HIF Choice Network

Joining the HIF Choice Network allows you to increase patient flow by offering eligible members 100% back (no-gap) on up to two visits each year including check-ups, cleans and other preventative services, encouraging our members to stay on top of their dental health and visit their dentist more regularly. 

• Eligible HIF Members have nothing to pay for frequently used HIF Choice Network services*
• Encourages HIF members to seek out a HIF Choice Network provider, increasing patient numbers and visit frequency
• HIF will promote these enhanced benefits to our members, which will include the promotion of your practice
• Providers are free to charge at their standard rate for all other items.

The HIF Choice Network Agreement is between HIF and the owner of the dental practice or business entity that owns or operates the dental practices.

The agreement applies to all Dental Practitioners working at any dental practice location that is included in the agreement.

Acceptance onto the network is determined by HIF. Practices accepted by HIF will be subject to the terms of HIF’s Choice Network Agreement.

Yes. All dental practitioners at a practice must agree to participate. If one dental practitioner opts out, the practice will not be eligible to join or remain on the HIF Choice Network. This ensures consistent benefits and service experiences for HIF members.

Yes. As part of the HIF Choice Network Agreement, and in line with what we’ve communicated to our members, these services must be provided gap-free. This means you’re required to charge at or below the set Maximum Chargeable Amount for every HIF member.

You’re welcome to offer a lower fee or discounts to HIF members below the maximum fee. However, these must be applied before the claim is submitted to HIF.

Where a locum is likely to operate for less than 3 weeks there is no requirement for a separate provider number. Regular locums (engaged more than three weeks) must apply for a Medicare provider number for the practice location and provide 5 business days’ notice to us of locum arrangements greater than 3 weeks.

All locums are required to participate in the agreement. 

Network participation is non-transferable. If there’s a change in ownership, the HIF Choice Network Agreement will terminate, and a new application must be submitted for approval.

If relocating, you must notify HIF and seek approval for the new location.

Yes. Being part of the HIF Choice Network does not stop you from joining other provider networks or agreements with other health funds.

Any dental practice or business entity operating in private practice in Australia who meet the following criteria can apply:

• all dental practitioners including general dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, and oral health therapists at the practice must agree to participate under the same terms
• all dental practitioners must be registered with AHPRA, hold a Medicare provider number, and be recognised providers with HIF
• all practices must have electronic claiming terminals such as HICAPS or HealthPoint installed and in use before participating
• Specialists like periodontists and oral surgeons can’t join the HIF Choice Network themselves, but that doesn’t stop a practice from joining as long as all the dental practitioners meet the criteria.

HIF’s Choice Network Agreement includes a schedule of defined dental services and associated maximum chargeable amounts. Providers must agree not to exceed these maximum fees to ensure HIF members have certainty around their out-of-pocket expenses. These fees include GST and are based on claims data and industry benchmarks.

The HIF Choice Network Agreement covers a range of commonly used general dental services. These services are aligned with specific dental item numbers as outlined by the Australian Dental Association (ADA) Schedule of Dental Services and Glossary.

The items covered under the agreement are listed below. The associated dental fee schedule will be provided as part of the application process. 

No, you do not need to apply separately for each practice.

When submitting your application to join the HIF Choice Network, you can include multiple practice locations under a single application. Once approved by HIF, the agreement will apply to all nominated practice locations and dental practitioners at those locations.

Just ensure that each location and dental practitioner is listed in your application.
HIF will assess and approve the included locations as part of the overall agreement.

You can request to add/remove a dental practitioner or practice location from the HIF Choice Network Agreement by emailing choicenetwork@hif.com.au, please notify HIF:

• at least 5 business days before a new dental practitioner is due to commence
• at least 20 business days before a new practice location is added

You must let us know immediately if a Dental Practitioner: 

• leaves a practice location
• is deregistered, restricted or suspended by AHPRA, the Dental Board of Australia, or Services Australia.

All changes are subject to HIF’s approval at its absolute discretion.

There is no fixed contract term. You can withdraw from the HIF Choice Network at any time, provided you give 90 days’ written notice.

No. HIF Members are free to visit and claim for treatment from any HIF registered provider. 

The difference will be, no-gap services are only available when visiting a provider on the HIF Choice Network.