Are you spending extra for your doctor visits? This report shows one concerning trend among Aussies

It's no secret that the cost of living in Australia has been on the rise.

However, recent figures have shed light on a particularly worrying trend affecting the country's healthcare sector.


Australians have been digging deeper in their pockets to cover general practitioner (GP) visits.

The average cost of a visit has recently climbed up to $43.

The Cleanbill Blue Report analysed data from nearly 7,000 clinics across the nation and revealed a decrease in the availability of bulk billing services.


compressed-pexels-GP visit.jpeg
A visit to the GP may set Aussies back a few extra dollars this year. Image Credit: Pexels/Antoni Shkraba


According to the report, approximately 80 per cent of GPs have stopped offering this once-common practice.

Bulk billing is a service where doctors accept the Medicare benefit as full payment for a service.

This service has been a cornerstone of Australian healthcare, but its recent decline left many patients with higher medical expenses.


The report's findings were alarming, as out-of-pocket costs for GP consultations rose by about four per cent between 2024 and 2025.

Despite low average costs, South Australia saw the most significant year-on-year increase at nearly eight per cent.

The Northern Territory and Tasmania were not far behind, with increases of seven and six per cent, respectively.

However, Tasmania has no clinics that provide bulk billing services for new patients.

The lack of this service led to an average out-of-pocket fee of $54.

On the other hand, 36 per cent of clinics in New South Wales still provide bulk billing options for patients.


The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners expressed their concern over the impact these costs are having on the nation.

'Today's patient rebates don't come close to the cost of care, so people are paying more out-of-pocket, and it's harder for GPs to bulk bill,' Dr Wright stated.

'When people can't see their GP or delay care due to costs, their health gets worse, and they are more likely to end up in hospitals.'

'That's bad for their health and costs taxpayers more.' Dr Wright continued.

Dr Wright called for an increase in patient rebates, especially for longer consultations essential for managing chronic and complex conditions.

'This will make a real difference for patients and communities across the country. It will improve the health and wellbeing of our population and take pressure off our hospitals and entire health system,' Dr Wright added.

Dr Wright also urged political parties to make 'bold commitments' to address these challenges.


In response to the report, Health Minister Mark Butler pointed to a recent increase in bulk billing rates.

'Every state and territory now has more bulk billing, with the largest rise in some states which have historically struggled with lower rates of bulk billing,' Minister Butler shared.

'The number of Australians visiting their GP has also increased in the past 12 months, with a 1.2 percentage point increase in the number of GP visits overall.'

'We know there's more to do to keep strengthening Medicare after a decade of cuts and neglect from the Liberals, and we are committed to doing it,' Minister Butler concluded.

Meanwhile, Liberal spokesperson Anne Ruston defended the Coalition, saying that it 'always has, and always will invest in Medicare'.

This trend should be concerning, especially for seniors who rely on regular GP visits to manage health conditions.

It's essential to stay informed about your healthcare options and to advocate for policies that will ensure affordable access to medical services.
Key Takeaways

  • Australians have been experiencing higher out-of-pocket expenses when visiting a general practitioner, with the average cost now at $43.
  • Tasmania has the highest out-of-pocket costs for GP visits at $54. The state also has no clinics offering bulk billing for new patients.
  • The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners expressed their concern about the health impacts of these costs and the need for higher patient rebates.
  • The Health Minister cited a bulk billing rate increase after the government incentivised it. At the same time, opposition parties debate on the state of Medicare and its healthcare investments.
Have you noticed an increase in expenses during your GP visits? How has this affected your access to healthcare? Share your stories and opinions about this current issue in the comments section.
 
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My doctor used to bulk bill but now charges $42 plus medicare. As he is very good, and rings to check on me personally every now and again, I have stayed with him - he is a very good doctor. Since he opened his own practice near his home a few years ago I travel the extra 30 mins to see him. He is only fairly young so I know that he will be around for some time. I understand why the doctors have had to begin to charge as the Medicare payment barely covers operating costs and wages for other support staff let alone high rents. I believe that the government is at fault here for not keeping the payment from Medicare in line with raising costs, which has meant that with the rising costs and the lack of reasonable increase in the Medicare payment has led to this. It is no wonder that the doctors have had to begin to charge for their service - they need to make a living too and cover their costs. Seeing a specialist has also become a very expensive affair.
 
In December I went to the doctor for a general check up…..wasn’t even in there 5 minutes and needed a few blood tests by the phlebotomist on the premises….time before was a few months and he charged $80 then…..This time it was $100…for not even the allotted time, it was a shock. I spoke to him some time ago about bulk billing……he’s not going to do that under any circumstances and if anyone of his patients wants to be bulk billed then he’s happy to refer them to another doctor……..I’ve been seeing my doctor for the best part of 30years, so I’m reluctant to go elsewhere…..Originally he owned the practice and was the only practitioner, but eventually he sold and stayed on ……. I think $100 to see a doctor is unconscionable but what’s the alternative….
 
I thought most doctors bulk bill for over 65 , under 16 and concession card holders.
In the last 6 months more have stopped bulk billing. I rarely go to the GP but my son who has a disability goes around 6-10 times a year & luckily his GP bulk bills for him. We have been to other practices where they have charged him regardless of him being on DSP.
 
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Yes i have noticed, so I just put up with my medical concerns as most docs here do not bulk bill now (the one caring doc I had that bulk billed has recently left my town unfort), so now doc visit is unaffordable to me asis any tests, etc that need doing (medicare doesnt pay anything or very little now)!
It's annoying that when I was younger & healthier & working shiftwork on good income I paid a big medicare levy out of my income every year & now when I need to get something back (from all those years of contributing) the tank is empty & I have to pay for doc visits??? Well too bad so sad I'll have to die because I can't afford to be ripped off!
Another immigration strain on services perhaps?
 

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