not always the low cost option. Many low cost plans restrict the amount of data you can download each month. You may end up paying large amounts in excess usage charges if you exceed your chosen plans monthly download limits. Pacnet’s Health plans include high levels of included data and low excess rates to help you manage your budget.

What happens if things go wrong?
Look into technical support guarantees. You need direct access to experienced and qualified technical staff. As a business-grade customer you should expect priority call handling and a minimal wait time to speak with technical support. Pacnet provides the 24x7 business-grade technical support you need.

How secure is the service?
The second phase of the BFHP focuses heavily on security, so new services have been approved offering higher levels of security to protect patient data. Make sure the service you choose includes high-level security to protect your network and confidential data. Pacnet’s Health Plus SecureSite plans include the latest firewall protection, intrusion detection and 24x7 network monitoring with outage notification.

How reliable is the service?
Without a reliable service, the Internet can be a nightmare. Be sure to research network coverage when choosing an Internet Service Provider. You can find out which service providers provide network coverage in your area at the DHA Broadband for Health website.

With Pacnet’s health plans, you will receive a 99% Service Level Guarantee providing a percentage rebate off your monthly subscription fee if the DSL network availability falls below 99% during a calendar month. Also, on those rare occasions where the network may go down, we offer a back-up dial-up connection to keep you online, all the time.

If you would like to know more, why not speak to one of our health specialists? Simply call us on our Health hotline:

1300 553 700

Alternatively, email us at health@pacific.net.au or contact your Pacnet Partner.


Find more information about the Broadband for Health initiative including information on current providers, subsidy levels and services available in your area.


Health Feature Article


Editorial


Press release

If you would like to know more, why not speak to one of our health specialists? Simply call us on our Health hotline:

1300 553 700

Alternatively, email us at health@pacific.net.au or contact your Pacnet Partner.

Broadband for Health
Medicare Australia will be administering the scheme and a Subsidy Claim Form, Security Awareness and Conformance Report and Statement of Supply Form needs to be completed and returned to them. Pacnet will help our customers complete their Subsidy Claim Form and will complete the Statement of Supply Form. The Security Awareness and Conformance Report will need to be completed by the eligible practice.

The Security Report is available at the link below. If required, Pacnet can recommend preferred suppliers who can help practices with the completion of this report.

It is your responsibility to lodge the Subsidy Claim Form and Security Report to receive the rebate.

What does the Broadband for Health Program cover?
The Broadband for Health Program provides a subsidy rebate for the cost of:

  • 12 months broadband access, installation and hardware
  • The subsidy rebate that each GP receives is based on a maximum subsidy level (RRMA classifications) available in a specific geographic location at the time of signing the contract
  • Approved additional services up to the applicable subsidy level
  • Completion of the Security Awareness and Conformance Report will attract a once-off payment of $1000 per practice

Pacnet is not responsible for paying:

  • the additional costs outside of the subsidy level
  • all GST components
  • excess charges

Service availability
Please call Pacnet’s Sales team on 1300 553 7000 to find out if our Qualified Health Services are available in your area. We are able to provide a guide to the rebate level you are eligible for but to confirm the level of subsidy rebate available to you please call 1800 818 111.

Pacnet is happy to help you choose a plan that is best suited to your business needs and complete your Subsidy Claim Form. Simply get in touch with us today!

If you would like to know more, why not speak to one of our health specialists? Simply call us on our Health hotline:

1300 553 700

Alternatively, email us at health@pacific.net.au or contact your Pacnet Partner.


Pacnet contacts

Health hotline: 1300 553 700

Email: health@pacific.net.au or contact your Pacnet Partner.

Government contacts

Email:
For technical, provider and policy advice: broadband@health.gov.au
For UIN, RRMA, eligibility and payment advice: bfhp@medicareaustralia.gov.au

Government’s Broadband for Health Hotline: 1800 818 111

Postal Address:
Medicare Australia
Broadband for Health
PO Box 1001
Tuggeranong DC ACT 2901

Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing
Broadband for Health Initiative
MDP 66
GPO Box 9848
Canberra City 2601

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